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Homestead National Historical Park

Most Overlooked National Park System Units

There seem to be countless national park stories in the media about "best this" or "best that," or "most underrated" park. More often than not, those stories revolve around the 63 "national parks" that go into the 428 units of the National Park System. What about the remaining 365 units? Let's take a look at some of the most overlooked parks in that universe (and we hope you'll help!).

National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 202 | Favorite National Park Stories From 2022

National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 202 Podcast Image

We’re just about to close the books on 2022, and what a year in the National Park System it has been. We’ve seen catastrophic flooding, drought, and crowds, lots of crowds.

Today though, we’re going to focus on some of the positives about being out and about in the parks. Editor Kurt Repanshek is joined by contributing editors Lynn Riddick and Kim O’Connell to discuss their favorite adventures and stories from the parks this past year. 

Homestead National Historical Park: Grit, Anguish, And Occasionally Jubilation

While the prospect of free land that the Homestead Act promised sounds typically American -- hard work and determination will lift you up -- the stories you can explore at Homestead National Historical Park in Nebraska reflect both jubilation and anguish, deprivation and self-determination.

Exploring Homestead National Historical Park

There are more than 400 units of the National Park System, though most of the roughly 300 million visitors a year head to only about two dozen of those units. The National Parks Traveler has worked this year to raise the profile of the other 400 units and explain why they deserve your attention. Homestead National Historical Park in Nebraska is one of those units.

National Parks Traveler Episode 180: Exploring Homestead National Historical Park

National Parks Traveler Episode 180: Homestead National Historical Park

Homestead National Historical Park near Beatrice, Nebraska, isn’t that big, just 211 acres, but as the saying goes it plays much, much bigger. Here you’ll find the National Museum on Homesteading, historic buildings including the Palmer-Epard log cabin that despite its small size – just 14 feet by 16 feet – was home to a family of 12, along with agricultural equipment, genealogy research opportunities, an education center, hiking trails through 100 acres of restored tallgrass prairie and a burr oak forest.

Audio Postcard From The Parks: Stitching National Parks Together

Artist Nancy Hershberger discusses how she turns national park settings into artistic quilts.

Though Nancy Hershberger might be dismissed by "traditional" quilters, her patchwork designs capture a setting deserving a spot in an art gallery, or a wall in your home. True, her quilts won't cover your bed or keep you physically warm on a cold night. But they likely will bring a knowing smile to your face and possibly remind you of a place in time from your wanderings through the National Park System.

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The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.