Adams County: Historic Trails and Kool-Aid History

Adams County reveals itself through the different facets of its history and seasonal attractions. In Hastings, the focus is on historic trails, the history of the Naval Ammunition Depot, and the creation of Kool-Aid. Hastings Middle School has a wetland observation platform near its outdoor classroom and community garden, designed to support learning about wetland ecosystems, wildlife conservation, and native flora and fauna. When planning your trip, consider these different points of interest: historic homes and local history, the history of a local product, or nature-related attractions.

History and Historic Trails

The Hastings Museum has a permanent exhibition, “Prehistoric Nebraska.” The U.S. Naval Ammunition Depot, known as “The NAD,” offers a different historical focus. It was established southeast of Hastings in 1942 and was the U.S. Navy’s largest inland ammunition plant during World War II. The depot encompassed nearly 49,000 acres of farmland in Adams and Clay Counties. The museum and the depot’s history therefore present different subjects side by side: “Prehistoric Nebraska” and a chapter in the U.S. Navy’s history during World War II.

A local historian is available for paid tours and presentations about the Naval Ammunition Depot. Self-guided historical brochures and other interpretive materials are also available. If you plan to take a tour or attend a presentation, make arrangements before your trip. The brochures and materials offer a self-guided way to learn about the depot’s history.

The Fountain to Fountain Tour offers a different historical perspective: a self-guided walk along Lincoln Avenue in the Central Hastings Historic District. Its main route includes 24 homes along the avenue. It begins at the fountain in Alexander Park at 7th Street and Lincoln Avenue and ends at Fisher Fountain in Highland Park at 12th Street. The route connects homes along Lincoln Avenue with two fountains as clearly identified starting and ending points.

Kool-Aid History and Local Attractions

Edwin Perkins developed Kool-Aid in Hastings in 1927. The Original Kool-Aid Factory is the original Perkins Products Company building where Perkins invented and manufactured Kool-Aid. The product’s creation and a specific building are different points of connection to this history. Kool-Aid Days take place in Hastings every August. Residents and visitors come together to celebrate the city’s important role in Kool-Aid history. If you’d like to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific event dates in advance.

The Adams County Fairgrounds offer a local attraction of their own, with livestock facilities and a permanent rodeo arena. Along with the product’s history and the historic walks, they add another dimension to the region’s travel options.

Seasonal Nature and Outdoor Activities

Every March, the Hastings area along the Platte River and in the Rainwater Basin is a stopover for cranes and waterfowl on their annual migration. This seasonal natural attraction differs in timing and theme from Kool-Aid Days in August: March brings migrating birds to the area, while August celebrates Hastings’ role in Kool-Aid history.

A wide, paved, winding trail connects Heartwell Park, Hastings College, and Libs Park. Nearby, Motorsport Park Hastings, also known as MPH, offers track rentals by the hour, by the day, and for multiple days. The different rental periods can help you choose how much time to set aside for this activity. Rates may change, so check current prices before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Hastings, Holt County, Otoe County, Gage County, Douglas, Webster County, Deuel County, Phelps County

For the broader travel overview: Nebraska.