Alan J. Bartels
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Adams County is located south of Hall County in central Nebraska. Hastings, population 25,000, is its largest community and county seat. It’s located about 35 miles south of Grand Island.

Named after former U.S. President John Adams, this county dates back to 1867. Its legacy includes more than just pioneer history. Hastings was the location of the largest ammunition depot in the United States during World War II. On a less serious note, it’s also the birthplace of Kool-Aid. Hastings celebrates this fact every August with its annual Kool-Aid Days, but visitors can learn about Edwin Perkins’ 1927 invention almost every day of the year at the Hastings Museum.

Learn more by contacting the Adams County Convention and Visitors Bureau at visithastingsnebraska.com or (402) 461-2370.

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Discover Activities in Adams County

  • Prairie Loft Center for Outdoor and Agricultural Learning

    The land at Prairie Loft Center for Outdoor and Agricultural Learning was once a hospital where patients raised livestock and crops which fed 1,000 people. Those same productive acres cultivate ...

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  • Children’s Museum of Central Nebraska

    The Children’s Museum of Central Nebraska in Hastings stimulates young brains with interactive exhibits such as the Nature Nook and the Artist’s Corner. The Construction Zone features ...

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  • Art Bar

    The Art Bar mixes three favorites in Hastings: cocktails, coffee and art. Nebraska beers are also featured at this trendy corner stop....

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  • Jorn Olsen Gallery

    Beautiful photography is displayed at the Jorn Olsen Gallery in Hastings. This local photographer travels the world searching for great shots, but gets some of his greatest within a ...

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  • Chautauqua Pavilion

    The Chautauqua Pavilion in Hasting's Chautauqua Park was built in 1907 to host traveling events. The pavilion is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is still used for ...

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  • Murphy’s Wagon Wheel

    The location of Murphy’s Wagon Wheel in Hastings has been a saloon or tavern since 1889. We recommend the Murphy’s Wings with a side of Buffalo Chips....

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  • Heartwell Lake

    Heartwell Lake has catfish, bluegill and largemouth bass. The lake’s resident geese and ducks enjoy breadcrumb handouts. The biking trail is used mostly by joggers and walkers....

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  • Hastings Aquacourt

    The Hastings Aquacourt is open Memorial Day through mid-August. It offers Lazy River rides, a wave pool and wide waterslides where entire families can ride together....

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  • Back Alley Bakery

    The Back Alley Bakery is a lunchtime place for soups, salads and croissant sandwiches in Hastings. This true bakery has a wide variety of breads and delectable desserts. Pizza ...

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  • Rivoli 3 Theatre

    The Rivoli 3 Theatre is a classic movie house in the heart of downtown Hastings. This 1927-era building has been restored and its big screens now show the latest cinematic ...

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  • Jacob Fisher Rainbow Fountain

    The Jacob Fisher Rainbow Fountain was meant to be a temporary exhibit at the 1932 Adams County Fair. Its computerized spray streams colored by LED lights rise 70 feet into the ...

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  • Hastings College Arboretum

    The Hastings College Arboretum began with a few simple plantings in 1883. More than 130 years and 120 acres later the site is stunning. The Japanese Friendship Garden near the Hazelrigg Student ...

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  • Lake Hastings

    Lake Hastings is popular for fishing, boating, sand volleyball and disc golf. The 68-acre park is west of Highway 281 on N. Shore Drive....

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  • First Street Brewing

    You won’t find First Street Brewing on First Street in Hastings, but you will find first rate beers. The 15-barrel brewery is one of Nebraska’s largest. Their ...

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  • Hastings Museum

    While museums should contain old history, and Hastings Museum does, there are new experiences around every corner. The museum’s state of the art theater has a 65-foot-wide screen, ...

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  • Odyssey

    Odyssey is an upscale restaurant new to the downtown scene in Hastings. The rack of lamb and Parmesan truffle chips are popular menu items....

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  • Hastings Ammunition Depot

    At one point during World War II, the Hastings Ammunition Depot was producing 40 percent of the bombs, rockets, mines and torpedoes used by the U.S. Navy. The concrete ...

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