Homestead National Historical Park contributes $2 million to Nebraska economy

BEATRICE, Neb. (KLKN) – Homestead National Historical Park is getting more and more popular every year.

And in 2021, park visitors’ spending supported 27 jobs in the community, according to a study by the National Park Service and the U.S. Geological Survey.

“In the year 2021, our 54,000 park visitors spent approximately $2 million in the surrounding communities,” said Chief of Interpretation Amy Genke.

Visitors come to the park to do research and find out if they are part of the 93 million Americans who are descendants of homesteaders.

“We have visitors locally from the community of Beatrice, from the state of Nebraska, and honestly across the country,” Genke said. “Looking at our visitor log earlier today, I saw that there were visitors from California, Colorado.”

But Homestead also values the support it receives from neighbors. Genke said the park coexists with the community.

“We have great partnerships with the community.” she said. “Visitors return to the park over and over again. We couldn’t do what we do without the support of the local community.”

Homestead National Historical Park is open to the public seven days a week.

The park offers summer programs throughout July and August.

Entrance to the park is free.