This is probably not a destination park, but if you find yourself near Hastings with the need to get out of your car for between 10 and 60 minutes, chances are you'll enjoy Vermillion Falls Park. There's a nice sized parking lot and the falls is literally two minutes away. WIN. If you have teens who like some light hiking and picture taking, they will love this place. The teens I was with happily took pictures of both the falls and the graffiti and I enjoyed the wildflowers. Several picnic tables, and port a potties. read more

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Small park nestled next to a large loud factory. The bike/walking trail is nice. We put a lock on the love lock fence. We didn't stay long but it was nice to see a park in this small town. read more

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Beautiful park and water falls with paved paths and great signage, even in winter. I had to be careful with some ice on the trail, especially near the falls. It is an easy walk from the parking lot. The gorge is very pretty, and the falls are absolutely breathtaking! Well worth a stop when you are in Hastings. read more

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Visited on Mother's Day with the family before a wedding. A beautiful waterfall and peaceful atmosphere! Perfect time, the area was clean. Easy water to the waterfall. A must see! Few restaurants around as well. Parking lot close to the waterfall approximately a 2/3 minute walk. I wore a dress and sandals and it was an easy walk for me to take photos ! read more

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Vermillion Falls Park Interesting park. Nice waterfall. Nice Love locks too. Some bad dog owners. Pick up your dog's mess. Really. Needs a little love Highly recommended read more

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A great park with a beautiful waterfall and a wonderful walking/riding path. The park and waterfalls are in the middle of town read more

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I actually discovered Vermillion Falls Park by randomly looking through an entire section of brochures that were posted once you walk inside Mall of America. Otherwise, I certainly would never have discovered this place on my own. From the appearance of Vermillion Falls from the brochure, I was intrigued and figured since it's relatively close to Minneapolis, why not check it out. Vermillion Falls Park is located 33 miles southeast from Minneapolis just off Highway 61 in a town called Hastings, Minnesota. I plugged the address into Google Maps and had no issues finding it. I was visiting back at the end of June this past summer of 2021. When I arrived, the park overall appeared very quiet and spacious. It seemed like a pleasant setting. The park is good for taking a walk, hanging out, having a picnic and just simply enjoying the green grass and laid-back atmosphere. And of course, the highlight and main attraction is Vermillion Falls. After exiting my car there's a simple pedestrian pathway that leads you right beside the flowing falls. When walking, it can't be missed. Vermillion Falls is a relatively scenic 35-foot waterfall that comprises a tiny portion of the 60-mile-long Vermillion River that ultimately empties into the Mississippi River. Now when here and viewing the falls, it's surrounded by a fence. But for me...to find satisfaction in coming here and truly getting to witness the falls up close and in person, I needed to find a way to the bottom. I walked along the pedestrian pathway right next to the fencing area of the falls until finally there was a break or space in between the fence to allow me to pass through and then hike my way down to the base. I could just tell this passageway was the opening visitors had previously used to trek down to the bottom. It was relatively easy to do and then yes...you're beside the Vermillion River and walking straight towards Vermillion Falls without any issues. When I was exploring back in the middle of the day during the week, although there were some people here, I could just sense that I was the only adventurous person interested in getting the most efficient perspectives of Vermillion Falls. No one else had a clue about hiking down to the base where Vermillion River flowed. And btw, when walking on the pathway alongside the fencing, if you arrive at the bridge overlooking the park, you've gone too far. You've missed the entrance between the spacing in the fence, fyi. From where you exit your car in the parking lot, it shouldn't take you more than 1/3 of a mile along the path to eventually venture down to the bottom. Being at Vermillion Falls was nice. I grabbed some pretty decent pictures and angles of the falls flowing without any disturbances or strangers within focus. The falls won't blow you away being statuesque or on any sort of grand scale, so I'd just suggest tempering your expectations for being here. Although there's really no area to hang out when down at the base...at least you're afforded the best photos before having to climb back up to the pedestrian walkway. Maybe I spent 15 minutes or so grabbing the photos I had wanted before turning around. Overall, Vermillion Falls is situated in just a plain ole park in a small town. For most locals I would think they'd say Vermillion Falls is the best attraction in Hastings and something they're proud of. Lastly, the walkway bridge overlooking the park was okay. The views from high above really didn't highlight anything of significance down below and unfortunately you can't even view Vermillion Falls from the bridge. For spending a small portion of my summer day coming here to Vermillion Falls Park, I was satisfied with my experience. I would say that brochure at Mall of America definitely puts this place in a terrific light. For me, it was just average. Not to sound arrogant, but I've seen a lot of majestic waterfalls along my travels. Although I had a fine time here...I'm only able to give Vermilion Falls 3 stars. If you happen to be near Minneapolis/St. Paul, it wouldn't hurt to stop on by here in the suburbs of Hastings to get some fresh outdoor air away from the big cities of Minnesota. read more

