If there’s one thing you can count on in Minnesota, it’s that you’ll always be a short distance from an interesting lake, park, or roadside attraction. And you know what else? Just a few miles down the road in any direction, you’ll find an incredible city or town with endless things to do. One of those towns is Hastings. This historic city is cute and fun, but sadly overlooked. We have no idea why. Take a look:

Hastings is a small city - about 22,000 people - in southern Minnesota. It's near where the Mississippi, Vermillion, and St. Croix Rivers meet.
Tony Webster/Flickr
The city's history goes back to the 19th century. It was an early railroad town, with several major routes named for the town in the mid-1800s.
Jerry Huddleston/Flickr
The Hastings Rail Bridge was built in 1981 to accommodate train traffic. It is one of only three lift bridges along the Mississippi River.
Jerry Huddleston/Flickr
But there have been many famous bridges in Hastings, including an 1895 spiral bridge. The spiral was meant to slow horse-drawn traffic. Sadly, it was demolished in 1951.
photolibrarian/Flickr
And the town's newest bridge takes Hastings into the future. It was completed in 2013.
Tony Webster/Flickr
But those aren't the only innovative designs in town. The Fasbender Clinic - designed by Frank Lloyd Wright - is a city landmark.
Todd Murray/Wikimedia Commons

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Hastings also has a cute downtown with a small-town feel.
Tony Webster/Flickr
The downtown is full of cute shops, like Antique Mall on Main. This place is crammed full of unique treasure.
Antiques on Main/Facebook
On nearby Sibley Street, the Onion Grill is a popular restaurant. There's always something happening there - and there's always something good cooking.
The Onion Grille/Facebook
Outside, you can enjoy diverse landscaps. There are lakes, rivers, and bluffs...
City of Hastings Government/Facebook
And even a beautiful waterfall! This one is found at Vermillion Falls Park.
Jerry Huddleston/Flickr
And there is always the option of taking a stroll along the new Hastings RiverWalk.
Chuck Kochmann/Wikimedia Commons
With shopping, food, and history - not to mention incredible nature scenes - Hastings would make a fantastic day trip.
City Government of Hastings/Facebook

There is so much to see and do in Hastings. Have you been there? What’s your favorite thing to do? If you like small towns in Minnesota as much as we do, you’ll love a visit to the unique town in Minnesota that’s anything but ordinary.

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