A historic cabin stands next to a concrete path that leads to a plow shaped visitor center

National Historical Park

Homestead National Historical Park

visit on nps.gov

Info

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.

Park Photos

A historic cabin stands next to a concrete path that leads to a plow shaped visitor center
1 of 7

The Palmer Epard Cabin and Heritage Center at Sunset

Credit: NPS Photo/Hunter Hendricks

A historic cabin stands next to a concrete path that leads to a plow shaped visitor center
A historic one room schoolhouse
The tallgrass prairie is yellow with goldenrod in full bloom.
The Homestead Heritage Center on the tallgrass prairie
The tallgrass prairie spans to the Heritage Center on the horizon.
The Homestead Education Center
A homestead cabin at sunset

Activities

  • Arts and Culture
  • Compass and GPS
  • Geocaching
  • Food
  • Picnicking
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Hiking
  • Living History
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Park Film
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping

Operating Hours

Trails and park grounds are open from sunrise to sunset. Picnic areas are available at the Education Center and Heritage Center. There are a total of 3.0 miles of trails through the tallgrass prairie and woodland.

DayHours
Wednesday
Sunrise to Sunset
Monday
Sunrise to Sunset
Thursday
Sunrise to Sunset
Sunday
Sunrise to Sunset
Tuesday
Sunrise to Sunset
Friday
Sunrise to Sunset
Saturday
Sunrise to Sunset

Weather info

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.

Events