Hastings NE

Hastings – A charming midwestern gem, Hastings welcomes visitors with small-town warmth, rich history, and a strong sense of community. As the birthplace of Kool-Aid and home to historic architecture and scenic parks, this Nebraska city offers a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern family-friendly fun. Whether you're strolling downtown, enjoying a day at the lake, or exploring local museums, Hastings gives you a peaceful retreat full of heart.

• Population: ~25,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; warm summers (70-90°F), cold winters (15-35°F), colorful fall and spring transitions.
• Places To Visit: Hastings Museum, Aquacourt Water Park, Brickyard Park, Prairie Loft Center, Downtown Historic District.
• Top Activities: Biking along trails, catching a show at the community theater, boating at Lake Hastings, attending Kool-Aid Days, exploring antique shops.
• Famous Food: Nebraska-style runzas, homemade pies at local diners, farm-to-table dishes, and hearty Midwest comfort food.

Hastings, NE is known for its strong agricultural roots, educational institutions, and growing healthcare services. The city offers a variety of stable and rewarding career opportunities. Below are some of the most sought-after jobs in Hastings.

Top 5 Jobs in Hastings, NE

Hastings, NE might be a small city, but it offers some great spots for students to unwind, socialize, and have fun. Whether you’re into nature, history, or social outings, Hastings has you covered.

Hastings Lake – A perfect place for a walk, picnic, or just to relax with a book. The scenic lake offers tranquility and beautiful views, making it a great spot for a mental break from studies.

Downtown Hastings – With its charming small-town vibe, the downtown area boasts quaint coffee shops, cozy eateries, and unique boutiques—a great spot for catching up with friends or grabbing a bite.

Hastings Museum – This isn’t just any museum; it’s a local treasure. Spend an afternoon exploring fascinating exhibits on history, culture, and even local wildlife. It’s both educational and fun!

Brickyard Park – Ideal for students looking to unwind and enjoy some outdoor activities. With spacious fields, tennis courts, and picnic spots, it’s a great place for both relaxation and recreation.

Chautauqua Park – Known for its beautiful green spaces and historic pavilion, this park is perfect for a lazy afternoon or a casual meetup with friends. The walking trails offer a tranquil escape where you can enjoy nature’s beauty.

The Lark – A unique and vibrant venue for live music and events. Whether you're into jazz, folk, or rock, this local haunt has a diverse lineup that ensures a fun night out.

Hastings, Nebraska, is a welcoming Midwestern city known for its strong sense of community and dedication to quality education. While relatively small, Hastings offers access to excellent higher education institutions that prepare students for success in a variety of fields including healthcare, education, liberal arts, and technical trades.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Hastings

Central Community College – Hastings Campus – This well-regarded public community college provides a wide range of academic and technical programs. Popular areas of study include automotive technology, nursing, business, and information technology. With modern facilities and hands-on training, CCC is a trusted pathway to both careers and further education.

University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) – Located only about 45 minutes from Hastings, UNK is a top regional public university known for its strong education, business, and health science programs. Many Hastings residents attend or transfer to UNK for bachelor’s and graduate degrees.

Southeast Community College (SCC) – Lincoln Campus – Although based in Lincoln, SCC serves students throughout Nebraska, including Hastings. SCC offers flexible learning options and affordable pathways to careers in healthcare, manufacturing, and human services.

Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) – Located in Curtis, Nebraska, NCTA is a two-hour drive from Hastings and is run by the University of Nebraska system. It provides focused technical education in veterinary technology, agribusiness, and animal science, appealing to students in the Hastings area interested in agriculture.

Wayne State College – A respected member of the Nebraska State College System, this public college is known for its strong programs in teacher education, business, and criminal justice. Though roughly three hours from Hastings, it draws students from across the state due to its affordability and strong academic reputation.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Hastings

Hastings College – A top private liberal arts college located right in the heart of Hastings. It offers more than 40 academic majors including biology, business, education, and the arts. The college emphasizes experiential learning, leadership development, and study abroad opportunities, making it a cornerstone of higher education in the city.

Concordia University, Nebraska – Located in Seward, about an hour and a half from Hastings, Concordia is a Christian university affiliated with the Lutheran Church. It is known for its education, business, theology, and music programs, and welcomes students seeking a faith-based learning environment.

Doane University – With its main campus in Crete, Doane is one of Nebraska’s most respected private colleges. It offers strong undergraduate and graduate programs in sciences, education, and business. Many Hastings students are drawn to Doane’s small class sizes and individualized learning experience.

Nebraska Wesleyan University – Based in Lincoln, this private liberal arts university provides students with a wide range of learning opportunities and a commitment to public service. It boasts strong pre-professional programs in pre-law, pre-med, and the social sciences.

Union College – Located in Lincoln, Union is a private Seventh-day Adventist college with a focus on health sciences, liberal arts, and faith-based learning. It’s especially known for its nursing and biomedical sciences programs, and welcomes students from diverse backgrounds including the Hastings area.

Hastings, NE offers excellent educational opportunities for students. Whether you're looking for a strong public school with a supportive community or a private institution focused on personal growth, Hastings has a range of options to prepare students for college and beyond.

