A ranger smiles standing behind an information desk. — Park Ranger at the Heritage Center desk
NPS Photo

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Inside the Homestead Heritage Center state-of-the-art exhibits present homesteading in an interactive setting. Such topics as the Act's influence on immigration, agriculture, industrialization, native tribes, the tallgrass prairie ecosystem and Federal land policies are presented in an educational and thought-provoking manner. A diverse, detailed and complete picture of homesteading and the Homestead Act are presented at the Homestead Heritage Center. The building is designed to represent the Homestead Act of 1862 with its spectacular views and unique roof line resembling a single bottom plow moving through the sod. Even the parking lot is educational in nature; it is one acre in size.

What to do?

Research Homestead records and your family history using the available reserach computers in lobby.
Learn about the Homestead Act of 1862 in the National Homesteading Museum.
Watch “Land of Dreams — Homesteading America” a 23 minute introductory film.
Explore the "Living Wall" a physical representation of the percentage of land that was successfully homesteaded in each state.
Peek into the musuem collections which contain over 900,000 items such as textiles, farm tools, primary documents and more!
Earn your Junior Ranger badge or a Not-So Junior Ranger pin!

Allow yourself about 30 minutes to explore the Homestead Heritage Center Exhibits. Additional time will be needed to watch the introductory park film and use the research computers.

State-of-the-art exhibits present homesteading in an interactive setting. Such topics as the Act's influence on immigration, agriculture, industrialization, native tribes, the tallgrass prairie ecosystem and Federal land policies are presented in an educational and thought-provoking manner. The Heritage Center has computers aviable for public use so you may research Homestead records.

While National Park passes are issued at the Heritage Center, there are no fees to visit.

Heritage Center:
Homestead National Monument of America
24405 SW 75th Road
Beatrice, NE 68310

Homestead National Monument of America is approximately 40 miles south on Interstate 80, a major east-west artery in the United States. Four-lane U.S. 77 connects I-80 with Beatrice, Nebraska. Beatrice is also approximately 70 miles west of Interstate 29, a major north-south artery from Kansas City, Missouri through Council Bluffs, IA, Sioux City, IA, Sioux Falls, SD, and Grand Forks, ND to the Canadian border. U.S. 136 connects I-29 with Beatrice, Nebraska. U.S. 136 has been designated as Heritage Highway, a Nebraska Scenic Byway. The park is 4 miles west of Beatrice on State Highway 4. From the U.S. 77 and U.S. 136 intersection in downtown Beatrice take U.S. 136 approximately 1.2 miles west. Turn right onto Nebraska Highway 4 and follow the signs.After the road has curved west and you have traveled 4 miles, you will enter Homestead National Monument and see signs for the different buildings at the park. First you will pass the Heritage Center on the hill to your left. The Education Center is 3/4 miles further, also on your left. In another 1/4 miles you will reach the Freeman School on your right.

The Homestead Heritage Center is equipped with audio description services throughout the exhibits. The park film is captioned. Additionally, braile brochures can be requested at the front desk. A wheelchair is availble for public use.

Heritage Center

This National Park site houses the National Homesteading Museum. State-of-the-art exhibits present homesteading in an interactive setting. Such topics as the Act's influence on immigration, agriculture, industrialization, native tribes, the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, and Federal land policies are presented in an educational and thought-provoking manner.

The hours listed below generally include the Homestead Education Center, Freeman School, and Palmer-Epard Cabin.

Every Day:9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Homestead National Historical Park is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily except for closures. Trails and park grounds at Homestead National Historical Park are open from sunrise to sunset every day. Our Heritage and Education Centers have the same hours unless otherwise noted. Homestead NHP features a National Homesteading Museum, Land of Dreams Film, Eastern National Gift Shop, Palmer-Epard Homestead Cabin, restrooms, and access to 3 miles of trails across the tallgrass prairie and Burr Oak woodland.