Homestead National Historical Park

Thousands of visitors stop to view the oldest restored tallgrass prairie in the National Park Service from the Heritage Center back patio.
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.
Map showing location of park.
Black and white photo. Two individuals wearing living history clothes are backlit silhouettes next to a log cabin.
Applicants Sought for 2026 Artist-in-Residence Program at Homestead National Historical Park
BEATRICE, Neb. - Homestead National Historical Park’s 2026 Artist-in-Residence Program is open for applications for artists seeking inspiration from Homestead National Historical Park’s rich cultural and natural resources. All visual (painters, photographers, sculptures, etc.), performing (drama, dance, music, composition, etc.) and literary artists are welcome to apply.
Photo shows several decorated Christmas trees.
Winter Festival of Prairie Cultures Happening Now at Homestead National Historical Park
Beatrice, Neb. – Homestead National Historical Park is hosting its annual Winter Festival of Prairie Cultures now through January 3, 2026, at the Education and Heritage Centers. Special programs will be offered December 7, and December 14, 2025, at the Education Center.
Homestead National Historical Park Welcomes 25 New Citizens
The National Park Service and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will welcome 25 United States citizenship candidates during a naturalization ceremony at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Homestead National Historical Park’s Education Center in honor of Constitution Day.
Old-Fashioned Spelling Bee and Ice Cream Social on Labor Day at Homestead National Historical Park
Homestead National Historical Park is hosting its annual Old-Fashioned Spelling Bee and Ice Cream Social on Monday, September 1, 2025, 10 a.m., at the Freeman School. Morgan Fox, Youth Services Librarian at Beatrice Public Library, will emcee the competition. Visitors can enjoy an ice cream social and self-guided nature writing activities after the spelling bee.
Homestead National Historical Park to Host a Living History Extravaganza
Homestead National Historical Park will present a day of living history activities at the Homestead Heritage Center on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A historic cabin stands next to a concrete path that leads to a plow shaped visitor center
Photo by NPS Photo/Hunter Hendricks
A historic one room schoolhouse
Photo by Homestead National Monument of America
The tallgrass prairie is yellow with goldenrod in full bloom.
Photo by
The Homestead Heritage Center on the tallgrass prairie
Photo by Mel Mann, artist in residence of Homestead National Monument of America
The tallgrass prairie spans to the Heritage Center on the horizon.
Photo by Mel Mann
The Homestead Education Center
Photo by Homestead National Monument of America
A homestead cabin at sunset
Photo by Homestead National Monument of America