A domed planetarium, a self-guided tour of historic homes, and recurring annual events give Hastings several concrete reasons to visit. These are complemented by a route between recreational destinations and a pedestrian-friendly downtown. The city’s history ranges from a distinctive museum offering to a chapter from World War II.
Museum and Animal Displays
The Hastings Museum is the largest municipal museum between Chicago and Denver. Its facilities include a large domed planetarium. The museum also houses dozens of animal species displayed in their natural habitats. These bring together two distinct subjects: the planetarium and the animal displays. If you’re planning cultural discoveries during your trip, the museum offers a notable place to start.
City History in Several Chapters
The Fountain to Fountain Tour is a self-guided walking tour along Lincoln Avenue in the Central Hastings Historic District. The tour book includes a main walk past 24 homes along the avenue, as well as five shorter tours. This gives visitors a specific route with several additional sections, focusing on the homes and their place in the historic district.
Another chapter of the story is told by the Jacob Fisher Rainbow Fountain. After being used as a temporary exhibit at the Adams County Fair in 1932, it was moved to Highland Park in 1933. The fountain is considered a local and regional landmark and draws many people during the summer months. Its water jets reach a height of 60 feet.
The Naval Ammunition Depot in Hastings represents another historical dimension: during World War II, it supplied approximately 40 percent of the naval bombs. Heartwell Park District also has a distinction of its own. It is one of two residential areas in Hastings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Together, these examples show different aspects of the city’s history—from a relocation in the 1930s to the depot’s role during the war.
Events and Stage Productions
Each August, Kool-Aid Days brings locals and visitors together to celebrate Kool-Aid’s historical significance to Hastings. The Flatwater Music Festival takes place every June. The program includes live concerts, jam sessions, workshops, arts and crafts vendors, food, drinks, and family activities. If you’re traveling for one of the festivals, it’s worth checking the specific dates for that year.
The Hastings Community Theatre is also part of the cultural scene. It stages four performances each year, showcasing talent from Hastings. The program therefore includes recurring stage productions as well as festivals held on specific dates.
City Trails and Downtown
The Pioneer Spirit Trail offers a route for walkers and cyclists, as well as a way to get between major recreational centers in Hastings. Destinations along the route include Libs Park, Heartwell Park, Lake Hastings, Hastings College, and the Downtown Central Business District. The route thus connects several different recreational destinations within Hastings.
Permits are required for all motorized boats on Lake Hastings. This permit requirement is important to know if you’re including the lake in your plans.
Downtown Hastings offers specialty shops, dining, and entertainment in a pedestrian-friendly setting. Steeple Brewing is a downtown taproom serving local craft beer. The city center therefore offers a range of places to browse and stop for a meal or drink, as well as a specific spot for local beer.
For the broader travel overview: Adams County.
