Homestead
National Monument of America
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The park includes the site of the Homestead established by Daniel Freeman on January 1, 1863. Having been established on the first day of the Homestead Act, this homestead is among the first in the country. The monument includes the original homestead foundations and grounds; the Freeman School, a one room schoolhouse; and the Palmer-Epard cabin, an 1800's cabin.
The park contains nearly 100 acres of restored tall grass prairie. Begun in 1939, this is the oldest prairie restoration in the National Park System and the second oldest of any in the nation. Total acreage is 197.
- VISITATION:
- Visitor use in 1994 was 32,000.
- LOCATION:
- Beatrice, NE
- ADDRESS:
- Route 3, Box 47
Beatrice, NE 68310 - TELEPHONE:
- 402 233-3514
- OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:
- Open everyday except Christmas Day. Visitor center and
buildings are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Grounds are open
sunrise to sunset.
- CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
- Summers are moderate and humid. Winters are cold with
occasional snow.
- DIRECTIONS:
- By car: from Interstate 80 take exit #397 (U.S. Highway 77
south) south to Beatrice. Turn right on U.S. Highway 136 (State
Highway 4), go one-and-a-half miles west and turn right where
Highway 4 separates from Highway 136. Monument headquarters is
four miles from intersection.
- TRANSPORTATION:
- To Park: large airlines carriers operate in Lincoln,
Nebraska, about 45 miles north. No public transportation to the
monument.
In Park: hiking trails only. - FEES, COSTS, RATES:
- None.
- FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center/Exhibits:
- Visitor center, picnic area, and hiking trails. Exhibits on
the Homestead Act and pioneer life. Films shown in
auditorium.
- Trails, Roads:
- Self-guided surface nature trails is available. Park
interpreters conduct nature walks seasonally. A 7/10 mile
wheelchair accessible trail is available near the visitor
center.
- Programs/Activities:
- Guided walks and living history programs offered daily in the
summer.
- Lodging and camping facilities:
- None in park. Two public campgrounds are available in the
city of Beatrice (four miles).
- Food/supplies:
- Full services located in Beatrice (four miles).
- Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and
Opportunities:
- There is a bookstore located in the visitor center lobby
managed by Eastern National.
- Accessibility:
- A wheelchair is available at the visitor center information
desk. Exhibits, auditorium, and rest rooms are accessible.
- Special Needs:
- None.
- RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:
- Historic exhibits, films, observing of plants, wild flowers
and wildlife on the restored tall grass prairie, and
picnicking.
- RESERVATION, PERMITS:
- None.
- BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
- One to two hours are needed for basic visit.
- SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:
- Special events throughout the year include Homestead Days in
June, Prairie Appreciation Days in September, and winter on the
Homestead in December.
- VISITOR IMPACT:
- None.
- ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
- The Gage County Museum in Beatrice depicts the history of the
area, call 402 228-1679; Rock Creek Station State Historic Park
(20 miles) is the site of an Oregon Trail and Pony Express
Station, call (402) 729-5777. Also see the Beatrice Nebraska Chamber of Commerce Web Pages.
- SCHOOL PROGRAM:
- Parks as Classrooms programs offered for specific grades.
Contact the monument for more information.
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Write to the park headquarters for more information, at
Homestead National Monument of America, Route 3, Box 47,
Beatrice, NE 68310, or call (402) 223-3514.