Homestead National Historical Park

National Park Service, Nebraska.

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.

Nearby Activities

  • Hiking
  • Historic & Cultural Site
  • Picnicking
  • Wildlife Viewing

Directions

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.

Additional Information

  • Homestead National Historical Park Map
  • Homestead National Historical Park Official Website

Photo Gallery

  • The Palmer Epard Cabin and the Heritage CenterThe Palmer Epard Cabin and Heritage Center at Sunset
  • Palmer-Epard Homestead CabinThe historic homestead cabin that can be found on the America the Beautiful Homestead Quarter, this cabin has been preserved in it's original condition for visitors to enter and see the inside of a historic structure.
  • Freeman One-Room SchoolhouseAn original one-room schoolhouse, the Freeman School preserves educational history and allows for visitors of all ages to walk into history.
  • Homestead Education CenterThe Homestead Education Center holds historic farm implements from the vast archives and collections of the Monument.
  • Homestead Heritage CenterThousands of visitors stop to view the oldest restored tallgrass prairie in the National Park Service from the Heritage Center back patio.
  • GroundsThe oldest restored tallgrass prairie in the NPS spans to the Heritage Center.
  • GroundsThe overlook from the picnic area at the Heritage Center showcases the beauty of the tallgrass prairie in late summer.
  • Homestead Heritage CenterThousands of visitors stop to view the oldest restored tallgrass prairie in the National Park Service from the Heritage Center back patio.
  • Homestead Education CenterThe Homestead Education Center holds historic farm implements from the vast archives and collections of the Monument.
  • Freeman One-Room SchoolhouseAn original one-room schoolhouse, the Freeman School preserves educational history and allows for visitors of all ages to walk into history.
  • Palmer-Epard Homestead CabinThe historic homestead cabin that can be found on the America the Beautiful Homestead Quarter, this cabin has been preserved in it's original condition for visitors to enter and see the inside of a historic structure.

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