Things to Do in Hastings, Nebraska
The following attractions are available for the enjoyment of residents and visitors throughout the year:
Hastings Museum
HastingsMuseum.org
The Hastings Museum is the largest municipal museum between Chicago and Denver. The museum features dozens of animal species set in their natural habitats and chronicles the history of the early inhabitants of the Nebraska plains, from Paleo-Indians to Euro-Americans. The museum also provides a look back at the creatures that used to roam this area and swim in Cretaceous Sea. Visitors also can discover how Kool-Aid, the famous soft drink invented in Hastings, came to be such a success. The museum also includes a digital planetarium and a large-format theater with a 65-foot-wide screen.
The Hastings Family YMCA
www.hastingsymca.net
The Hastings Family YMCA provides two great places for families to participate in fun and fitness activities and provides a variety of activities for all ages. Between the 16th and 18th Street locations, the YMCA has 167,000 square feet of space where you can run, jump and play. Some major attractions include an indoor pool, an indoor track, four basketball gyms, wee village, two trampolines and a two-story climbing maze.
In addition to our amazing facilities, the YMCA also offers dozens of programs to support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Its programs for people of all alges include youth and adult sports, swim lessons, water exercise, water therapy, fitness classes, personal training, healthy living initiatives, preschool, after school child care for ages K-6, active older classes and social events.
Historic Tours
One of Hastings’s greatest forms of wealth is its rich history. Self-guided tours of the World War II Ammunition Depot, which was the world’s largest during that time, and the Downtown Walking Tour provide an in-depth look at the industries and architecture that have shaped the city you see today.
Pioneer Spirit Trail
www.cityofhastings.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/pioneer-spirit-trail.html
A wide, paved meandering path connects historic Downtown to Heartwell Park, Hastings College, Libs Park, then heads north to include Bill Smith Softball Complex, shopping, dining and lodging in north Hastings.
The Smith Softball Complex
www.cityofhastings.org/parks/smith-softball-complex.html
The Smith Softball Complex is adjacent to the Softball Hall of Fame, which is home to the Nebraska Softball Association. This premier facility welcomes thousands of softball enthusiasts and their families throughout the spring, summer and fall at all levels both competitive and recreational.
The Hastings Aquacourt
www.cityofhastings.org/parks/hastings-aquacourt
The Hastings Aquacourt has it all. Visit for a day of fun or rent the facility to have an exclusive party. The park includes a wave pool, diving boards, family water slides, flute slide, tube slide, drop slide, lazy river and concession stand.
Motorsport Park Hastings
www.racemph.com
Motorsport Park Hastings offers just what racing fans are looking for in this popular sport. MPH is a multi-million dollar racing facility including a 2.14 mile, 14-turn track, drawing racing enthusiasts from all over the nation. From motorcycles to vintage race cars MPH roars with excitement.
Lake Hastings
www.cityofhastings.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks.html
Lake Hastings offers a wide variety of wet and dry recreational activities. This beautiful park covers 68 acres. Picnic shelter rentals are available for $35 per day, including electricity and grill, drinking water and picnic tables. Other amenities include Pioneer Spirit Hike/Bike Trail, fishing, disc golf course, restrooms, grills, playground equipment, boating and a sand volleyball court.
WWII Naval Ammunition Depot NAD
Igloo-shaped, earth-covered bunkers stand dormant along U.S. Highway 6 just a short drive east of Hastings. Rich in historical significance, these bunkers protected ammunition produced here during World War II. The Naval Ammunition Depot known locally as “The NAD,” was the largest of four ammunitions depots in the country and was known for supplying 40 percent of the Navy’s ammunition supply at one point during WWII.
A local NAD historian is available for step-on tours and presentations for a fee. Interpretive materials, such as self-guided tour/historical brochures and DVDs, are also available. For more information, call the Adams County Convention and Visitors Bureau at (402) 461-2370.