Local Guides World
Top Tourist attractions in Hastings, United States
Top Rated Tourist attractions in Hastings
Top Reviewed Tourist attractions in Hastings
Hastings Museum
Adams County Historical Society
Hastings Museum
Heartwell Park
Chautauqua Park
Prairie Loft Center
Afton State Park
Reviews
Beautiful place to hike and cross country ski provide that there is snow. Visited in '23 and '24 around the 25 December and could not cross country ski. Wooded and open prairie trails and very well marked. Bathrooms and shelters. There is a nice beach on the river.
We chose to visit Afton SP on a nice warm Autumn day. We stopped at the visitor center and made a purchase and I got my passport book stamped. While there I accidentally left my passport book there. While we were hiking the Ranger on duty saw us on the trail and asked if it was my book, he then took time to meet us at the visitor center after it was closed so that I could get my book! That’s wonderful customer service.
We hiked the trail to the scenic overlook.
We thought it was an easy to moderate trail depending on how well you can handle inclines. I recommend wearing hiking boots or at least sneakers as there are rocky areas on the trail.
We hiked the trail to the scenic overlook.
We thought it was an easy to moderate trail depending on how well you can handle inclines. I recommend wearing hiking boots or at least sneakers as there are rocky areas on the trail.
Very nice Minnesota state park, close to Minneapolis and St Paul but surprisingly quiet and beautiful. Visitor center is dated but functional, hiking trails are great. Unique hike in campground with cut your own firewood
Amazing! There are a few different trails to choose from which was nice. Beautiful scenery, quiet and some wildlife. :)
My grandchildren and I enjoyed two movies at the Lied Super Screen theater, “Blue Whales” and “Fungi: The Web of Life” on Monday, August 26. I was hoping our movie tickets in the amount of $44.00 would also allow admission into the museum itself, but that was not the case. After paying another $16.00, we did enjoy our time spent in the museum, but I don’t think the planetarium had any programs for us to attend. At least, the front desk didn’t inform us of any. My grandchildren were also disappointed there wasn’t any popcorn available. All that being said, the Hastings Museum was a great way to spend three hours with my grandchildren on a hot August day!
I was looking for a place nearby and I found this gem. This place has everything! Elevation, valley, water, a beach, pine trees. It is now one of my favorite places. I like hikes that require effort and this is definitely one of them. For those who don't want it, there are other easier trails. On this occasion I didn't bring a swimsuit but I will definitely bring one next time to reward myself after a long hike. The view of the water is beautiful and even more so with a picnic. I loved the good signage. There are maps at every intersection. There is no way you can get lost or confused.
Beautiful historic residential park between two streets. Stocked lake for decent fishing. Fountains, benches, wading pool, and playground. Ducks, geese and swans.
I love your museum but, please hold negligent parents more responsible and kick them out. Im a member, and was there with my 21mo old daughter, playing in the nature nook. A parent was in there, with head buried in her phone, paying no attention to her 2 boys, 6-7yrs old. They were running around like wild animals. One of them laid out my little girl. I told the kid and parent to be more cautious and responsible, and got no apology or remorse, for making my girl cry. And the kids and parent just carried on just as they were. We left within 10min of coming in, or I would’ve laid out the rude and careless parent.(not really )
Attendees who are irresponsible and harm other people’s kids have no business being there. Hold them responsible, and kick them out.
Attendees who are irresponsible and harm other people’s kids have no business being there. Hold them responsible, and kick them out.
The museum had a lot of variety of things from meteorites, animal figures to guns and antique cars and more but of course my favorite part was the Kool-Aid exhibit and the journey of how Kool-Aid came about to years of history. Reminiscent of some childhood and it was fun.
Had so much fun, vendors were great! Loved playing with the animals ❤
Beautiful state park! Lots of great hiking paths, and some of them are paved and fairly accessible. Great views of the St. Croix river. This is a wonderful spot for a day trip, camping, or even if you just have an hour or two for a scenic stroll.
The hiking trails here cater to all skill levels, offering everything from leisurely strolls to challenging hikes. The park's well-maintained trails make exploring the wilderness a joy. One of my favorite spots is the overlook, where I pause to catch my breath and soak in the breathtaking views of the St. Croix River below. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or just looking for a peaceful retreat, I guess this park has it all.
No wildlife. Did you chase them away? Saw no squirrels, or birds.
Growing up here was a kid this was one of the coolest places around and it hasn't changed. With the addition of the super screen theater and a few new things over the years it's become a place my kids love to go as well.
I found it amazing that they had that much stuff inside the confines of the museum walls without being crowded. We gave it 3 hours on a Sunday and didn't see even half of the exhibits. Our next stop was Kearney, and on a day where one of our attractions fell through, we drove back to Hastings and spent another 4 hours going through the rest of the museum. I'm from Omaha, and our museums aren't half that well stocked. Hats off to Hastings for preserving the past! This was money well spent!
It was free..with the option to donate which I really recommend.. the activities for the kids were great! They animals tractors and haystack rides just a fun place to take the family!
This is a wonderful hidden gem! I was surprised by how much there is to see here, and my 3 year old also loved the place and it kept him occupied for a couple hours. Would highly recommend!
Not overcrowded great for family pizza party kids can go nuts plenty of shade!
