Homestead National Historical Park

Thousands of visitors stop to view the oldest restored tallgrass prairie in the National Park Service from the Heritage Center back patio.
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.
Map showing location of park.
Kids in Parks: Who’s hiding at Homestead National Historical Park?
Attention kids of all ages. Come to the Education Center at Homestead National Historical Park on Saturday, August 8 at 10 a.m. and join us in a free ranger-led activity as we talk about the different types of animals that call the park home. Earn a Junior Ranger badge to take home.
Walk with a ranger at Homestead National Historical Park
Join staff at Homestead National Historical Park’s Education Center on August 5 at 3 p.m. for the monthly walk with a ranger. All ages and abilities are welcome. During the walk, which will take about one hour and cover about a mile of trail, participants will use the prairie and woodland to inspire conversation, learning and sharing. Butterflies, birds and botany are likely topics to be covered.
Homestead National Historical Park Hosts “The Mask of Lincoln” Exhibit
Homestead National Historical Park is hosting the traveling exhibit “The Mask of Lincoln” at the park’s Education Center beginning June 26 and ending September 27.
Celebrate Independence Day at Homestead National Historical Park’s campfire program
Join Park Guide Tanner Christy at Homestead National Historical Park on Saturday, July 4, at 7 p.m. for a campfire program entitled “Icons of America: The American Story and the Homestead Act – America’s 250th Birthday”. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, we will delve into some of the stories of the United States, the icons that shaped us, and how it all connects to the Homestead Act.
Walk with a ranger at Homestead National Historical Park
Join staff at Homestead National Historical Park’s Education Center on July 1 at 3 p.m. for the monthly walk with a ranger. All ages and abilities are welcome. During the walk, which will take about one hour and cover about a mile of trail, participants will use the prairie and woodland to inspire conversation, learning and sharing. Butterflies, birds and botany are likely topics to be covered.
A historic cabin stands next to a concrete path that leads to a plow shaped visitor center
Photo by NPS Photo/Hunter Hendricks
A historic one room schoolhouse
Photo by Homestead National Monument of America
The tallgrass prairie is yellow with goldenrod in full bloom.
Photo by
The tallgrass prairie spans to the Heritage Center on the horizon.
Photo by Mel Mann
A homestead cabin at sunset
Photo by Homestead National Monument of America
Image of the Heritage Center building surrounded by prairie grass.
Photo by Mel Mann, artist in residence of Homestead National Monument of America
Image of a building taken from the parking lot at Homestead National Historical Park.
Photo by NPS