Ardent Mills and Vermillion Falls, Hastings, MN

The Ardent Mills facility in Hastings, Minnesota, is situated alongside Vermillion Falls on the Vermillion River. Established as the first operating mill in Minnesota, the facility has a significant industrial history. According to the company, key innovations such as the purifier, patent barrel, and graham flour were developed at this location. The mill's operation was historically powered by the adjacent waterfall, highlighting the integral relationship between the natural landscape and industrial development in the region.