Heritage Center

The uniquely designed Heritage Center which has received several awards was dedicated on May 20, 2007. It brings the epic homestead story to life for visitors of all ages and demonstrates the true scope and importance of the Homestead Act of 1862. The vista from the main balcony provides visitors with a view of the tallgrass prairie much like early pioneers would have seen from the hilltop. Go here for information about tallgrass transplant at the Heritage Center.

Fall Hours and Programs 

Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.          
Saturday - Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
Outdoor trails are open from dawn to dusk. The Freeman School, a historic one room school house will be available to view at visitor request.  These hours will remain in effect until Memorial Day.

Homestead National Monument of America is a NO FEE park. Admission, parking and special events are all free of charge. 

Homestead Records: Broken Bow Land Office

New Exhibits Installed more.

Interpretive Film Land of Dreams more.

UPCOMING EVENTS

November 28 - December 31: 
Winter Festival of Prairie Cultures. more.

November 30: 1p.m. and 3 p.m.
Die Singenden Wanderers men's choir from the German-American Society of Omaha will sing and interpret German songs and their origins. more.

December 7: 
1-3 p.m. - Participate in Country Traditions. Learn how different cultures decorated for winter celebrations. Make you own decorations to take home. more.

3 p.m. -  "Marking Time: Nebraska's Historic Places" Photographers Bobbi and Steve Olson and Publisher Chris Almondson of Nebraska Life Magazine will discuss important places in Nebraska followed by a book signing

December 14: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Native American Feast - Ioway tribal members will demonstrate a traditional feast including a talk from a hunter and a woman fixing meals. Historical context will be created by the former Director of the Native American Heritage Museum of Highland, Kansas.

Special events are held throughout the year. They are a great way to learn about our history.

Listen to audio of past special events.

Are You a Homesteader or Descendant?

The Homestead Act of 1862 transferred more than 270 million acres of land from Federal to private ownership. We are seeking your help in locating people who filed claims under the Homestead Act. The goal is to locate and record the experiences of remaining homesteaders before the opportunity is lost. Oral histories will be taken under direction of the University of Nebraska and Grand Valley State University, Michigan. Homestead National Monument of America is developing a database of homesteaders and descendants. If you are a homesteader or a descendant, please help us by sending your name, address, telephone number and e-mail to:

Friends of Homestead
Homestead National Monument of America
8523 W. State Highway 4
Beatrice NE 68310

Homestead Congress is a Friends of Homestead National Monument of America program dedicated to communicating with those persons interested in learning more about the mission of Homestead National Monument of America and the effect it had on the growth of this nation. To meet its communication goal, Homestead Congress maintains a blog site.

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