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.
Location
8523 West State Highway 4
Beatrice, NE 68310
Hours
wednesdaySunrise to Sunset
mondaySunrise to Sunset
thursdaySunrise to Sunset
sundaySunrise to Sunset
tuesdaySunrise to Sunset
fridaySunrise to Sunset
saturdaySunrise to Sunset
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.