Skip to main content
NATIONAL PARK

Homestead National Monument Of America

The Homestead Act eventually turned 270 million acres of federal land to private ownership. Authorized by Congress in 1936, Homestead National Monument of America was established to commemorate the lives of the pioneers and the changes in the country brought about by the Homestead Act of 1862.

The Homestead Heritage Center offers an orientation film and a museum that looks at homesteader life and the evolution of the Homestead Act. Nearby is the Palmer-Epard Cabin, an original homesteader's cabin furnished with pioneer artifacts. The Education Center often hosts special programs and temporary exhibits. The Freeman School, a one-room prairie schoolhouse, is a quarter-mile west of the Education Center.

A 2.5-mile, self-guiding trail traverses 100 acres of restored tallgrass prairie. In late summer prairie grasses up to 9 feet high give visitors a sense of the Great Plains as the settlers saw them.

Picnicking, hiking and cross-country skiing are permitted. Allow 1.5 hours minimum. Grounds daily dawn-dusk. Heritage center and buildings open daily 8:30-6, Memorial Day-Labor Day; Mon.-Fri. 8:30-5, Sat.-Sun. 9-5, rest of year. Closed Jan. 1, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Free admission. For more information, phone (402) 223-3514.

More Articles

THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get Ideas from the Pros

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

BACK TO TOP