Prescribed burn planned at Homestead National Historical Park

BEATRICE, Neb.- Homestead National Historical Park plans to conduct a prescribed burn treating approximately 60 acres. The prescribed fire will occur on the first day in which favorable and safe conditions exist between now and May 1, 2026. Representatives from the National Park Service, local firefighters, and other federal firefighting agencies and departments will assist in igniting, monitoring, and managing the prescribed fire.

The prescribed burn will be conducted in the prairie and woodland to reduce wildfire risk and promote native biodiversity.

The 2.5 miles of trails within the park will be temporarily closed during the prescribed burn and will reopen as soon as it is deemed safe. Travelers on State Hwy 4 should use extra caution if traveling through the park while the burn is occurring. The public is invited to view the burn from the Heritage Center patio.

Homestead National Historical Park is a unit of the National Park Service, located four miles west of Beatrice, NE. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Trails are open daily from dawn to dusk, and admission is free. For more information, please call (402) 223-3514, or visit http://www.nps.gov/home.

Remember, Homestead National Historical Park has an exciting schedule of events planned for 2026. Keep up with the latest information by following us on Instagram (@HomesteadNPS), X (HomesteadNHP) and Facebook (Homestead National Historical Park).