About Homestead National Historical Park
The Homestead Act of 1862 transformed the world. Millions were invited to file claims including families, women, immigrants, and formerly enslaved people. Over 10 percent of the United States was homesteaded! The land, long inhabited by indigenous cultures, changed forever. Homesteaders created settlements and farms, drove industrial advancement, and built our nation chasing the American Dream.
Quick Facts
Operating Hours
Trails and park grounds are open from sunrise to sunset. Picnic areas are available at the Education Center and Heritage Center. There are a total of 3.0 miles of trails through the tallgrass prairie and woodland.
Activities
Getting There
The park is 4 miles west of Beatrice on State Highway 4. From the U.S. 77 and U.S. 136 intersection in downtown Beatrice take U.S. 136 approximately 1.2 miles west. Turn right onto Nebraska Highway 4 and follow the signs. After the road has curved west and you have traveled 4 miles, you will enter Homestead National Historical Park and see signs for the different buildings at the park.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Walk Nature Trails at Homestead
Homestead National Historical Park offers over three miles of trails through the sweeping tallgrass prairie and quiet bur oak woodland for…
Earn your Junior Ranger Badge or Not-so Junior Ranger Pin
Any kid who visits has the chance to be a Homestead Junior Ranger. While visiting the park, stop at the…
Any kid who visits has the chance to be a Homestead Junior Ranger. While visiting the park, stop at the…
Research Family History
Research the digitized homestead and genealogical records at Homestead National Historical Park.
Follow the Quilt Discovery Experience
Follow the trail to learn more about quilt making and the history of quilts and how they truly are documents…
Follow the trail to learn more about quilt making and the history of quilts and how they truly are documents…
Watch Land of Dreams Film
Watch the 23-minute film Land of Dreams: Homesteading America
Discover More at the Homestead Education Center
The Homestead Education Center provides you the opportunity further your knowledge about homesteading through hands-on arts and crafts, living history…
Visitor Centers
Education Center
Homestead National Historical Park uses the Education Center to provide today's visitors the opportunity to meet their quest for further knowledge about homesteading through hands-on…
Hours: Homestead National Historical Park is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. every day of the year with the exception of closures on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Farm Implement Wing, Eastern National Gift Shop, Palmer-Epard Homestead Cabin, Restrooms, access to 3 miles of trails across the tallgrass prairie and Burr Oak woodland.
Heritage Center
This National Park site houses the National Homesteading Museum. State-of-the-art exhibits present homesteading in an interactive setting. Such topics as the Act's influence on immigration,…
Hours: Homestead National Historical Park is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily except for closures. Trails and park grounds at Homestead National Historical Park are open from sunrise to sunset every day. Our Heritage and Education Centers have the same hours unless otherwise noted. Homestead NHP features a National Homesteading Museum, Land of Dreams Film, Eastern National Gift Shop, Palmer-Epard Homestead Cabin, restrooms, and access to 3 miles of trails across the tallgrass prairie and Burr Oak woodland.
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