Hastings

Hastings is a city spanning Dakota and Washington Counties, positioned where the Mississippi meets the Vermillion and St. Croix Rivers. Three waterways converge here, making this location central to the region's geography.

The city was founded in 1857 and named after Henry Hastings Sibley, Minnesota's first governor. It grew from a trading post into a settlement that developed with the region's expansion.

The city holds deep roots in Mississippi River culture, where steamboats and trade have shaped community life for generations. You can still see how the river influences how people connect to their surroundings and local traditions.

The river and waterways are accessible and run throughout the area, connecting different neighborhoods. You can navigate the place by following the water routes that flow through the city.

The Lock and Dam No. 2 at the river is home to the first commercial water power facility built in the United States. This 1930s installation pioneered the use of flowing water to generate electricity.

Location: Dakota County

Location: Washington County

Inception: 1857

Elevation above the sea: 222 m

Website: http://ci.hastings.mn.us

GPS coordinates: 44.73525,-92.85265

Latest update: December 13, 2025 16:09