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.
Uniformed park ranger reads indoors to audience of stuffed animals and bison head.
“Read with a Ranger” programs for children at Homestead National Historical Park in 2025
“Read with a Ranger” programs begin in January. Join the rangers at the park’s Education Center at 10 a.m. on the 3rd Tuesday and Saturday each month throughout 2025.
CD cover text and image for "Ken Burns: The West," a film by Stephen Ives. Men in 10-gallon hats next to Native American men and women
Film Festival featuring Ken Burns: The West
BEATRICE, Neb. – This year’s film festival kicks off at the Education Center on Saturday, January 4 at 2 p.m. with Episode 1 of Ken Burns’ film The West!
Grouse tracks in the snow show 3 forward facing toes, one backwards, and a slight drag between steps.
Kids in Parks: Solve a winter critter mystery at Homestead National Historical Park!
Attention kids of all ages! Come to the Education Center at Homestead National Historical Park on Saturday, January 11, at 10 a.m. and join us in a ranger-led outdoor walk and indoor craft activity as we solve a mystery about critters that call the park home during winter. And of course, the event is FREE! Come dressed for the weather. Jackets, hats, and gloves are recommended.
Man wearing hard hat, gloves, and chaps performs historic cabin restoration work.
Restored historic Palmer-Epard Cabin reopens to the public
The historic Palmer-Epard Cabin in Homestead National Historical Park is once again open to visitors following an approximately $180,000 restoration project funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund. Visitors to the small cabin are transported back to the 1860s and given a glimpse into the world of courageous homesteaders in search of a better life.
2025 Artist-in-Residence program seeks applicants at Homestead National Historical Park
Homestead National Historical Park’s 2025 Artist-in-Residence program is now open to practicing artists seeking inspiration from Homestead National Historical Park’s rich cultural and natural resources! Homestead National Historical Park welcomes applications from artists practicing any form of artistic expression, including painting, sculpting, photography, performance, writing, video/filmmaking, musical composition, etc. To apply for the program, visit https://go.nps.gov/HomesteadAIR and follow the application requirements. The deadline for accepting applications is January 31, 2025. For applications to be considered, they must be postmarked on or before this date. Artists will be notified of selection results by the end of March 2025. Selected artists will channel their individual talent into one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by the homestead story and the park’s environment. Those selected will also conduct a public presentation related to their work as a part of the residency.
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 Homestead Heritage Center on the tallgrass prairie
Photo by Mel Mann, artist in residence of Homestead National Monument of America
The tallgrass prairie spans to the Heritage Center on the horizon.
Photo by Mel Mann
The Homestead Education Center
Photo by Homestead National Monument of America
A homestead cabin at sunset
Photo by Homestead National Monument of America