Nice walking park with trails and Beautiful waterfalls. It's only about 40min from the cities. read more

Vermillion Falls Park - Hiking Near Me - Hastings, Minnesota

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Paved trails but the mosquitos are in full force today. Gorgeous little getaway to relax. Maybe 1 mile or less trails but plenty of benches to take in the falls. read more

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Really nice park in Hastings. After googling waterfalls, Hastings popped up, so we popped in the car and headed down. Easy parking and the waterfall (sandwiched in between) a building and the park was right there. Nice paved walking path or if you want to go off the beaten path there are some paths that do need to have an adult lead. We brought our six year old and pup who love to run ahead and honestly, if you are not watching close enough, even as an adult you can go right over the little cliffs. Some of the dirt paths go right to the edge which is scary. The park paths lead down to the waterfront which is lovely. Hastings is a charming town and so is this park. Picnic shelters and fairly clean portable bathroom. read more

Vermillion Falls Park - Hiking Near Me - Hastings, Minnesota

I have been on a waterfall craze this spring and have been hitting up different waterfalls in Minnesota. This one was close to home and literally easy to find. I thought it would have been a longer hike but it was right in front of the parking lot, where the observation desk is. There's a trail that goes downstream. It's fairly easy and short. There's also a trail that goes upstream but I didn't choose that to hike. If you want to get down to the stream using the downstream path, you will have to climb down. Be prepare to get little dirty. read more

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We needed to get out of the house while socially distancing so we went to Vermillion Falls Park. My kids had been there. I'd seen my friends had been there. I wanted to check it out too! There were many people there but we respected other's distances. There were man paths to take. It was like a choose your ending book. We took a few paths before I saw the ruins of an old mill, the Ramsey mill, on the Vermillion River. We had to figure out which path to take to get there. Once we got there it was really cool! There are wood frame steps to walk down to the ruins. So there we were, next to this piece of history and the rushing waters of the river. If you would like a scenic adventure check out this park. On the way out of town stop at the Hastings Dairy Store to get some good chocolate milk, ice cream and the like. read more

Vermillion Falls Park - Ramsey Mill ruins - Hiking Near Me - Hastings, Minnesota

Nice park. I think the brochures over sell the falls. Nice walking park. The path divides several times. No signs to tell you were you are going. read more

Nice waterfall, pretty much next to the road. There are several trails to walk but not clearly marked.

I was a little hesitant to visit the park after some of the reviews but am so glad that i still did! It is a very pretty waterfall but it it is right next to a loud building which you can't really hear over the loud water fall. Apart from the waterfall there are trails that you can walk that are full of beautiful sceneries as long as you're willing to go off the paved paths! I saw a bunch of dear on my walk and i was super surprised. read more

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Beautiful falls. Trails get are well paved but if you want to get adventurous, there are trails to some ruins of some old building by the river. Beautiful waterfall that you can see from many angles. Some exciting but treacherous trails you can take to get real close to the bluffs. All of it very cool and right in town! read more

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This place was pretty sweet. Though I have to admit right away, if you don't go off the main paths it could be pretty moderate. You can see the falls from the little observation deck built in near the top of the falls, which is neat but gets old. However if you walk down stream a little you will notice a path leading into the brush. Now the path isn't well maintained because you're probably not supposed to free hike down... BUT IT IS WORTH IT. The area along the river up until the bottom of the waterfall is beautiful. Just note that it isn't exactly a safe journey the closer you gett to the falls, but it is worth it if you are able. read more

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Fun place to see the falls, take pictures, and take a hike or bike ride. One of the better places to visit in Hastings.

If you are in Hastings stop by this fall its part of a park and has a trail to follow. The falls is straight ahead once parked in the small parking lot they have. Nothing special but neat to look at when you're bored. read more

Vermillion Falls Park - Hiking Near Me - Hastings, Minnesota

Easy hiking views. We didn't explore too far because some of the trails aren't really marked and we didn't want wood ticks. The view of the falls is pretty I just wish there was a way to get to the bottom. read more

Vermillion Falls Park - View of the falls! - Hiking Near Me - Hastings, Minnesota

Fun and pretty place if you know the trails can swim in some parts of it. I enjoy the veiw from the wooden bridge and like to catch cray fish read more

Typically not a fan of Yelp reviews for natural areas because sometimes reviewers focus on inconsequential stuff. We drove half hour to get to this park and it was not worth it. Small falls next to loud industrial building. Covered picnic areas near parking lot, small trail network with scrub brushes small trees and grass. Nice for a small town not worth a destination trip. read more

One of my favorite parks in all the world. The trails are nice and the falls are beautiful. Great place to go for family or landscape photos. read more