This stunning building was completed in 1871 and originally served as the courthouse for Dakota…read moreCounty. It was designed by A.M. Radcliff, one of Minnesota's first architects, in an Italian Villa style. From 1871 to September 1974, when the county commissioners had their final meeting there, the courthouse functioned as the seat of Dakota County government. In 1993, it was renamed the Hastings City Hall. It's a beautiful classic building and worth a visit. The city was named for the first elected governor of Minnesota, Henry Hastings Sibley who served from 1858 to 1860. A military force from Fort Snelling arrived in the area surrounding Hastings during the winter of 1820 in order to protect a supply convoy that was being obstructed. Oliver's Grove was the name given to the region where Lieutenant William G. Oliver camped; a trading station was established there in 1833. A year before Minnesota was admitted to the Union, in 1857, Oliver's Grove was surveyed and organized as a city following the opening of the region for white settlement by the Treaty of Mendota in 1851. Hastings was designated as Dakota County's county seat that same year. [Review 20728 overall - 139 in Minnesota - 1710 of 2023.]

Gorgeous art deco architecture with plenty of marble and various types of wood throughout and great…read morecity views from the law library on the 18th floor. Stunning 36-foot tall Mexican onyx sculpture (The Vision of Peace) across from the main entrance, which is currently the tallest onyx figure in the world. There is a small museum space on the lower level.

Forget the architecture, this is the place where shit gets real. My latest visit was for a friend's…read morehearing. There is a list of names, rooms and times for the day. Going in the room almost has similarities to a concert. First trying to find a goddamn parking space. The audience is waiting around. The clerk is the warm up. Actually she had an odd resemblance to singer, Kasey Lansdale. She liked that. The officers of the court, attorneys are the roadies. Then the band, court reporter, defendant etc. The bailiff is the announcer. Then the star performer, the judge makes it all happen. And the decision is the encore. My first experience was on jury duty, when the OJ Simpson verdict was handed down and there was cheering in the room. I was on a crack cocaine possession case. I really enjoyed it, I also hated my job at the time and was hoping for a murder. We found him not guilty and I think he was more surprised than anyone. Then there's the in between traffic tickets, which ended up being a royal pain in the ass due to lack of staff and it was easier to pay the damned ticket.

This lovely building holds quite a few opportunities for the Hennepin County resident…read more Lose my ID? Yep, no problem. Ask to get my totally bogus traffic ticket reduced? Thanks. Passports? We made an appointment and Julie was a total pro. It took a while bc dear god the forms and the check writing, but painless. Coffee shop in the hall has happy hour. Total deal. You might think this building is just the number one library tucked away in the near north burb of Brooklyn Park, but it is so much more. Bring cash for most things.

For a newbie in this area, trying to figure out where Landmark Plaza starts and ends was a…read morechallenge. There really isn't an official sign that says that you are here. My touristy impression is that Landmark Plaza is the small park in front of the historic Landmark Center. The plaza connects to both Hamm Memorial Park and Rice Park. It also has a few bronze Peanuts statues. I had parked at Infor Commons. When I had stepped out of the building and crossed the street (jaywalking across a one-way street is easy), I was at Landmark Plaza. It's cute. I can see it being a small greenspace to take a break and people-watch when it's warmer. I'd guess that Rice Park has more people there when the weather is nice, so hanging out at Landmark Plaza is a good alternative. Landmark Center is pretty cool. I learned that it used to be a post office and court house. It's now a cultural centre for music, theatre, exhibitions, dance, and more. It was nice discovering Landmark Plaza on my way to a Minnesota Wild game. I enjoy such discoveries and learning about them. (105)

This is a small pocket park that looks like a walk through. It was previously the Orpheum Theatre…read moreand later a state bank. It is a half an acre and features a couple of Peanuts statues, including one of Lucy and Linus leaning on a low wall, one with Charlie Brown sitting with a dog on his lap, and another depict Schroeder playing the piano while Lucy is leaning on it, swooning all over him. If you look closely, you will see small interpretive plaques embedded in the tops of the seat walls. It is near the Landmark Center, where it gets its name from. There is paved and cobblestone walkways that are starting to break off and come apart, along with some benches to sit. You add a little green space and that is basically all the plaza has to offer. You will find metered street parking around the perimeter of the plaza. Be sure to check the meters' enforcement hours. You may not have to pay depending on when you are there. It is a decent place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city or walk your pooch. I will admit though that this is not a destination spot and will probably be visited by people that are passing by the plaza on the way somewhere else or just wanting to take a quick break of the hustle and bustle of the city.

Great staff! Court house look good too. Must be newer because the woodwork looked really good…read morestill. Lots of free parking.

Here I am reviewing the DMV. But, seriously, these people are exceedingly pleasant and efficient…read more This isn't your typical DMV office. I don't dread going here if I need to. Doing my business doesn't take forever. When I didn't have the right paperwork, they were super helpful. If you have a choice of which Wisconsin DMV to come to, come here!

Busy but very efficient, pleasant and staff is helpful with your questions. plus I needed 85. To…read morepost.

I'm not sure I believe this place is actually closed as their website seems to still be going…read morestrong. Nevertheless, for a mere $5 admission I was happy to explore the Brown County Historical Society and Museum when in New Ulm last year. There is not much to see in the way of exhibits (the building also houses a research library) but I'm always curious about local history when I visit a new place. Here I learned about the local farms and how the area was settled. There was also a wonderful exhibit on the US-Dakota War, something I was either never taught in history class or something that was brushed over so quickly that I forgot. A special exhibit of illustrations from Wanda Gag (local author and illustrator) was also on display at the time I was there. I also saw postings for many community events held at or sponsored by the Brown County Historical Society. While inside the museum offers a brief but informative history of New Ulm, one of the stars here is the building itself. Originally home to the US Post Office, it is described as a German Renaissance style brick building. Even if the museum and building are closed, it's worth at least stopping by to see this stunning architectural achievement.

I was here a few times a few years ago. I was impressed with the amount of stuff they had about our…read morelocal history. If you like antiques this place might seem cool to you.

From the owner: The Goodhue County History Center is a museum with beautiful exhibits interpreting our county…read morehistory, an exceptional research library, and a wonderful gift shop.