ASO Field Trip to Homestead National Historical Park
Join the Audubon Society of Omaha at Homestead National Historic Park located in Beatrice, Nebraska on Saturday November 1, 2025 by 10am (park opens at 9am.) All ages welcome!
“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!” —NPS website
Schedule of Events
10am-10:45am: Plan to arrive at the Heritage Center by 10am for a Ranger-led talk and film that will provide information the Homestead Act of 1862 and the impact to Native lifeways; the growth of midwestern communities and expansion of the United States into western spaces; and opportunities the act afforded women, immigrants, and Black Americans.
10:45am-12pm: There will be a ranger led Bird Walk where we hope to see woodpeckers, plus prairie and woodland species that may still be in the area. The trail system at the park includes tall grass prairie, riverine complex and mature forest areas.
12pm-? (Park closes at 5pm): Bring your own picnic basket or cooler with drinks, snacks and food to enjoy on the Heritage Center Grounds with other field trip participants. (Indoor space available if weather necessitates.) After lunch, spend the remainder of the day at your own pace enjoying self guided hiking or independent exploration of the park.
Please dress in layers for variable fall weather. Consider long pants, socks to cover pant hems and bug spray to prevent ticks. Trails are gravel and grass so sneakers/running shoes are appropriate. If there is rain prior to our visit, consider hiking shoes/boots for added support in potentially muddy conditions. A limited number of wheelchairs are available — we highly recommend contacting the park to discuss availability prior to the field trip.
There are no food or drink services at the park, so please bring your own water, snacks and a lunch to enjoy at the park. Restrooms and picnic tables are available. Please leave pets at home as they are not permitted on the trails nor in the buildings.
Please register (including all family members planning to attend). Space is limited to 30 participants. See you there!
Photo credit: Jacerdo on Flickr
