Plan A Field Trip

Educational Field Trips at Homestead

Field trip activities are based upon Homestead's curriculum guide, "Homesteading: The Free Land Idea; An Activity Guide for Teachers, Grade 4-6." These activities are easily adaptable to suit all age groups. View our curriculum materials to see how the themes of the Homestead National Historical Park fit into the school curriculum standards of Nebraska and Kansas. If your class cannot make it to the park in person, we also offer distance learning opportunities.

Planning Your Field Trip: Activities for your Class

Homestead Search: (30 - 45 minutes)

Students explore the National Homestead Museum located in the Homestead Heritage Center and search for items significant to the homesteading movement.

Day in the Life of a Homesteader: (45 minutes)

A relay race gets students scrambling to finish their daily chores and shows the differences of our lives now compared to homesteaders.

Stake Your Claim: (45 minutes)

Students choose a "homestead claim" on the prairie with a partner, then learn how available water, timber and land affected the success of early settlers.

Prairie Walk: (45 minutes)

Trail guides are available for teachers to use while guiding their students on prairie walks. Rangers are available to lead these walks upon request.

Skins and Skulls: (30 - 45 minutes)

This program, led by a ranger, explores the wild world of mammals. Using actual animal hides as well as skulls and castings, this program allows the audience to touch and feel while learning about the diverse wildlife of the region.

Follow the Buffalo: (1 hour)

This program, usually led by a ranger, enables students to touch and see items made from buffalo parts in the traditional Native American way. Students learn about Native Americans of the Great Plains and their traditions.

Planning Your Field Trip: Things to Know

• One adult must accompany each 10 children. Chaperones must stay with and assist the group at all times.
• Please share with us any special needs your students may have.
• Good walking shoes and appropriate clothing for hiking on the prairie are recommended. Activities are scheduled rain or shine. Students should dress for the weather.
• Ticks and mosquitoes are present on the prairie. Students may want to bring insect repellent.
• Groups are welcome to each lunch at the picnic tables near the Education Center. A water fountain and restrooms are available in both Education Center and the Heritage Center. Food is not allowed in the buildings.
• Adults and students are asked to wear easily readable nametags.

Scheduling Your Field Trip: Contact the Park

Please make field trip reservations at least two weeks in advance of your visit. Longer advance planning is suggested for the busy spring and fall seasons.

When you are ready to schedule your visit please contact us at:

Education Program Coordinator
402-223-3514 or email us