Things To Do Near Homestead National Monument of America
The Homestead National Monument of America offers a wide range of sites and activities to introduce you to the history, lives, and impact of homesteaders. Most of Nebraska's tallgrass prairie was plowed under by the new farmers. At the monument, however, the landscape has been restored to its 1860s-era glory. Explore historic structures, walk three miles of trails, and check out the well-curated educational exhibits.
Hiking Trails
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Grain Growers Highway Trail
The Grain Growers Highway Trail follows a section of a historic road that was designed to travel from Nebraska to Yellowstone National Park. During the 1920s, just seven miles were completed before the government abandoned the project. The trail, which is wide and easy to navigate, travels from the Homestead Heritage Center through the prairie toward the Homestead Education Center, passing the Prairie Plaza viewing platform. You can use this path to connect to the Woodland Loop trail, the Farm Loop Trail, and the Cottonwood Loop Trail.
Location
Heritage Center, 8523 NE-4, Beatrice, NE 68310
Length
0.4 mile
Intensity
Easy
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Upland Prairie Loop Trail
The longest trail in the Homestead National Monument of America, the Upland Prairie Loop Trail starts at the Heritage Center and passes the Freeman Graves site. As you walk through the grassy landscape, you'll pass next to the Osage orange hedgerow; planted by Daniel Freeman in the 1800s, this hedge protected the farmland from the prairie winds.
Location
Heritage Center, 8523 NE-4, Beatrice, NE 68310
Length
1.3 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Woodland Loop Trail
Short and easy, the Woodland Loop Trail is a pleasant hike when you're short on time. It takes you to the site where a squatter's cabin once stood before looping back and passing the spot where the Freeman house once stood. This trail is an opportunity to explore the bur oak woodland, which offers welcome breezes and plenty of shade.
Location
Education Center, 8523 NE-4, Beatrice, NE 68310
Length
0.3 miles
Intensity
Easy
Sightseeing
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Palmer-Epard Cabin
See what a typical homesteader's cabin looked like at the Palmer-Epard Cabin. Built in 1867, this structure is just 14 feet by 16 feet — spacious, by historic standards. The cabin has been relocated several times since the Epard family moved out after 45 years, and National Park Service employees have carefully restored it to look as it did during the early part of the Homestead Act.
Location
Heritage Center, 8523 NE-4, Beatrice, NE 68310
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Freeman School
The Freeman School is a one-room schoolhouse that was the center of life in the area from 1872 to 1967. The brick structure has been restored to its original 1870s style, allowing you to see how children of homesteaders spent their days on the prairie.
Location
8523 NE-4, Beatrice, NE 68310
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Prairie Plaza
Get an exceptional view of the Homestead National Monument of America's tallgrass prairie at Prairie Plaza. An elevated viewing platform looks out over the grasslands, providing opportunities to spot wildlife or relax in the sunshine. Park at the Heritage Center and walk to the plaza along the Grain Growers Highway Trail.
Location
Heritage Center, 8523 NE-4, Beatrice, NE 68310
Museums
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National Homesteading Museum
The National Homesteading Museum, which is located inside the Heritage Center, is the first stop on any visit to the Homestead National Monument of America. A series of exhibits introduce you to the Homestead Act, which gave unprecedented economic possibilities to women and formerly enslaved people. Discover how the process displaced Native American people, and find out about the challenges and realities of life on a homestead. Be sure to check out the farm implement room, which showcases the different pieces of equipment that homesteaders used to work the land.
Location
8523 West State Highway 4, Beatrice, NE 68310
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Gage County Museum
Dive deeper into life in Nebraska at the Gage County Museum. Run by the Gage County Historical Society, this museum is set in a railway station that was built in 1906. More than 10,000 artifacts tell the story of the county. You can see photos, read personal stories, and explore a recreated historic dentist's office during your visit.
Location
101 N 2nd St, Beatrice, NE 68310
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Wilber Czech Museum
Drive 19 miles north to check out the Wilber Czech Museum, a small spot dedicated to Czech immigrants in Nebraska. With three floors and a wide range of historic vignettes, including a meat market and typical pioneer rooms, this museum provides another perspective on prairie life.
Location
102 W 3rd St, Wilber, NE 68465
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Festers Bait & Tackle
Get the lowdown on the best local fishing spots at Festers Bait & Tackle. You'll also find drinks, snacks, and all of the fishing gear you need. Make sure to check out the wall of photos featuring local anglers.
Location
500 S 11th St, Beatrice, NE 68310
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Triple A Antiques
Shop for vintage furniture and decor at Triple A Antiques. Allow plenty of time to browse; the aisles are tightly packed with all types of treasures, so you never know what you'll find.
Location
110 N 7th St, Beatrice, NE 68310
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Rivercity Smoke House
The Rivercity Smoke House is a classic barbecue joint. Dig into a rack of ribs or brisket, and make sure to leave room for the fantastic baked beans.
Location
422 S 6th St, Beatrice, NE 68310
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The Black Crow
Known for its exceptional wine list and elevated food, The Black Crow is Beatrice's best spot for a romantic evening or a delicious meal. Try the scallops in rose cream sauce or go all-in with the Nebraska beef tenderloin.
Location
405 Court St, Beatrice, NE 68310
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Kuro-Sakura Hibachi and Sushi
Enjoy classic sushi rolls and grilled Japanese meals at Kuro-Sakura Hibachi and Sushi. This small food truck is designed for takeout; eat at a table nearby, or take your food back to camp for an elegant meal around the campfire.
Location
123 N 4th St, Beatrice, NE 68310