Major city · United States
HastingsHastings, Minnesota
Half-day stop or one-night base on the Mississippi River: see the Ramsey Mill ruins, walk the historic downtown, then head back to the Twin Cities or continue south.
Hastings is a small Mississippi River town 30–40 minutes southeast of Saint Paul. Its main draw is the Ramsey Mill ruin in Old Mill Park and a compact historic downtown with local shops and eateries. Most visitors come for a half-day or as a stop on US-61 between the Twin Cities and La Crosse. One night is enough if you want a relaxed dinner and a morning walk.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Jan–Feb (cold, some businesses close early)
- Airport
- MSP
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Hastings911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Hastings, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyVery safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckMSP Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (About 40 min drive via US-61 and I-494; check for shuttle or rental car.).
- Getting aroundA car is essential.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$2–4
- Sit-down mealDinner entrée$15–25
- Street or quick mealLunch sandwich$8–12
- BeerBeer (pint)$5–7
- Budget bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$70
- Mid-range bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$90
- High-end bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$120
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$60 · Mid US$120 · High US$200
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MSP Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (About 40 min drive via US-61 and I-494; check for shuttle or rental car.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
Feb
Avoid
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Mar
not flagged
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Apr
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
May
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jun
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jul
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Sep
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Oct
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
not flagged
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Dec
not flagged
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Jan–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C) low), wettest May (12 rain days), driest Feb (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Hastings: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C)
8 rd
Feb
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
7 rd
Mar
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
9 rd
Apr
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
May
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Jun
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
11 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10 rd
Aug
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9 rd
Sep
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
8 rd
Nov
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
8 rd
Dec
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is essential. Downtown is walkable (about 6 blocks), but the mill park and other sights are a short drive. No public transit within Hastings.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 30 min
US-61 north, about 30 min
Cathedral, Science Museum, and Xcel Energy Center.
Door to door: 15 min
US-61 south then County Road 21, about 15 min
Afton State Park for hiking and river views.
Red Wing
goDoor to door: 30 min
US-61 south, about 30 min
Pottery, riverfront, and the St. James Hotel.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown Hastings
Walkable to restaurants and the river; limited options, mostly motels and inns.
Near US-61 / MN-55 junction
Chain motels, easy access to the highway.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $60–90 excl. bed
- Mid
- $90–150 excl. bed
- High
- $150+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range motel or inn room1 × 1 night × US$140 | US$140 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$120 | US$240 |
| Gas from MSP airport (round trip)1 × US$15 · check | US$15 |
| Dinner for two at a sit-down restaurant1 × US$50 · check | US$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$45 |
| Trip total≈ US$245 per person per day, bed included | US$490 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $2–4 |
| Lunch sandwich | $8–12 |
| Dinner entrée | $15–25 |
| Beer (pint) | $5–7 |
| Gas (per gallon) | $3.50–4.50 (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Ramsey Mill is a ruin in a park — no indoor exhibits, no entry fee, but also no shelter from rain.
- Many restaurants close by 21:00 on weekdays; check hours.Many restaurants close by 9:00 PM on weekdays; check hours.
- US-61 can be busy during Twin Cities rush hours (07:00–09:00, 16:00–18:00).US-61 can be busy during Twin Cities rush hours (7:00 AM–9:00 AM, 4:00 PM–6:00 PM).
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
HastingsHastings, Minnesota
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
Nearest consulates in Minneapolis; embassies in Washington, DC.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- MSP → Hastings by car: about 40 min, ~$15 gas (check)
- Taxi downtown to Old Mill Park: about 5 min, ~$10
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Hastings. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Jan–Feb (cold, some businesses close early) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Place pages for Ramsey Mill and Old Mill Park with seasonal hours and parking.
- Eat pages with last-order times for the 3–4 reliable downtown restaurants.
- Golden and hostile arrival fixtures for MSP airport → Hastings transfer.
Sources
Ask about Hastings
Loading…
Was this useful?