Outdoors - Hastings Journal

Registration is now open for the Hastings Trap and Skeet team

The Hastings Raiders High School Trap and Skeet Team Registration is opening February 3rd and will close Friday, March 13th or until team full, no exceptions. See our team website at … more

2/6/26

Hastings sophomore Nolan St. Sauver dropped the ceremonial puck for the Hastings/Park game on Saturday.

Hockey Day Minnesota

When Hockey Day Minnesota was publicly announced to be coming to Hastings during January 2024, the event required a huge amount of preparation, a challenge that didn’t faze Mayor Mary Fasbender: … more

By Graham P. Johnson and Bruce Karnick | 1/28/26

A mockup of the proposed Mississippi River Landing site which was officially renamed to “Bud’s Landing,” in honor of Bud Joseph, a hunter who lived and hunted in the area. The new construction includes a non-motorized boat launch, pavilion, and outdoor education area.

Bud’s Landing to continue to allow waterfowl hunting

The backlash to the proposed “Mississippi River Landing Use Area and Access in Spring Lake Park Reserve,” a $4.6 million project which would add a pavilion, canoe and kayak launch and outdoor … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 1/14/26

Anglers spread out across the ice at Lake Rebecca Park during a free ice fishing event hosted by Hastings Parks and Recreation on Saturday, Jan. 10, with the Hastings Bridge visible in the background as dozens of participants tried their hand at the winter tradition.

Free ice fishing draws crowd to Lake Rebecca Park

A cold January morning did little to slow things down at Lake Rebecca Park on Saturday, Jan. 10, as families, friends, and first-time anglers bundled up for a free ice fishing event hosted by the … more

By Bruce Karnick | 1/14/26

Amrize has proposed a backwater mine for the area of Lower Grey Cloud Island, with alternate sites near Baldwin Lake and in Coates Township.

Dakota County files appeal for additional environmental review for proposed Nelson Mine Backwater project

When the Cottage Grove City Council unanimously passed the environmental impact study (EIS) for the Nelson Backwater Mine Project, a proposed riverbed mine off Lower Grey Cloud Island, Cottage Grove … more

By Joseph Back & Graham P. Johnson | 1/7/26

Resident Andy Bauer shared video and photos of the CPKC Holiday Train from his place in the Lake Isabel Flats Apartments as it approached downtown Hastings. The apartments provide a unique vantage point to see events going on in downtown.

CPKC Holiday Train donates $4,500 to Hastings Family Service

Windchills into the negative 20s did not stop a crowd from gathering in and around Depot Park for the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Holiday train’s annual stop in Hastings. Bundled beneath … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 12/16/25

The CPKC Train is set to arrive in Hastings on Dec. 12 at 8:45 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item

Holiday Train to arrive in Hastings Dec 12 at 8:45 p.m.

The Canadian Pacific Kansas City Holiday Train is already en route to Hastings! Residents can expect the train to stop in town this Friday, December 12 around 8:45 p.m. As usual, the free event … more

12/9/25

Gobble Gait founders Mayor Mary Fasbender (left), Jay Brian Kochendorfer, and Brian Radke alongside Matthew Radke posed during the race.

28th annual Gobble Gait sees record number of sponsors

The 28th annual Gobble Gait saw residents running and walking through snow and ice for the annual Hastings Family Service fundraiser on Thanksgiving Day. Hours before the 8:30 shotgun start, a small … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 12/3/25

The 28th Annual Gobble Gait is set for 8:30 a.m. Thursday Nov. 28.

28th Gobble Gait set for Thanksgiving Nov. 27

The 28th Annual Gobble Gait is set for 8:30 a.m. Thursday Nov. 27. This year’s race will feature singer Lorilei Harman singing the national anthem with National Guard members waving the flag … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 11/19/25

Leaders and partners gather for the ribbon cutting at the new United Heroes League outdoor rink during the Veterans Day Jamboree. From left, Wes Jivovec of APX, Shane Hudella of United Heroes League, Hastings Mayor Mary Fasbender, Ann Behrendt of Doran Companies, Mark Brandenhoff of Pella, Meghan Hodgden of Twin Cities Orthopedics, and Pat Regan of Minnesota Coaches take part in the ceremony to officially open the facility.

