As autumn paints the Great Plains in golden shades of amber and rust, October brings one of the most anticipated long weekends of the year: Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Whether you are setting out across central Nebraska to honor regional history, taking advantage of an extra day off for a scenic road trip, or tackling a mid-season household move, having safe, reliable transportation is essential.
At Kershner’s Auto Korner, alongside A&A Rentals and U-Haul Rentals, located right in the heart of Hastings, NE, we provide comprehensive automotive and rental solutions. From affordable pre-owned vehicles and daily car rentals to full-size U-Haul moving trucks, cargo vans, and trailering equipment, our goal is to keep central Nebraska moving smoothly.
In this guide, we explore how you can make the most of the long weekend, highlight local fall destinations, and explain how Kershner’s Auto Korner and A&A Rentals serve drivers across Hastings and the five closest surrounding hub cities: Grand Island, Kearney, York, Lexington, and Lincoln.
The autumn holiday weekend offers a dual opportunity to reflect on American history and explore local heritage. Across Nebraska, communities observe Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day, honoring the diverse histories, cultures, and contributions that have shaped the Plains.
Pawnee Nation Heritage: Long before highways connected central Nebraska, the Pawnee Nation established vibrant villages along the Loup and Platte River valleys. Autumn was historically a time of bison hunting, harvest, and community gatherings.
The Pioneer Trails: European settlement brought trail systems such as the Oregon and Mormon Trails through the region, creating historic crossroads across Adams, Hall, and Buffalo counties.
Historical Educational Stops: Families traveling over the long weekend can visit cultural museums, nature centers, and heritage sites across the Tri-Cities and beyond to learn more about early tribal history and pioneer expansion.
Whether you plan to drive out to historical landmarks, visit family, or enjoy local fall festivals, ensuring your vehicle is road-ready—or renting the right vehicle for the trip—is step one.
Finding a trustworthy vehicle dealership and rental hub should be simple. Located in Hastings, Nebraska, Kershner’s Auto Korner has built a reputation for honest pricing, well-maintained inventory, and customer-first service.
When you partner with Kershner’s Auto Korner, A&A Rentals, and U-Haul, you gain access to three core services under one roof:
Quality Used Cars, Trucks, and SUVs: A broad inventory of thoroughly inspected pre-owned vehicles priced for every budget.
A&A Rentals: Flexible short-term and long-term rental vehicles for vacations, business trips, or temporary replacement cars.
Authorized U-Haul Rentals: Moving trucks, cargo vans, pickup trucks, utility trailers, car dollies, and packing supplies for residential or commercial moves.
While our home base is Hastings, NE, Kershner’s Auto Korner and A&A Rentals proudly serve customers throughout the entire region. If you live in or around any of the closest surrounding major communities, our Hastings location is just a short drive away.
Here are the five closest major cities near Hastings, NE that we proudly serve:
Grand Island, NE (~25 miles north) – Quick access via Highway 281 for pre-owned vehicle sales, daily rental cars, and full-service U-Haul moving equipment.
Kearney, NE (~40 miles northwest) – Conveniently connected via Highway 6 and I-80, serving UNK college students, families, and commuters with used cars, trucks, and moving vans.
York, NE (~45 miles northeast) – Easily accessible via Highway 34 or I-80 for weekend car rentals, enclosed U-Haul cargo trailers, and quality used autos.
Lexington, NE (~75 miles west) – Serving Dawson County and agricultural workers along the I-80 corridor with work trucks, utility trailers, and one-way U-Haul rentals.
Lincoln, NE (~90 miles east) – Connecting Nebraska's capital city to central Nebraska with long-distance U-Haul truck rentals, car transport haulers, and affordable pre-owned vehicles.
Located just 25 miles north via Highway 281, Grand Island, NE residents frequently visit Hastings for dependable pre-owned vehicles and rental options.
Used Cars Near Grand Island: Skip high-pressure city dealerships. Kershner’s Auto Korner provides Grand Island buyers with transparent pricing on pre-owned sedans, SUVs, and pickup trucks.
A&A Vehicle Rentals: If your primary vehicle is in the shop or you need an extra car for a weekend trip to Fonner Park or the Crane Trust, A&A Rentals provides reliable passenger cars and vans.
