Hastings MichiganATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hastings, Michigan.
1. Historic Charlton Park
HISTORIC VILLAGE AND MUSEUM
Historic Charlton Park is considered the jewel of Barry County, situated on approximately 300 acres of beautiful Michigan landscape. Visitors can explore a recreated historic village, museum, and recreation area that has been a fixture in the community since 1936. The park offers a glimpse into Michigan's past while providing educational and recreational opportunities for the whole family.
2. Bob King Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY PLAYGROUND PARADISE
Bob King Park features a large and fun-filled play structure that children absolutely love. The park offers plenty of parking and includes a pavilion with seating areas for families to relax while the kids play. Visitors can enjoy a day of outdoor recreation in this well-maintained community space in the heart of Hastings.
3. Fish Hatchery Park
RIVERSIDE NATURAL RETREAT
Fish Hatchery Park provides a serene natural setting for residents and visitors to Hastings. The park features walking paths along the water, open green spaces, and areas for quiet contemplation. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the park's connection to local ecology and its role in the community's outdoor recreation options.
4. Gun Ridge Golf Course
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Gun Ridge Golf Course offers a wonderful golfing experience suitable for players of all skill levels. This beautiful 9-hole course is praised for its well-maintained fairways and challenging yet enjoyable layout. Golfers can take in the scenic surroundings while navigating this absolutely beautiful course that showcases the natural landscape of Barry County.
5. Bliss Riverfront Park
TRANQUIL WATERFRONT ESCAPE
Bliss Riverfront Park offers visitors a peaceful retreat along the scenic Thornapple River that flows through Hastings. The park provides open spaces, walking paths, and areas to enjoy the natural beauty of Michigan's waterways. Visitors can relax by the water, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the tranquil atmosphere that makes this park a favorite local destination.
6. Barry County Veteran's Memorial Dog Park
CANINE PLAYGROUND AND MEMORIAL
Barry County Veteran's Memorial Dog Park combines honoring veterans with providing a dedicated space for dogs to exercise and socialize. The park features fenced areas where dogs can run off-leash while their owners enjoy the community atmosphere. This thoughtfully designed space serves as both a recreational area and a tribute to those who have served in the military.
7. U Rent Em Canoe Livery
RIVER ADVENTURE OUTFITTER
U Rent Em Canoe Livery offers full-service canoe, kayak, and tube rentals on the scenic Thornapple River flowing through Hastings. Adventure seekers can explore the natural beauty of Michigan's waterways with rental equipment and guidance from experienced staff. The livery also offers group camping facilities and a renovated fishing/hunting rental cottage for extended outdoor experiences.
8. Legacy at Hastings
CHALLENGING GOLF DESTINATION
Legacy at Hastings presents golfers with a challenging and picturesque course in Barry County. The course features rolling hills that require strategic play, with locals recommending checking layouts from hilltops and keeping balls below the hole for best results. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the well-maintained greens and the satisfying challenge this course provides to players of various skill levels.
9. Walldorff Brewpub
CRAFT BEER AND CUISINE
Walldorff Brewpub delights visitors with excellent craft beer and delicious food served in a welcoming atmosphere in downtown Hastings. Their wood-fired pizza oven produces mouthwatering pies that pair perfectly with their house-brewed beer selection. This popular local establishment combines the best of fine brewing traditions with casual dining to create a memorable experience for guests.
10. The General Store South Jefferson Street
NOSTALGIC SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
The General Store on South Jefferson Street offers a charming shopping experience that hearkens back to simpler times in Hastings. Featured on a local TV segment called Road Tripping, this specialty shop attracts visitors looking for unique gifts and merchandise. Shoppers can browse an eclectic selection of goods while enjoying the nostalgic atmosphere of this local gem.
11. Shopping
RETAIL THERAPY DESTINATION
Shopping in Hastings offers a delightful mix of quaint local boutiques in the historic downtown and convenient national retailers in the regional shopping district. Visitors can explore unique stores like T.J. Maxx and Walmart Supercenter alongside charming specialty shops housed in beautifully maintained historic buildings. The complementary shopping experiences provide something for everyone, from everyday necessities to one-of-a-kind treasures found only in this vibrant Michigan community.
12. Dining
CULINARY DELIGHTS FOR ALL
Dining in Hastings presents visitors with a diverse array of culinary options ranging from casual eateries to more upscale establishments. Popular restaurants include Walldorff Brew Pub and Bistro, Seasonal Grille, Mexican Connexion Restaurant, and State Street Diner, each offering distinct menus and atmospheres. The vibrant downtown area comes alive at night as diners fill local restaurants, creating a welcoming environment for both residents and visitors seeking delicious meals in this charming Michigan town.
13. Hiking
SCENIC TRAIL ADVENTURES
Hiking in Hastings allows outdoor enthusiasts to explore the natural beauty of Barry County through various trails and parks nestled along the Thornapple River. Visitors can discover scenic paths through Fish Hatchery Park, Bliss Riverfront Park, and the expansive grounds of Historic Charlton Park. The well-maintained trails showcase Michigan's diverse ecosystems while providing opportunities for exercise, wildlife viewing, and peaceful communion with nature throughout the seasons.
14. Fishing
ANGLER'S PARADISE WATERS
Fishing in Hastings offers anglers access to the productive waters of the Thornapple River flowing through this picturesque Michigan community. Enthusiasts can cast their lines from various access points including Bliss Riverfront Park and Fish Hatchery Park, or book a stay at specialty accommodations like Leach Lake Cabins & Resort. The area's commitment to conservation and water quality makes Hastings a rewarding destination for fishing adventures in western Michigan.
15. Camping
OUTDOOR OVERNIGHT RETREATS
Camping in Hastings provides outdoor enthusiasts with several options for overnight stays in Barry County's beautiful natural settings. Welcome Woods Family Campground offers family-friendly accommodations with amenities designed for comfort during extended outdoor adventures. Visitors can also arrange group camping through U Rent Em Canoe Livery, combining water recreation with overnight experiences along the scenic Thornapple River that defines this charming Michigan community.