• Homestead Heritage Center & Prairie

    Homestead

    National Monument of America Nebraska

Laws & Policies

Firearms and other weapons

Legislation: As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws to legally possess firearms in this park. Refer to Section 512 of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, Public Law 111-24, 123 Stat. 1764-65.

Park User Responsibility: It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearm laws before entering this park.

Review the Nebraska State Laws regarding firearms.

Weapons Prohibited in Federal Facilities: Federal law also prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park; those places are marked with signs at all public entrances. Refer to 18 U.S.C. § 930.

 

Special Monument Regulations

Visitors may obtain additional information or permit applications by contacting:

Office of the Superintendent, Homestead National Monument of America, 8523 West State Highway 4, Beatrice, Nebraska 68310-6743 (402) 223-3514.

Visitors who would like to apply for a special use permit can download an application below.

Application for Special Use Permit

All buildings, grounds and parking areas within the authorized boundaries of Homestead National Monument of America are closed to all public use from sunset to sunrise. Permission for after hour events may be granted through the Office of the Superintendent.

Sports and recreation

All areas are closed to public use involving sports or recreation unrelated to the historical theme of Homestead National Monument of America. Regulated activities include but not wholly limited to organized sporting events or teams, i.e. flag football, soccer, baseball…etc.

Public fishing and boating

Boating is allowed only by written authoriza­tion from the Superintendent Office. Fishing is authorized in accordance with Nebraska Fishing Regulations; a valid Nebraska fishing license is required.

Trails and grounds

All trails and grounds are closed to bicycles and motorized vehicles other than emergency vehicles, firefighting vehicles and vehicles performing maintenance activities. An exception is a motorized wheelchair used by a mobility-impaired person. Other exceptions may be made through the Office of the Superintendent.

Special Events

Special events, weddings, public assemblies, meetings, certain commercial photography, sale or distribution of printed matter and any other activities of organized groups require a written permit from the Superintendent. The permit must be approved prior to the event and can be designated to a specific area.

Visitors can also obtain the applications for commercial photography permits by downloading them below.

Application for Commerical Filming/Still Photograph Permit (short)

Application for Commerical Filming/Still Photography Permit (long)

Preservation of Natural, Cultural and Archeological resources:

Public use is restricted to established trails as identified on park maps and publications. Exceptions:

- The mowed lawn areas of the Freeman School and adjacent to the Heritage Center and Education Center complex.

- For collection of consumable resources identified below.

Consumable Resources

A one (1) gallon pail, per person, per day of the following may be gathered for personal use or consumption: Walnuts, wild strawberries, plums, asparagus, mulberries, mushrooms, gooseberries, hedge apples, rosehips, elderberries, choke cherries

Wildlife Protection

The monument is closed to all hunting or trapping and the viewing of wildlife with artificial light.

Research Specimens

A permit is required for collection of any plants, wildlife, fish, rocks, or minerals except for plants as noted above or for recreation fishing.

Camping and food storage

Overnight camping by the visiting public is prohibited in the monument, unless approved by the Superintendent.

Picnicking

Picnicking is prohibited in the following areas:

·The restored tall grass prairie and woodland areas
·All hiking and walking trails
·Exceptions made at the discretion of the Superintendent

Fires

All Fires (including charcoal) are prohibited unless approved by the Superintendent.

Pets

Pets are prohibited in the following areas:

· The restored tall grass prairie and woodland areas
·All hiking/walking trails
· All buildings: unless a service animal, i.e. Seeing Eye dogs, hearing dogs, etc.
·Monument's community garden

Horses and pack animals

The use of horses and pack stock on trails is prohibited. Exception would be horses associated with park approved special events or mounted rangers.

Winter Activities

No winter activity (sledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing…etc) may leave the designated hiking/walking trails within the monument.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in all areas and buildings with these exceptions:

· paved roads
· concrete sidewalks
· parking lots
· permanent employee residence

Alcoholic Beverages and Controlled Substances

Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the monument except by special use permit.

Explosives

The possession and/or use of fireworks, firecrackers or black powder or explosives in the monument is prohibited except by special use permit.

Public Assemblies, Meetings

Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, and other public expressions of views will be permitted if a permit has been issued and at locations designated to balance the legitimate need of persons to express their views and the needs of park visitors to enjoy the park and its resources.

Sale or Distribution of Printed Matter

The sale or distribution of printed matter will be permitted at locations designated to balance the legitimate need of persons to express their views and the needs of park visitors to enjoy the park and its resources.

Superintendent's Compendium of Designations, Closures, Permits, Requirements and Other Restrictions Imposed under Discretionary Authority.

Did You Know?

Women in period dress

Women were allowed to own the deed to 160 acres of land under the Homestead Act, 60 years before they earned the right to vote.
  -- Homestead National Monument of America