A wonderful museum, we enjoy museum's like this. A lot of history explained here. So glad we stopped here. Thank you for a wonderful time.
The greatest of all parks in Hastings. A gorgeous little lake Park in the middle of town and a perfect stop for a romantic visit if you're looking to enjoy a quiet romantic night with a loved one.
When I was a kid in the late 60's or early 70's my dad took the family to this museum on the way to Colorado from Illinois. I vividly remember one of the displays was a native American found mummified in a cave somewhere. He was in a reclined position and wearing a soldiers cavalry jacket.
Beautiful place.
People were fishing. Lots of duckies
People were fishing. Lots of duckies
Very nice park.
They have a walking trail.
They stock it fish. Good place to just enjoy being outside.
They have a walking trail.
They stock it fish. Good place to just enjoy being outside.
Love this park! This is the best park ever, even as a child I loved it and as a senior citizen I love how well it has been taken care of. Hastings needs to be proud of their park. It is so relaxing, beautiful, and nice wading pool for little kids.
Drove around Hastings for 15-20 minutes and this was one of the best playground equipment parks we found. Kids loved the bridges and slides. Plenty of shade and benches to relax at too.
Kool, Man. Inventor of Kool-Aid left the museum as a legacy. A very nice museum with lots of exhibits, most NOT about Kool-Aid, for a small town (or even a big city). Exhibits will appeal to both young and old. A history of Kool-Aid and how it came to be is on a separate floor from the natural history exhibits.
My goal was to actually see the Kool-Aid exhibit at this museum. But I was very impressed and surprised at the rest of the facility. There is a planetarium with regular shows. There are a bunch of antique vehicles in the basement area. Their dioramas with various animals on the main floor. It is quite a collection and well worth the admission price. There is an elevator for those who need that accessibility. It was interesting seeing the history of Kool-Aid. Museum included everything from a replica of a store to costumes of the pitcher. There are lots of photos and displays of advertising and products from that time. Including variations on kool-aid. Museum is easy to get to. It's adjacent to an arboretum which is another pleasant excursion. There was a nice museum gift shop. It's very well done.
Wonderful place for a gathering or event.
A pretty cool museum. We mainly went for the Kool-Aid exhibit and it was a good one, as far as museum exhibits go. Probably not worth the drive from Omaha…. But still fun, nonetheless.
It's been one of my favorite places to explore since I was a kid. The Planetarium is one of my favorite parts about this museum. The IMAX screen is also a great time to watch movies on. Very nice museum.
Had a great time with my son, we homeschool and we had a great learning adventure here today!
Nice, Clean, friendly, educational
I attended a concert by the Hastings Symphony held in the pavilion. The parks and recreation department of Hastings did a fabulous job of cleaning the huge pavilion prior to the event. The Symphony performance was excellent as always when they perform. Hastings is blessed to have this spectacular symphony orchestra
Enjoyed the entertainment and food. Weather was great!
Great Park with a Frisbee Golf course. The park has moved a lot of the frisbee golf holes with out updating their maps - beware.
Very nice place with friendly staff who work hard at providing a GREAT, fun,and educational experience. Thanks for a fantastic day!!!
This is a lovely little park and offers a nice walk around the park to stretch your legs .. 0.75 miles (?). The neighborhood is made up of attractive homes with various architecture styles.
First impression is this is a great park. Late October hike was great. Nice hills to hike with a clean stream and view of the river. Here for the first time 4 years ago, today is Nov 1, 2024. Been here a dozen times at different times of the year. This has become my favorite park in the Metro area. Very nice trails with some great views. I hiked up to the campgrounds for the 1st time and they are very nice. Seem quiet. Hike in sites and a couple paddle in sites right on the river. Great picnic areas and decent beaches.
Chautauqua Park is located in a nice neighborhood. It has handicap play equipment, accessible for a wheelchair. There are 2 charcoal grills, plenty of picnic tables, bathroom but no running water. There is a large pavilion, with electricity and is rentable, also under surveillance so it's safe.
The ACHS is organized very well. The archivist is very friendly and very much willing to help the people doing research. She provided me with lots of relevant materials. The only negative issue I have about the ACHS is that its charges to copy or photograph its materials seems excessive for a small historical society with a limited collection. It charges the same fees as would be incurred at a major state historical society. These expenses are the only reason I give a rating of 4 stars instead of 5.
I just moved here from out of state and was impressed by the beauty of Hastings Heartwell Park! It is well maintained and manicured!
It was good. Havent been to the pool area since it was upgraded. Looks interesting and kinda wild. Wouldn't mind trying it someday.. anyway the park was spacious peaceful and well kept. Very nice
All kinds of things to see and learn about here! From prairie settlers, to a planetarium, kool aid exhibit and lots of animals... we had lots of fun! An awesome employee offered us a tour and info about how things were acquired/ some of the changes that they hoped to make or add. This is a great inexpensive place to visit!
Awsome place to go with your kids
Beautiful! I've been to the Flatwater Music Festival twice, and it's always a great time! We chose the Prairie Loft as our wedding venue as well. The staff were incredibly helpful and kind. The grounds are gorgeous!
Very nice and peaceful here! Nice place to walk also. Pretty fountains and ducks to feed. Also you can fish but I don't fish but my son does.