Veterans Day Jamboree a success despite the warm weather

The crowd gathered under a bright morning sky, bundled against a late fall chill, but warmed by pride in a project that has taken years of hope, planning, and stubborn Minnesota grit. The United … more

By Bruce Karnick | 11/19/25

Frank Dosdall walks through an area that should be under water in Bay City, Wis., on Monday, July 18, 2022. Frank and Cathy Dosdall have lived in Bay City their whole lives and have watched their harbor go from a vibrant waterfront to a place where no one can swim, play or fish. They’re really excited about this Army Corps dredging project in hopes that it can bring the Bay City beach back to what it used to be. ] Elizabeth Flores • liz.flores@startribune.com ORG XMIT: MIN2207191222180022

As Mississippi River's Lake Pepin shrinks, project will study role of ravines

Lake Pepin, the largest naturally occurring lake on the Mississippi River, is a beloved resource and important economic engine for the Wisconsin and Minnesota towns that border it. In the summer, … more

10/29/25

Fields of Faith

Fields of Faith Faith 1 Hastings High School’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes celebrated Fields of Faith last Tuesday at Todd Field. The event brought together community members, … more

10/15/25

These two pups had to pose under the balloon arch like it was a wedding photo, a perfect shot with their bride and groom costumes.

Dogs, Costumes, and Music: A tail-wagging good time at Paws in the Park

It was a full house of furry friends and happy humans Thursday evening at Hastings Rivertown Dog Park, where the annual Paws in the Park event brought together dogs, their people, and more than 20 … more

By Bruce Karnick | 10/1/25

Park Your Art is a city-wide grassroots craft fair put on by local artisans who are turning their driveways into art pop-ups designated by a red balloon!

Park Your Art Event to showcase local talent across the city

One thing was made clear to local artist Marin Peterson from her time in craft fairs: “a lot of people couldn’t contribute for a lot of reason.” Many artists and artisans who … more

9/24/25

A blue heron flies near the new island which is expected to provide habitat to local flora and fauna as well as habitat for fish to overwinter.

Protective island takes shape in Pool 2

A new island has emerged from the backwaters of the Mississippi just north of Hastings. No, this is not a geological miracle, but the beginning of a years-long effort from the Army Corps of Engineers … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 9/24/25

Park Your Art Event to showcase local talent across the city

One thing was made clear to local artist Marin Peterson from her time in craft fairs: “A lot of people couldn’t contribute for a lot of reasons.” Many artists and artisans who … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 9/24/25

Arn Kind, a member of the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment, drilled attendees of the LeDuc’s Civil War weekend on maneuvering and the various ways to hold their 1861 Springfield muskets.

Le Duc celebrates Civil War Weekend

In light rain, Arn Kind, a member of the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment drilled his new soldiers on turning, about facing, and how to hold their 1861 Springfield muskets in the LeDuc … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 9/10/25

City’s upcoming events

Families, neighbors, and even four-legged friends have plenty to circle on the fall calendar this year, as Hastings Parks and Recreation rolls out two community favorites filled with games, costumes, … more

By Bruce Karnick | 9/10/25

Dig In for a Cause: Taterland Potato Field Day to support Hastings Girls Hockey

Taterland, a local potato farm in Hastings, invites families and community members to roll up their sleeves and dig into harvest—all while supporting Hastings Girls Hockey. On Saturday, Sept. … more

9/10/25

Hastings Family Aquatic Center scheduled to close for the season on August 24

The City of Hastings sent out a reminder to residents that the Hastings Family Aquatic Center will close for the season August 24. For residents that still have punch cards or passes to use, they … more

8/13/25