Hastings Museum
About This Museum
You might not expect a museum with this much personality in the middle of the Great Plains, but the Hastings Museum is a wonderfully quirky treasure chest. It feels less like a formal institution and more like a series of fascinating conversations about Nebraska itself, all under one roof. From the massive bison that greets you to the whispers of Kool-Aid's local invention story, it’s packed with character. And just when you think you've seen it all, you realize there's a whole planetarium tucked away inside.
Collection Highlights
The natural history hall is a stunner, with its dramatic dioramas of local wildlife that make you feel like you're out on the prairie. The cultural exhibits dive into everything from pioneer life to the genuinely delightful story of how Hastings became the 'Birthplace of Kool-Aid.' And then there's the planetarium, which feels like a secret portal to the cosmos hidden within the museum walls.
Visitor Information
Give yourself a good half-day here, because between the main galleries and a planetarium show, time flies. It’s super family-friendly with loads of interactive bits for kids, but as an adult, I was completely captivated by the depth of the stories.
Architecture & Building
Housed in a solid, classic brick building that has that timeless, community-anchor feel, it’s been expanded over the years but still retains its welcoming, unpretentious charm.
Contact & Location
Address: Hastings Museum & Super Screen Theater, 1330, North Burlington Avenue, Hastings, Adams County, Nebraska, 68901, United States
Phone: +1 402-461-2399
Website: Visit Website
