Picnic in the Park – A National Park Service Centennial Event at Homestead National Monument of America

Date: June 9, 2016

Homestead National Monument of America is excited to invite you to "Picnic in the Park" on International Picnic Day, June 18, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. National parks across the United States will be welcoming to picnic in honor of the National Park Service's Centennial.

Join others in a "virtual picnic" on June 8. Take pictures of yourself and your picnic and post them on social media to compete for virtual awards by posting them and hash tagging #picnicinthepark and #findyourpark. Watch social media to see what other people are doing across the country at their "Picnic in the Park". Awards will be given the following week for a variety of categories. 

Studies have proven that nature is good for you. Nature improves your mood and improves physical, mental and spiritual health. It's a great way to have fun with family and friends. Parks foster social connections vital to social well being. This is a great time to experience your national parks.

Here are some tips to make your picnic great! Come prepared: bring insect repellant, sunscreen, water and food. Pack for the place you are picnicking. Will you need a map, proper clothing including shoes? Is there an activity guide that you can download?   Check in at the visitor center for information about the park. Know what food you pack. Store chilled foods in coolers with ice packs and in the shade, not in a hot car. Put grilled foods on a clean plate. To learn more, visit www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/healthy-parks.htm. 

"Picnic in the Park is a fun way to celebrate the National Park Service Centennial. National parks have so many things to offer the public. They are places of enjoyment;places to rest;places to recreate. And places to rejuvenate the soul." stated Superintendent Mark Engler.

Remember, Homestead National Monument of America has an exciting schedule of events planned for 2016. Keep up with the latest information by following us on Twitter (HomesteadNM) and Facebook (Homestead National Monument of America).

Homestead National Monument of America is a unit of the National Park Service located four miles west of Beatrice, Nebraska. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.daily through Labor Day. Admission is free of charge. For additional information, please call 402-223-3514 or visit https://www.nps.gov/home/index.htm.

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA TM

The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.