Nebraska Homestead National Monument map and highlights

Homestead National  Monument of America. Basic information for visitors to the Homestead  National Monument of America In southeastern Nebraska, near Beatrice.    

Homestead National Monument of America in southeastern Nebraska, near Beatrice.    

The monument memorializes the Homestead Act of 1862, which  encouraged pioneers to settle the American West by granting 160 acres of  land to any household head who would live, work, and build on the land.  It encompasses the site of the Daniel Freeman homestead, one of the  very first claimed on January 1, 1863—the first day the Act took effect.  The Homestead Act remained in place through 1976 in the continental  United States, and until 1986 in Alaska. The monument includes 100 acres  of restored tallgrass prairie, the restored Palmer-Epard cabin, and the  Freeman School, an original one-room prairie school-house. The site was  established in 1936.

     

WHAT TO SEE & DO    

Cross-country skiing, hiking, picnicking, touring facilities,  watching videos. Facilities: Visitor center, museum, guided and  self-guided tours, hiking trails. Bookstore, picnic tables. Programs  & Events: Ranger-led interpretive talks and walks. Homestead Days  (2nd full weekend, June), American Indian History Month (Nov.), Winter  Festival of Prairie Cultures (Thanksgiving-Jan. 1), Monumental Fiddling  Championship (Sat., Memorial Day weekend), Heartland Storytelling  Festival (2nd Fri., May). Tips & Hints: Go Aug. and Sept. to see  tallgrass prairie at full height; May-Sept, for wildflowers; and  Mar-May, Sept. and Oct. for migrating birds. Busiest May and June, least  crowded Jan. and Feb.

     

FOOD & LODGING    

Hotels: None in park. In Beatrice: Super 8 (3721 N. 6th St.,  tel. 402/ 228-8808; 56 rooms; $59), Holiday Inn Express (U.S. 77 N, tel.  402/ 228-7000; 70 rooms; $55-$70). X Restaurant: None in park. In  Beatrice: Black Crow (405 Court St., tel. 402/228-7200; $4-$9; closed  Sun. and Mon.).

     

FEES, HOURS & REGULATIONS    

Free. No hunting. Nebraska state fishing license required. No  bikes or motorized vehicles on trails. Leashed pets in picnic area only.  Trails open daily sunrise-sunset. Visitor center open Memorial  Day-Labor Day, daily 8:30-5; Labor Day-Memorial Day, weekdays 8:30-5,  weekends 9-5.

     

HOW TO GET THERE    

4 mi west of Beatrice via Rte. 4. Closest airport: Lincoln (49 mi).

     

CONTACTS    

Homestead National Monument of America (8523 W. Rte. 4,  Beatrice, NE 68310, tel. 402/223-3514, fax 402/228-4231,). Beatrice  Chamber of Commerce (226 S. 6th St., Beatrice, NE 68310, tel.  402/223-2338 or 800/755-7745,).  

Homestead National Monument of America. Basic information for  visitors to the Homestead National Monument of America In southeastern  Nebraska, near Beatrice