The LeDuc Estate, a four-acre site located along the Great River Road Scenic Byway in Hastings, is one of Minnesota’s architectural gems. Built in 1865-66, the home and outbuildings have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1970. And thanks to preservation and restoration and community support, the Dakota County Historical Society (DCHS) has managed to maintain the original Gothic Revival architecture and Andrew Jackson Downing design—which inspired William and Mary LeDuc’s creation.
If you’ve never seen it, now’s the time to go: a free Sunday night concert series has been happening all month long at the Estate, and this Sunday, August 26, is the last of 2012.
Enjoy live tunes by The Jolly Huntsmen, a local polka band that has been bringing authentic tunes (and dress!) to the Midwest for almost 50 years. The group was founded by L.M. Retka and is now led by his accordionist son Tom Retka, featuring brothers Dan and David on many instruments. Bring a blanket, or chair, and sit back on the apple orchard lawn to enjoy the free entertainment with quite the backdrop.
And of course, show up early to walk the historic grounds and take a special tour of the house at 5:30 p.m. (regular rates apply).
Pie and ice cream will be sold, and refreshments served, to raise funds for local organizations.
LeDuc is open year-round for group tours & private events. Standard 2012 tour season: May 23 through October 28, 2012; Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tours start at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m, 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. Admission: Members are free, adults $6, seniors & military personnel $5, students (6-17) $3, and those 5 and younger are also free.
LeDuc Historic Estate
1629 Vermillion St., Hastings
651-437-7055, dakotahistory.org/LeDuc
leduc@co.dakota.mn.us
