In Adams County, Hastings shows how differently history can be told: along Lincoln Avenue, past the homes of a historic district; through a look back at a sprawling World War II industrial site; and in the story of a product Edwin Perkins developed here in 1927. These themes span different time scales. Moving between the townscape, regional industrial history, and Kool-Aid history gives the destination a clear cultural focus.
A walk between two fountains
The Fountain to Fountain Tour is a self-guided walk along Lincoln Avenue in the Central Hastings Historic District. Its main route includes 24 homes along the avenue. The walk begins at the fountain in Alexander Park at 7th Street and Lincoln Avenue and ends at Fisher Fountain in Highland Park at 12th Street. These are two specific landmarks, while the homes along Lincoln Avenue form the architectural focus. The street, number of homes, and start and end points provide a clear framework for understanding the tour as a distinct architectural experience.
Kool-Aid: invention and remembrance
Another timeline leads to Kool-Aid: Edwin Perkins developed the product in Hastings in 1927. The Original Kool-Aid Factory is the original Perkins Products Company building, where Perkins invented and manufactured Kool-Aid. Kool-Aid Days takes place in Hastings every August. Locals and visitors come together to celebrate the city’s important role in Kool-Aid history. A specific year and an annual event thus go hand in hand. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates.
The Hastings Museum also features the permanent exhibit “Prehistoric Nebraska.” Its title sets a different time frame from the product’s history: here, the focus is on Nebraska in prehistoric times.
The Naval Ammunition Depot on a regional scale
The Naval Ammunition Depot, also known as “The NAD,” was established southeast of Hastings in 1942. During World War II, it was the U.S. Navy’s largest inland ammunition plant and covered nearly 49,000 acres of farmland in Adams and Clay Counties. This area represents a different scale from the 24 homes along Lincoln Avenue. A local historian is available for tours and presentations for a fee; self-guided historical brochures and other interpretive materials are also available. Confirm arrangements before your trip.
More facets of Hastings and the region
The Adams County Fairgrounds offer another perspective, with livestock facilities and a permanent rodeo arena. Alongside architecture and industrial history, local attractions also include dedicated facilities for livestock and rodeo.
In March, the area around Hastings, along the Platte River and in the Rainwater Basin, is a stopover for the annual migration of cranes and waterfowl. This seasonal natural attraction is clearly tied to the region. While the Fountain to Fountain Tour follows one street and its homes, the March bird migration draws attention to the wider Hastings area.
A wide, paved, winding trail connects the historic downtown with Heartwell Park, Hastings College, and Libs Park. Unlike the Fountain to Fountain Tour, which includes 24 homes along Lincoln Avenue and has two fountains as endpoints, this trail links several named destinations. Depending on your interests, either the historic stretch of homes or the connection between downtown, parks, and the college can shape how you experience Hastings.
Discover more destinations: Hastings, Lincoln County, Wayne County, Lancaster, Brown County, Sherman County, Franklin County, Dakota County.
For the broader travel overview: Nebraska.