Top Public High Schools in Hastings, NE

• Hastings Senior High School – The main public high school in the city, it provides a solid academic foundation, career-focused programs, and a wide variety of extracurricular activities including music, drama, and athletics.
• Adams Central Junior/Senior High School – Located just outside Hastings, this school serves grades 7–12 and is known for its strong community support, excellent sports teams, and technology programs.
• Sandy Creek Jr/Sr High School – Although it serves a broader rural area, many Hastings area families value Sandy Creek for its small class sizes and personalized instruction, along with advanced placement offerings.
• Blue Hill High School – Situated near Hastings, this school is valued for its individual attention to students and solid academic programs. It also features a strong community involvement approach.
• Doniphan-Trumbull High School – A short drive from Hastings, this school is popular with families looking for a smaller school environment with modern facilities and a focus on both college and career readiness.

Top Private High Schools in Hastings, NE

• St. Cecilia High School – A top-rated Catholic school offering a faith-based education along with strong academics, leadership training, and athletics. Known for its close-knit learning environment and compassionate educators.
• Zion Classical Academy – While smaller, this school emphasizes classical education paired with Christian values, focusing on critical thinking, strong moral character, and individualized instruction.
• Central Community College (Early College Program) – Not a typical private high school, but an important academic option. Many top Hastings students attend early college courses here to earn college credit while completing high school, offering a unique edge in academics.
• Grace Academy – A private Christian school that appeals to families seeking faith-based instruction, strong academic expectations, and a warm, inclusive learning community.
• Heartland Lutheran High School (nearby in Grand Island) – Although located outside Hastings, many Hastings families choose this private high school for its Lutheran-based education, small classes, and college guidance programs.

Hastings, Nebraska is a small Midwestern city known for its history, community spirit, and love of sports. While it does not have any major league professional sports teams, sports still play a vital role in the lives of residents through local events, strong collegiate programs, and minor league or semi-professional sports.

🏈 Football – Hastings College Broncos (NAIA)

• Hastings College Broncos – Hastings College competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The school’s football team is a major local attraction, drawing crowds to Lloyd Wilson Field. Known for their fierce competition in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC), the Broncos have a deep tradition and passionate fan base.

⚾ Baseball – Hastings Sodbusters (Independently Operated Summer Collegiate Team)

• Hastings Sodbusters – As part of the Independently Operated Summer Collegiate Baseball League, the Sodbusters give college players the chance to compete during the summer and gain exposure while using wood bats. Home games are played at Duncan Field, one of the oldest and most historic baseball stadiums in Nebraska. The team brings baseball fans together with an exciting and family-friendly environment.

🏀 Basketball – Hastings College Broncos (NAIA)

• Hastings College Men’s and Women’s Basketball – Both programs compete within the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) and are key components of the local sports scene. The teams play at Lynn Farrell Arena, a lively venue that regularly hosts energetic games and showcases local talent.

⚽ Soccer – Hastings College Soccer (NAIA)

• Hastings College Soccer – The men’s soccer team is especially well-regarded, having won the NAIA National Championship in 2016. They are consistently ranked among the top NAIA programs in the country. The soccer programs add diversity to the sports culture in Hastings and continue to produce competitive teams year after year.

🏒 Hockey – No Professional or College-Level Team

• While there are no professional or college-level hockey teams in Hastings, locals often support nearby minor league or junior hockey clubs in other parts of Nebraska, such as the Tri-City Storm in Kearney, a top team in the United States Hockey League (USHL).

Though Hastings, NE may not house major league franchises, the city has a thriving local sports scene powered by college athletics and summer league teams. These programs bring the community together through the shared love of sports and showcase homegrown talent in an intimate and passionate setting.

Hastings, Nebraska is a charming Midwestern city with a rich history, unique attractions, and a vibrant community spirit. Known for its role in American innovation and culture, this small city has some big stories to tell. Here are some fun facts about Hastings, NE:

1. Birthplace of Kool-Aid – The colorful drink mix we all know and love, Kool-Aid, was invented in Hastings in 1927 by Edwin Perkins.
2. Home of Kool-Aid Days – The city celebrates its Kool-Aid legacy with an annual festival called Kool-Aid Days, complete with games, food, and plenty of the fruity drink!
3. A World War II Hub – Hastings once had the largest Navy Ammunition Depot in the United States during World War II, vital to wartime production.
4. Historic Downtown – Downtown Hastings boasts many preserved buildings from the early 1900s, creating a vibrant mix of history and modern charm.
5. College Town Vibe – It’s home to Hastings College, a private liberal arts school founded in 1882 that brings energy and culture to the city.
6. Murals and Public Art – As you walk around Hastings, you’ll spot art-filled alleyways and large murals that showcase the city's creative flair.
7. Wildlife and Parks – The city has over 20 public parks and the Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History, which features bison dioramas and a planetarium.
8. Retro Theatre Fun – The historic Wilson Theater is now the Withee Lane concert venue, keeping its vintage vibe alive through music and events.
9. Downtown Farmers Market – Every summer, locals gather at the Hastings Farmers Market for fresh produce, local goods, and lively music.
10. Outdoor Adventures – Outdoor lovers flock to Lake Hastings and Heartwell Park for fishing, jogging, and peaceful afternoons under the Nebraska sky.