Local Attractions
Hastings and the surrounding area welcomes you with quintessential Americana charm, offering unique shops, historic flair, rich culture, thriving sports, and plenty of entertainment to keep you busy.
Below are just some of the attractions you can find in or close to Hastings.
MPH is a world-class 2.15 mile road course with two and three bedroom condos, club house, and varied events that attract racers from across the country. The track was named “One of the top 10 places to speed legally” by Forbes magazine, and is Nebraska’s premiere motorsport destination.
Founded in 1927, Hastings Museum is the largest municipal museum between Chicago and Denver. The museum features an IMAX theater, a planetarium, and dozens of animal species in their natural habitats. The history of the early inhabitants of the Nebraska plains, from paleo-Indians to euro-Americans, is also chronicled. And don’t miss the special exhibit featuring Kool-Aid, which was invented right here in Hastings, Nebraska.
Located in the heart of Hastings, the Historic Downtown District is home to specialty retail, great dining and entertainment. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Downtown Hastings is a must visit during your trip.
Founded in 1953 by Harold Warp, Pioneer Village documents the incredible progress that took place in our country from the 1830s until the 1980s. The museum complex comprises 28 buildings on 20 acres housing over 50,000 irreplaceable items of historical value, restored to operating order, arranged in groups and also in the chronological order of their development. The collection includes household inventions, steam engines, over 100 tractors, over 350 antique automobiles (including the world’s oldest Buick, a 1902 Cadillac and a 1903 Ford), 17 flying machines, and even a real Pony Express station. See how America grew at this amazing, must-see museum. Pioneer Village is located approximately 30 miles west of Hastings in Minden, Nebraska.
Located about 20 miles north of Hastings in Grand Island, the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer lets you experience historic downtown villages from the 1890s with live demonstrations, a railroad depot, tours, and activities. Also, don’t miss the Leo. B. Stuhr Building, also known as the “Gem of the Prairie”, which was designed by world-renowned architect Edward Durrell Stone. It is considered one of the most important pieces of architecture between Lincoln and Denver and features the Prairie Treasures Gift Shop, informative historic exhibits, and rotating art exhibits.
Every March, roughly a million sandhill cranes visit Nebraska’s Platte River Valley to rest and refuel before continuing their journey. Within 45 minutes of Hastings are observatories/viewing decks and the Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center. Experience the world’s largest crane migration.
Experience automotive history with over 200 automobiles (including over 130 from the Bernie and Janice Taulborg collection) on display in a 50,000 square foot building. The museum has recreated a 1950’s gas station, with both vintage tools and modern devices, which shows the progression of technical sophistication and advancement. There is also a drive-in theater screen and display that incorporates the original ticket booth from the local Kearney Drive-In. The museum is located just off I-80 near Kearney, Nebraska, approximately 40 miles west of Hastings.
Located roughly 40 miles away near Kearney, Nebraska, you can’t miss the Archway as it spans across I-80. From the Oregon Trail era through today, the Archway’s family-friendly historical exhibit tells the story of the adventurers who followed the Great Platte River Road and helped to build America.
Founded in 1992 by “Speedy” Bill and Joyce Smith and located about 100 miles east of Hastings in Lincoln, Nebraska, the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed is dedicated to preserving, interpreting and displaying physical items significant in racing and automotive history. Exhibits include racing vehicles and engines dating from the 1920s to recent vintage Indy Cars, classic midget cars, Go-karts, motorized toys, antique and rare cars, automotive memorabilia, a huge Model T display, and a large toys and memorabilia collection.
The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum is located approximately 130 miles east of Hastings in Ashland, Nebraska (between Lincoln and Omaha.) The over 40 aircraft, rockets, and missiles on display include the SR-71A Blackbird, U-2C Dragonlady, B-52 Stratofortress, and F-117 Nighthawk.
For more information about what to do in Hastings, check out Visit Hastings.