U-Haul Services: Planning a home or business move between Grand Island and Hastings? Reserve your U-Haul truck or enclosed trailer through our Hastings center for smooth pickup and drop-off.
A quick drive down Highway 6 and Interstate 80 connects Kearney, NE to Hastings. Home to the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), this vibrant city frequently requires flexible vehicle options.
Affordable Cars for Students & Commuters: Buying a first car or a reliable commuter vehicle shouldn't break the bank. We maintain a selection of budget-friendly pre-owned cars ideal for UNK students and daily commuters.
U-Haul Moving Equipment for UNK Moves: Dorm moves, apartment transitions, and semester relocations are stress-free with our U-Haul truck rentals, cargo vans, and hand trucks.
A&A Rental Fleet for Long Weekend Trips: Planning a road trip from Kearney over Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend? Rent a fuel-efficient sedan or spacious SUV from A&A Rentals to keep mileage off your primary vehicle.
Located northeast of Hastings at the intersection of I-80 and Highway 81, York, NE serves as an essential regional crossroads.
Weekend Rental Cars: Whether you are traveling through York for a family autumn gathering or heading out of town for the long weekend, A&A Rentals offers affordable daily and weekly rates.
Used Car Shopping: York auto shoppers looking for value visit Kershner’s Auto Korner for inspected pre-owned vehicles.
U-Haul Trailers & Towing Gear: Rent enclosed cargo trailers, open utility trailers, or vehicle transport haulers near York for seasonal transport needs.
Situated along the Interstate 80 corridor to the west, Lexington, NE is a key agricultural and commercial hub in Dawson County. Residents and business owners in Lexington count on reliable machinery and transportation.
Pre-Owned Work Trucks & Utility Vehicles: Need a durable pickup truck for farm work, towing, or daily duties around Lexington? Kershner’s Auto Korner routinely carries pre-owned half-ton and heavy-duty trucks.
Commercial and Residential U-Haul Equipment: Moving heavy loads, livestock gear, or household items between Lexington and Adams County? Choose from our fleet of U-Haul box trucks and heavy-duty utility trailers.
Passenger Car Rentals: Take a relaxing trip over Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend with a clean rental sedan from A&A Rentals.
As Nebraska’s capital city, Lincoln, NE is located roughly 90 miles east of Hastings along U.S. Route 6 or I-80. Many Lincoln residents search for competitive pricing on used trucks and reliable one-way moving solutions.
One-Way U-Haul Truck Rentals: Moving from Lincoln to central Nebraska—or relocating from Hastings up to the capital? As an authorized U-Haul dealer, we manage one-way moving truck reservations, car trailers, and tow dollies.
Pre-Owned Truck and SUV Inventory: Auto buyers in Lincoln often travel to Hastings to find well-maintained used trucks and crossover SUVs at lower regional rates.
Cross-State Travel Equipment: Make your long-weekend road trips comfortable with well-serviced passenger rental vehicles from A&A Rentals.
Taking advantage of the October three-day weekend? Central Nebraska offers autumn views, wildlife watching, and living history exhibits. Here are four local road trip destinations you can easily reach from Hastings, Grand Island, Kearney, York, Lexington, or Lincoln:
Start right in town! Learn about local natural history, early Native American culture on the Plains, and the invention of Kool-Aid. It’s an educational experience for kids and adults over Indigenous Peoples' Day weekend.
Take a short drive west to Kearney. Spanning Interstate 80, The Archway tells the story of America's westward expansion, from the Pawnee trails and the Oregon Trail to modern highways. Pair it with a visit to Fort Kearny State Historical Park to enjoy fall foliage along the Platte River.
Located just 25 miles north in Grand Island, Stuhr Museum offers a 200-acre living history experience. Explore Rail Town, view historic Plains exhibits, and walk through tree-lined trails surrounded by autumn color.
Heading east toward Lincoln? Stop by Pioneer Park Nature Center to view native tallgrass prairie, bison herds, elk, and white-tailed deer. It’s a peaceful outdoor autumn trip for families celebrating the holiday weekend.
