Where Downtown Hastings is
Downtown Hastings grew along the Mississippi River near the old steamboat landing. The city's plan says the original commercial area occupied the downtown core along Second Street, and later businesses spread south along Vermillion Street, which is also Highway 61.
Many of its late 1800s brick and stone business buildings are now part of the East Second Street Historic District.
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Homes in Downtown Hastings
The city's design guidelines say Main Street, which is East Second Street, has nearly fifty historic buildings now used for shops, offices and homes. The city's plan also points to the Artspace Lofts as an example of newer multi-family housing downtown.
The city created a Downtown Hastings Redevelopment District in 1973 to encourage reinvestment. The plan notes that shoreland rules affect lot size, setbacks, height and paved area downtown, and exterior changes to designated buildings need the Heritage Preservation Commission's approval. We check both before you plan a project.
Parks and places nearby
Levee Park, at 20 Ramsey Street, has a labyrinth, a musical playground, a picnic shelter, indoor bathrooms and a veterans memorial, and it hosts seasonal events. Oliver's Grove Park at 220 Second Street East has a water feature, and Depot Park at 414 Second Street East has a playground and a bike repair station.
The Ten-Mile Loop trail starts under the Highway 61 bridge and follows the Mississippi past Lock and Dam 2.
Getting around and schools
MnDOT and the city are planning to rebuild Highway 61 from just north of Third Street to south of 36th Street, an estimated $41 million project. For transit, the DARTS LOOP circles the city on Tuesdays, and Transit Link offers on-demand rides in Hastings on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Downtown Hastings is served by Hastings Public Schools. Boundaries vary by address, so confirm the assigned schools for any home with the district.
How we help in Downtown Hastings
Homes near the river can sit in or near a floodplain, so we check the flood map and historic designation for every address. Downtown owners get a value report based on recent sales close by.
For more on the city around Downtown Hastings, see our Hastings page. You can also read how buying a home works, ask for a home valuation, or contact us about Downtown Hastings.
Where these Downtown Hastings facts come from
Checked November 2026. These facts come from City of Hastings: Hastings History (Heritage Preservation Commission), City of Hastings: Introduction to the Design Guidelines, City of Hastings: Map of Designated Historic Properties, City of Hastings: 2040 Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 4 Land Use, City of Hastings: Parks, City of Hastings: Trails, City of Hastings: Public Transit, City of Hastings: Highway 61 Project, Hastings Public Schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Downtown Hastings?
Downtown Hastings is along Second Street near the Mississippi River. The East Second Street Historic District covers much of it.
What kinds of homes are in Downtown Hastings?
Homes downtown include units in historic commercial buildings and newer multi-family buildings such as the Artspace Lofts.
What park is in Downtown Hastings?
Levee Park, at 20 Ramsey Street, is on the river and hosts seasonal events.
Which school district serves Downtown Hastings?
Hastings Public Schools. Confirm the assigned schools for the exact address with the district.
How do I check flood zone and property taxes downtown?
Check the address on FEMA's flood map and in Dakota County's property records. We pull both for any home you consider.
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