Discover Hastings

Hastings offers a range of reasons to visit: a large museum with a domed planetarium, walking tours through the historic downtown, local events and activities around Lake Hastings. The city’s history also has many facets—from the Naval Ammunition Depot during World War II to the story of the Jacob Fisher Rainbow Fountain. Which of these discoveries you want to shape your vacation can help determine your choice of a vacation rental in Hastings.

Museum and City History

The Hastings Museum is the largest municipal museum between Chicago and Denver. Its offerings include a large domed planetarium. It is also home to dozens of animal species displayed in their natural habitats. This brings museum and nature topics together for visitors in one place. Those interested in a variety of subjects will find this a different way to explore the city than taking a stroll through Hastings.

Another historical connection is the Naval Ammunition Depot in Hastings. During World War II, it supplied approximately 40 percent of the naval bombs. The city’s history can also be viewed through the site’s significance during wartime. Another story visible in the cityscape is that of the Jacob Fisher Rainbow Fountain: after serving as a temporary exhibit at the Adams County Fair in 1932, the fountain was moved to Highland Park in 1933.

Walking Tours, Trails and Landmarks

The Fountain to Fountain Tour is a self-guided walking tour along Lincoln Avenue in the Central Hastings Historic District. The tour book describes a main walk featuring 24 homes along Lincoln Avenue, as well as five subsidiary tours. You can follow the set route or explore the subsidiary tours featured in the book as additional options. The focus is on the homes along this street.

The Jacob Fisher Rainbow Fountain is a local and regional landmark that draws many people during the summer months. Its water jets reach a height of 60 feet. The fountain’s history—from its temporary display at the county fair to its relocation to Highland Park—gives this striking structure a specific historical context.

The Pioneer Spirit Trail offers a different perspective on Hastings. It provides a route for walking, cycling and exercise between key recreational centers in the city, including Libs Park, Heartwell Park, Lake Hastings, Hastings College and the Downtown Central Business District. You can think of this trail as an alternative to the self-guided walk along Lincoln Avenue: the trail connects several named destinations, while the Fountain to Fountain Tour focuses on homes along one street.

City Life, Events and Water

Downtown Hastings offers specialty shops, dining and entertainment in a pedestrian-friendly setting. Steeple Brewing, a taproom serving local craft beer, is also located downtown. The Hastings Community Theatre puts on four performances each year, showcasing local talent from Hastings. Alongside walking tours and museum visits, these offerings bring a cultural and culinary dimension to your stay.

Two annual events have different focuses. Kool-Aid Days takes place in Hastings every August, bringing locals and visitors together to celebrate the city’s historical significance to Kool-Aid. The Flatwater Music Festival takes place every June. Its program includes live concerts, music jams, workshops, arts and crafts vendors, food, drinks and family activities. If you want to plan your trip around an event, these months are useful reference points.

Lake Hastings can also factor into your plans. Permits are required for all motorized boats on the lake. Keep this requirement in mind if you are considering an activity involving a motorized boat. The Heartwell Park District, meanwhile, is one of two residential areas in Hastings listed on the National Register of Historic Places—another point of interest for visitors interested in the historical development of residential neighborhoods.

When choosing your accommodation, it helps to first consider what mix of activities you want for your stay: should the museum be the main focus, are you especially interested in history and walking tours, or would you like to plan for events and activities on the water? Hastings’ range of themes makes it a destination to explore through culture and city history, as well as trails, local events and individual recreational spots.

For the broader travel overview: Adams County.