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Hastings, Nebraska

Adams County, and Hastings in particular, are "children of the railroads," having been founded and sustained by rail companies between the 1870s and 1960s. Hastings owes is very existence to an intersection of two railways, the Burlington and Missouri River and the St. Joseph and Denver City lines. Although most of Hastings is built on former Union Pacific land, Adams County has always been Burlington country.

Known as the Burlington and Missouri River (1871), the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy (1880), the Burlington Northern (1970) and the Burlington - Santa Fe (1995), this railroad built its main line through the country, constructed the most elaborate depot and had a division office here the longest. It was the Burlington which brought the fabled Zephyr to Adams County, and on its road, Nebraska's last commercial passenger trains, via Amtrak, continue to run. When the Burlington Railway Depot was completed in 1902, Hastings was the third largest railroad center in Nebraska. Designed by Omaha architect Thomas R. Kimball, the station is an example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. The building, which welcomed presidents Taft, Truman and Eisenhower, is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Victory Building

The Victory Building, named to commemorate America's victory in World War I, is one of Nebraska's finest examples of early 20th Century industrial architecture. It was constructed between 1917 and 1920 by harness maker William

Hastings, NE National Register

The Strand Theatre

Studded in bright lights, the Strand Theatre marquee heralded first-run showings of such movie classics as "From Here to Eternity" and "The sound of Music." For almost seventy years the Strand was the grand dame of motion picture entertainment in Hastings. The Strand'

Hastings, NE Theatres

Softball Hall of Fame

Adjacent to the Smith Softball Complex, the Hall of Fame showcases softball displays and provides information about the Nebraska Amateur Softball Association and Nebraska Softball Foundation. It pays tribute to the individuals,

Hastings, NE Museums

The Clarke Hotel

When the Clarke Hotel was dedicated in February 1914, it was hailed as a triumph of local initiative. It was designed by architect C.W. Way and built by the John Hamper Company, both of Hastings. Bricks made in Hastings

Hastings, NE National Register

Hastings Parks

Brickyard Park - Woodland & D St.

Built on the site of a former brick-making factory where ramains of the kilns can still be seen. Walking trail, picnic shelter, basketball courts,

Hastings, NE Recreation

Things to do near Hastings, NE

Ole's Big Game Collection

The Lilacs of Meadowlark Hill

Dancing Leaf

20th Century Veteran's Memorial

Year Round Fishing