Parks / Homestead National Historical Park
Homestead National Historical Park
National Historical Park · NE
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.
Official NPS page →Entrance Fees
This park is fee-free.
Upcoming Events
Living History Extravaganza
Sep 5, 2026 · Homestead National Historical Park's Heritage Center: 24405 SW 75th Rd, Beatrice, NE 68310
Old Fashioned Spelling Bee at the Freeman School
Sep 7, 2026 · Homestead National Historical Park's Freeman School is found on the northwest corner of W Hwy 4 and SW 89th Rd. It is located within Homestead National Historical Park (NHP). Homestead NHP's address is: 8523 West State Highway 4 Beatrice, NE 68310
Constitution Day Naturalization Ceremony
Sep 17, 2026 · Homestead National Historical Park's Education Center: 8523 West State Highway 4 Beatrice, NE 68310
Evening Program – Owl Prowl
Sep 19, 2026 · Homestead National Historical Park's Education Center: 8523 West State Highway 4 Beatrice, NE 68310
Public Lands Day Volunteer Project
Sep 26, 2026 · Homestead National Historical Park's Education Center: 8523 West State Highway 4 Beatrice, NE 68310
Evening Program
Sep 26, 2026 · Homestead National Historical Park's Education Center: 8523 West State Highway 4 Beatrice, NE 68310
Things to Do
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 demonstrations, real life science experiences, and exploring farm implements.
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 Visitor Center to pick up a booklet filled with both creative and informative activities. As you explore the Park, complete your booklet!
Explore the Museum Exhibits
Learn about the Homestead Act of 1862 and the impacts it had around the world.
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 of history, reflecting who we were as a nation and a people. While some quilts were packed as treasures in trunks, others were kept close at hand for daily use. They served a variety of purposes not only on the trip west, but also once the pioneers arrived at their destination.
Get Started at the Homestead Heritage Center
This multipurpose facility brings the epic homestead story to life for visitors of all ages and demonstrates the true scope and importance of the Homestead Act of 1862.
Research Family History
Research the digitized homestead and genealogical records at Homestead National Historical Park.
View Wildlife at the Prairie Plaza
Homestead's prairie plaza is the perfect spot to picnic and view wildlife.
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 hiking, cross-country skiing, and nature study. Trail maps are available from either visitor center.
Watch Land of Dreams Film
Watch the 23-minute film Land of Dreams: Homesteading America
Visitor Centers
- Education Center
- Heritage Center
Webcams
Source: National Park Service.