Homestead National Historical Park is opening its gates Saturday at 4 p.m. for Howling Homestead, a free autumn gathering at its Heritage Center featuring raptor demonstrations and a pumpkin for the first 100 children who attend — just leave the costumes at home.
According to the Omaha World-Herald, the event kicks off at the park's Heritage Center near Beatrice. Past editions have featured a mad scientist, snakes, and raptors. Hot apple cider and cookies round out the evening, and organizers say the whole affair is appropriate for all ages — though visitors are asked to dress for the weather since many activities take place outdoors, the paper notes.
The raptor demonstrations are presented by Raptor Recovery, a statewide raptor education and conservation initiative run through Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue, which cares for injured and non-releasable birds of prey and runs community education programs across Nebraska, according to Nebraska Public Media.
A Tradition Rooted in the Prairie
Howling Homestead has been held in multiple years, including 2018, 2019, and 2022. A 2022 edition included a tallgrass prairie hike and a night-sky activity.
The park's tallgrass prairie has been part of Howling Homestead programming, including a hike at the 2022 event.
From Monument to Historical Park
The park is four miles west of Beatrice.
Howling Homestead is free to attend and is supported by the Friends of Homestead, a nonprofit that supports the park.
Why the Park Matters Locally
A past Howling Homestead offered the first 100 children a free pumpkin and included a tallgrass prairie hike.
Free community events like Howling Homestead give families another reason to visit the park.
