The Palmer Epard Cabin and Heritage Center at Sunset
Photo: NPS Photo/Hunter Hendricks
About
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.
Activities
Arts and CultureCompass and GPSGeocachingFoodPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingHikingLiving HistoryJunior Ranger ProgramWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShopping
Directions
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 Historical Park and see signs for the different buildings at the park.
Get directions →Weather
Homestead NHP's weather can vary quite a bit, even in a single day. In the summer, average daytime highs can exceed 80°F (27°C), only to drop 20 or more degrees when a thunderstorm rolls through. Winter lows fluctuate day to day and year to year, but average lows were measured at about 16°F (-9°C) for January and February over a 20-year period. Wind is common throughout the year.
News
Aug 24, 2026
Walk with a ranger at Homestead National Historical Park
Join staff at Homestead National Historical Park’s Education Center on September 2 at 3 p.m. for the monthly walk with a ranger. All ages and abilities are welcome. During the walk, which will take about one hour and cover about a mile of trail, participants will use the prairie and woodland to inspire conversation, learning and sharing. Butterflies, birds and botany are likely topics to be covered.
Aug 11, 2026
Volunteer at Homestead National Historical Park by contributing to community science initiatives
Join staff at Homestead National Historical Park’s Education Center on August 21 at 3 p.m. to earn volunteer hours as you document the biodiversity of butterflies of the prairie and woodland. All ages and abilities are welcome. During the walk, which will take about an hour and cover about a mile of trail, participants will work together with the ranger to find and identify as many butterflies as possible.
Aug 7, 2026
"Found" on Founders Day: Explore the Tallgrass Prairie at Homestead National Historical Park
Join Homestead National Historical Park for a National Park Service Founders Day program called Found, taking place Sunday, August 23, at 2:00 p.m. at the park's Education Center.