Hastings, Nebraska travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Hastings is a city in South Central Nebraska.

2 sights · 2 things to do · 2 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Hastings

Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History

Motorsports Park Hastings

Fisher Rainbow Fountain

Kool-Aid Days

In late August, Nebraska can get hot, so cool off with Kool-Aid. This powdered drink can be made in virtually any flavor and you will find dozens of them here at this weekend-long festival that has a 5K.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 87°F; winter lows dip to about 13°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Jun. (climate data from nearby Kearney)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
GRI Central Nebraska Regional Airport, Grand Island — 26 mi away. Directions
EAR Kearney Regional Airport, Kearney — 34 mi away. Directions
OMA Eppley Airfield, Omaha — 139 mi away (major hub). Directions

You can take US Highways 6, 34, and 281.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 1-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History, Motorsports Park Hastings
Afternoon Fisher Rainbow Fountain, Kool-Aid Days

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder