Last updated: July 11, 2024
Thing to Do
Earn your Junior Ranger Badge or Not-so Junior Ranger Pin
Junior Rangers are special people who are dedicated to their National Parks. Their mission is to explore, learn, and protect, and to have fun while doing it!
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! Make sure to have some fun along the way! Show your work to a Ranger to earn an official Junior Ranger badge. The final step is to go out and teach others about what you learned during your visit!
If you are unable to visit Homestead National Historical Park, you can still learn about the Homestead Act of 1862 using our website. We have also put together an opportunity for you to become a Homestead Virtual Ranger!
For those wanting a bit more of a challenge, you can become a Homestead Not-so Junior Ranger! This program will test your homesteading knowledge, from researching homestead records to exploring native and non-native species of the prairie. When you complete your book, show your work to a Ranger and earn your Not-so Junior ranger pin!