Things To Do

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.

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.

The Palmer-Epard Cabin was built in 1867 from mixed hardwoods, by George W. Palmer about 14 miles northeast of the Park. It is representative of local construction style and considered luxurious in size measuring 14 x 16 feet. Imagine living in this one room cabin with 10 children. The cabin was moved to Homestead National Historical Park in June of 1950.

The Freeman School serves as a reminder of the role the schoolhouse played in the history of the prairie frontier. Officially known as school District Number 21, the school was a center of education for prairie children from 1872 until 1967.

Research the digitized homestead and genealogical records at Homestead National Historical Park.

Daniel Freeman's homestead claim in Gage County, Nebraska was likely the very first to be made and successfully "proved up" under the Homestead Act of 1862. Today, the claim is a part of Homestead National Historical Park.

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) created the first physical monument of Daniel Freeman's land. Attempts at creating a national monument on Daniel Freeman's homestead claim had failed and the DAR chapter in Beatrice, Nebraska wanted to help preserve the story of homesteading. In 1925 the DAR placed a stone monument on Daniel Freeman’s plot of land commemorating it as the first homestead filed under the Homestead Act of 1862.

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.

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.

Homestead's prairie plaza is the perfect spot to picnic and view wildlife.

Learn about the Homestead Act of 1862 and the impacts it had around the world.

Watch the 23-minute film Land of Dreams: Homesteading America

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!

The farm implement room found at Homestead National Historical Park houses equipment that was used and developed during the Homestead era.

Plan your visit to Homestead National Historical Park. Explore all of the areas in the park can take a full day, sometimes more! Use this guide to make the most of your visit, based on the amount of time you have to spend.