HISTORIC PRAIRIE LOFT

Our Place

Our beautiful barns were once part of a working farm that fed thousands for over 80 years. 

  • PRAIRIE LOFT SITE CIRCA 1938

    PRAIRIE LOFT SITE CIRCA 1938

    The Hastings Regional Center grounds circa 1938. Ingleside farm is at the top of the photo. The future Workshop and Loft Barn are visible top center.

  • People working in what could be a sugar beet field at the Ingleside farm in the 1930s. Now known as Prairie Loft.

    FARM WORK IN THE 1930S

    This photo shows workers in the field at Ingleside. The crop may be sugar beets. Note the horse-drawn wagons in the background.

    Reports from the early 1900s show that the farm produced a variety of goods, including fruits, vegetables, pickles, sauerkraut, chickens, calves, hogs, field corn, and millet.

  • Horses at Ingleside Farm. The Loft Barn housed horses.

    HORSES AT INGLESIDE FARM

    Horses played a large role in the day-to-day operations of the farm at Ingleside. The “Loft Barn” served as the horse barn. Today, guests can see stalls fit for clydesdales and wooden block footings in the preserved space.

  • The Cannery at Ingleside with employees standing inside.

    CANNING AT INGLESIDE

    Canning played a large role at Ingleside for food preservation. For example, the hospital’s 1894 biennial report states that the cannery preserved 16 quarts of peaches, 50 gallons of tomato pickles (sweet), 15 gallons of canned tomatoes, to name a few.

  • The Farm at Ingleside sat on the property and staff and patients lived here.

    FARMHOUSE COTTAGE

    A farmhouse sat on the Ingleside property directly east of the Loft Barn. Patients and staff who worked on the farm lived in the house. Today, the grounds serve as a location for the on-site beehives maintained by Benson Bees, and necessary overflow parking for large community events Prairie Loft hosts.

  • The Farm Cottage on the property was torn town in 1979 after the property was shutdown in the 1970s and 80s.

    FARM COTTAGE DEMOLITION

    The Farm Cottage on the property was torn town in 1979 after the property was shutdown in the 1970s and 80s.

THEN & NOW

2000 Ideas form to save the buildings & start education programs.

2003 8.3 acres are leased for $1 per acre.

2004 8.3 are purchased: grounds enhancements begin.

2005 Prairie Loft Center for Outdoor & Agricultural Learning gains 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.

2006 House and livestock barn are moved to the site.

2007 Regular education programming begins.

2008 Major building renovations begin across the site with help from volunteers, founders, community partners and many others.

2012 Renovation begins on Pavilion (former fire hall).

2017 Tenth full year of education programming, numbers triple from 2012.

2019 Land Management Agreement on 65 additional acres signed with the State of Nebraska.

2020 New Exploration Reservations, Schoolyard Lessons, virtual learning, activity packs are developed to support success during COVID-19 shutdown & reopening.

2021 Capital campaign & planned building renovations resume.

2022 Record Give Hastings Day results, including number of donors and total gifts received.

Prairie Loft historical photos span from the early 2000s to the first events held on-site in 2007-2008.

Thanks to the thousands of donors, volunteers, and partners!

More than 93,000 visitors have attended field trips, family programs, camps, community events, workshops, and other activities since late 2007.

Facility Rentals

Prairie Loft has space available for birthday parties, meetings, retreats, wedding ceremonies, and other private group events. If you are looking for a unique space in a beautiful setting, Prairie Loft may be the place for you!

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FACILITY RENTALS

Host your next company retreat, family gathering, meeting or private event at Prairie Loft. There are three available facilities, based on the needs of the group. Make your next gathering special at Prairie Loft.

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WEDDING CEREMONIES

Prairie Loft’s rustic barns on its beautiful property, make the perfect backdrop for an intimate wedding ceremony. With five locations to host a ceremony, Prairie Loft is a perfect, quaint location in Central Nebraska for a ceremony.

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COMMERCIAL KITCHEN

COMING SOON! Commercial kitchen space will be available to rent for private use, commercial prepping, classes, and more!

Prairie Loft offers unique and exceptional education programs that connect people, food, and the land. From field trips and community events to workshops, summer camps, and private gatherings Prairie Loft takes learning outside!

Get Involved

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SIGN UP FOR A PROGRAM

Interested in hands-on and active programs for your group or organization? Prairie Loft serves schools, summer programs, home school groups, daycares, adult learning associations, senior centers and more!

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Volunteer

Would you like to contribute your time and talent to Prairie Loft’s mission? Are you part of a group looking for service learning or volunteer opportunities? We’d love to talk with you!

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Donate

Prairie Loft is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. By supporting our mission, you’re ensuring people of all ages have access to outdoor and agricultural learning opportunities.