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Hastings ‘Most charming college town in Nebraska’

Bridge from Heartwell 25w
A view of the Hastings College campus from the eastern edge of Heartwell Park.

Hastings, Nebraska, is getting the recognition it deserves!

The travel website Only In Your State recently said Hastings was the “Most charming college town in Nebraska,” praising its unique blend of preserved history, lively collegiate energy and authentic small-town character.

The article highlights the community’s genuine, settled atmosphere, noting that exploring the walkable downtown, with its eclectic shops, local boutiques and cozy cafes, makes it easy to see the town’s appeal.

From the historic neighborhoods — including Heartwell Park next to campus and downtown Hastings, both of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places — to the inviting parks, Hastings offers a relaxed vibe that naturally draws visitors in.

Hastings College is integral to the character that earned the town this distinction. Its 120-acre campus has shaped much of the culture since 1882, adding a vibrant collegiate energy to the historic setting. The write-up also celebrates the town’s unique heritage, including its claim to fame as the birthplace of Kool-Aid (the College’s library is named for the inventor!).

You can read the full article here: The Most Charming College Town In Nebraska Is Home To Delicious Dining, Shopping, And More.

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