Autumn is one of the most popular seasons for moving across Nebraska. Cooler October temperatures make loading and unloading far more comfortable than during the summer heat.
If you are planning a move over Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend, U-Haul Rentals at Kershner’s Auto Korner in Hastings provides everything you need for a smooth transition:
10' & 15' Moving Trucks: Perfect for 1- to 2-bedroom apartments or small home moves across Hastings, Kearney, or Grand Island.
20' & 26' Moving Trucks: Designed for 3- to 4-bedroom family home relocations, ideal for long-distance moves to Lincoln, Omaha, or out of state.
U-Haul Cargo Vans & Pickup Trucks: Great for small deliveries, student dorm moves, or transporting furniture across town.
Utility & Cargo Trailers: Enclosed trailers protect your belongings from fall weather, while open utility trailers are ideal for lawn equipment and ATVs.
Reserve Early for Holiday Weekends: Long weekends see higher demand for rental trucks and trailers. Secure your U-Haul reservation at our Hastings location ahead of time.
Protect Against Fall Weather: Keep moving blankets and plastic wrap on hand to shield furniture from damp autumn dew or unexpected rain.
Inspect Your Tow Vehicle: If you are renting a U-Haul trailer to tow behind your own truck or SUV, make sure your hitch, wiring harness, and brake lights are tested. Stop by Kershner’s Auto Korner for a quick vehicle check before hitching up.
Is your current vehicle ready for changing Midwest weather? Fall is the ideal time to upgrade your ride before winter snow and ice arrive in central Nebraska.
At Kershner’s Auto Korner, we curate a selection of used cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs designed to meet the demands of Nebraska roads.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) & 4x4 Capabilities: Vital for navigating Nebraska snowstorms across Adams, Hall, and Buffalo counties.
Heated Seats & Climate Control: Keep comfortable during brisk October mornings and chilly winter drives.
Tire Tread & Brake Health: Every pre-owned vehicle at Kershner’s Auto Korner undergoes a multi-point inspection to ensure stopping power and traction.
Affordable Financing Options: We work with local credit unions and regional lenders to help drivers from Hastings, Grand Island, Kearney, York, Lexington, and Lincoln secure fair financing terms.
Need a car for a few days, a week, or longer? A&A Rentals in Hastings provides well-maintained, reliable vehicles without the hassle of airport rental counters.
Vacation & Holiday Travel: Save wear and tear on your personal vehicle during long weekend road trips across Nebraska or neighboring states.
Insurance Replacement Vehicles: If your personal vehicle is in the shop for repairs, A&A Rentals gets you back on the road quickly with clean daily rentals.
Business Travel: Corporate rental solutions for professionals traveling between Hastings, Lincoln, Grand Island, and Kearney.
A: We are located in Hastings, Nebraska, serving local drivers as well as customers from neighboring communities like Grand Island, Kearney, York, Lexington, and Lincoln.
A: Yes! As an authorized U-Haul dealer, we offer both local (in-town) and one-way rental options to destinations across Nebraska and nationwide.
A: We carry a varied selection of pre-owned pickup trucks, family SUVs, crossovers, fuel-efficient sedans, and work vehicles. Our inventory updates regularly.
A: You can reserve a vehicle by contacting our Hastings office directly. We recommend booking early for long holiday weekends like Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day to ensure your preferred vehicle class is available.
A: Absolutely! A large portion of our pre-owned auto sales and truck rental customers drive in from Grand Island, Kearney, York, Lexington, and Lincoln. We make the buying and renting process quick and straightforward.
Whether you are hitting the road for an autumn weekend getaway, upgrading to a reliable pre-owned vehicle, or packing up a U-Haul truck for a seasonal move, Kershner’s Auto Korner and A&A Rentals are here to serve you.
Celebrate Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day with safe, reliable transportation. Visit our dealership and rental hub in Hastings, NE, or contact our team today to schedule a test drive, book a rental car, or reserve your U-Haul equipment!
Location: Hastings, NE
Services: Used Auto Sales | A&A Vehicle Rentals | Authorized U-Haul Dealer
Serving: Hastings, Grand Island, Kearney, York, Lexington, Lincoln, and Central Nebraska
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