[ About Us ] LeDuc Historic Estate

The Estate is a nationally significant historic property that includes an architecturally outstanding house, outbuildings, and historic grounds. The LeDuc Estate is a four-acre site located at 1629 Vermillion Street (Highway 61), Hastings, Minnesota along the Great River Roads Scenic Byway. Its unaltered Gothic Revival architecture, and especially the design source, establish its national significance. William LeDuc, an attorney, entrepreneur and distinguished Civil War officer, served as U.S. Commissioner of Agriculture under President Rutherford B. Hayes. Mary LeDuc selected designs from Cottage Residences, a seminal volume first published in 1842 by noted architectural writer and landscape architect Andrew Jackson Downing, whose work dominated New York's Hudson River Valley. Following Downing's stylistic guidelines, the LeDuc's produced a stunningly landscaped architectural gem in a young river town on the Minnesota prairie. The house survives virtually unaltered from its appearance when it was completed in 1865-66. In 1970 the site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hastings citizens have supported and encouraged the preservation of the Leduc house for decades because they recognize and appreciate its architecture and its history. With its prominent location on the Great River Road, a National Scenic Byway, the house is a major attraction. The handsome, restored house attracts thousands of visitors every year, some from as far away as Germany & Australia. With engaging exhibits and an exciting schedule of tours and public events, the house is a cultural center for Hastings and the region. In 2003-2005 the Minnesota Historical Society and Dakota County Historical Society made significant investments in the property. The Minnesota legislature funded a $1 million restoration that was managed by MHS. At the same time, DCHS developed programming, exhibits and an object theater. DCHS's work was supported by grants from America's Scenic Byways program, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Minnesota Historical Society, and with the help of local donors including Sharon and Terry Avent. Yes! The Estate opened to the public for the first time on May 22, 2005. In June 2005 the Minnesota Historical Society gave the LeDuc site to the City of Hastings. DCHS operates LeDuc on behalf of the City, offering a changing schedule of programming every year. Tour seasons are typically late May through late October with tours offered Thursday through Sunday at 10:00, 11:30, 1:00, 2:30, & 4:00 p.m. The Estate is open year-round for group tours and private events and is a popular place for anniversary and birthday parties.