Hastings

Situated between the St. Croix River and Mississippi watersheds rests Demark Township, a swath of land stretching for over 30 square miles. Despite its large size, this township in Minnesota's Washington County only has a population of about 1,900 people. Because Denmark is sparsely populated and surrounded by nature, residents are privy to a unique sense of solitude from the Twin Cities. Township Board Supervisor John Strohfus explains, "Denmark is predominantly agriculture: a lot of apple orchards, but traditional row crop farms as well." Houses here are scattered throughout the town, with prices starting at $300,000 and going up as high as $2 million for custom-designed properties. Although the area is largely rural, crossing over to the towns of Hastings & Prescott will reveal an abundance of locally owned shops and restaurants. Houses are scattered across the Denmark Township's vast acreage, with farmhouses and ranch-style homes being the most prominent architectural styles. Custom colonial-style and Craftsman-style homes, which are some of the larger houses in the township, may also be found. Prices start at $300,000 and go up to $2 million for the largest homes with views of the St. Croix River. Denmark Township is home to several expansive parks, which makes it especially attractive for those who love the outdoors. Afton State Park, located right across from the St. Croix River, is open every day from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. Residents often go here for all sorts of outdoor recreational activities, such as birdwatching, hiking and camping. The park also has a picnic area, beach and visitor center. St. Croix Regional Park is another neighborhood highlight, stretching across 685 acres of land, with dense woodland for campers and various athletic fields. There are few shopping and dining options in the neighborhood, but residents only need to travel over the bridge into the towns of Prescott & Hastings to find more local businesses. Froth & Cork at Hastings is a coffee shop located inside a historic brick home. This "coffee wine bar" is known for its coffee flight, a unique concoction. Hastings also has a Walgreens for groceries and other needs. Prescott is home to Lucille's, the town's signature restaurant. Lucille's signature dish is the "If You Like Pina Colada…Chicken Strips," battered in rum, coconut and pineapple. Denmark Township students can travel to nearby towns for their education. They can begin their journey at Kennedy Elementary School, which earns an A-minus rating from Niche. Students can then attend Hastings Middle School and Hastings High School, which hold a B and B-plus rating from Niche, respectively. Hastings High School is known for its marching band program, which has won a half-dozen state championships since 2012. During the fall, residents head to Afton Apple Orchard, a family-owned and operated orchard that offers apple and berry picking. Afton Apple also features a 15-acre corn maze, hayrides, a playground and a petting farm for locals to enjoy. Aside from these features, the orchard hosts events that include the flower festival and a tractor showcase. Residents of Denmark Township rely heavily on vehicles to get around. The neighborhood is located next to Highway 100, which can take drivers into downtown Minneapolis, about a 30-mile drive.

The communities of Hastings and Marshan Township are located in Dakota County, Minnesota, just a short drive from the Twin Cities. While Hastings is a historic city with a busy downtown area, the smaller Marshan Township it encompasses is a more rural community with rolling hills and farmland. Together, they offer residents the best of both worlds: a small-town atmosphere with easy access to the big city. Hastings was founded in 1853 by two brothers. Hastings quickly became a major port city on the Mississippi River, playing an essential role in the early development of Minnesota. Marshan Township was named after the man who platted and owned the town of Marshan City in the late 1850s. Marshan City was abandoned a few years later, but the township name remains as part of Hastings. Hastings and Marshan Township offer many housing options, from single-family homes to apartments spread among residential streets with ample space between abodes and open sidewalks. The median home price in Hastings is $425,000 and the median in Marshan Township is $375,000. The most common architectural style of houses in Hastings and Marshan Township is the Craftsman style, typically characterized by simple lines, low-pitched roofs and exposed beams. Other popular architectural styles include older Victorian and Tudor-style homes, often with open floor plans, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. “There’s nothing cookie-cutter about these communities,” says Lynn Davis, a Realtor who has lived and represented homeowners in Hastings and Marshan Township for over eight years. “While they are intertwined, both communities offer different amenities and living options, when you consider city-dwellers and those who may prefer a little more of a country atmosphere.” Hastings and Marshan Township students attend the Hastings Public Schools district. The district has a reputation for providing a high-quality education and its schools rank well in the state and nationally. Hastings Middle School ranks No. 12 in Minnesota, according to Niche. It is known for its strong academic program and its supportive student body. Hastings High School ranks No. 16 in Minnesota public high schools and offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs and it is known for its college preparatory curriculum. And Christine McAuliffe Elementary School ranks No. 7 in Minnesota public elementary schools, according to Niche. It is known for its strong academic program and its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Hastings Middle and Hastings High schools received B-plus grades from Niche while McAuliffe Elementary received a B grade. Hastings and Marshan Township offer many dining options, from casual to fine dining, including Missi’s Sip & Savor in the newly opened Confluence Hotel. Residents laud the relaxed atmosphere, friendly service and great food options like the walleye dip and short ribs as a reason to stop by the boutique hotel. And Wiederholt’s Supper Club is known for serving up large steaks cooked to diners’ preference and is a favorite hangout for family celebrations. Several picturesque parks and green spaces are located throughout Hastings and Marshan Township, like Canon Park, Old Mill Park and Vermillion Falls Park. If you’re lucky enough to make it to the Vermillion, its 35-foot waterfall will stun all visitors. These natural havens provide a sanctuary for those who enjoy hiking, picnicking, or simply appreciating the serene beauty of the outdoors. Hastings and Marshan Township are home to a number of historic constructions and homes, including the Hastings Spiral Bridge, which was built in 1889 and is one of the few remaining spiral bridges in the United States. It is now a pedestrian and bike bridge offering stunning views of the Mississippi River. The Little Log House Settlement is a museum that features a collection of restored historic buildings, including a log cabin, a one-room schoolhouse and a blacksmith shop. Other notable landmarks include the LeDuc Historic Estate, a Victorian mansion with all of the 19th-century grandeur. The magnificent home allows guests to explore its well-manicured gardens and dive into the region's storied past. In case of medical needs, Regina Hospital provides comprehensive services to the community. Public transportation is readily available, making it convenient for residents to access the hospital in need. For shopping, residents can easily access grocery stores like Cub Foods and Coborn’s Superstore, a popular local chain. When it comes to clothing and other essentials, a short drive takes you to strip malls that host stores like Target and Kohl's.