Beatrice, Nebraska: Homestead Country Hunting Near Lincoln

Beatrice is the Gage County seat with a population of roughly 12,400, making it one of the larger towns in southeast Nebraska. Located just 40 minutes south of Lincoln along Highway 77, Beatrice is close enough to the state capital to attract weekend hunters while still offering a genuine small-city experience. The town is anchored by Homestead National Historical Park, which commemorates the Homestead Act of 1862 that opened the Great Plains to settlement.

The Town

Beatrice has a vibrant downtown with restaurants, shops, and public spaces that reflect ongoing community investment. The Homestead National Historical Park draws visitors year-round, and the town uses that traffic to support a healthy local economy. Beatrice has more services and amenities than most hunting destinations on this list, which makes it a good choice for hunters bringing family members who may not spend all day in the field.

Where to Eat

Beatrice has a solid restaurant scene for its size. Local steakhouses, family restaurants, and a growing number of updated eateries give you plenty of options. Breakfast spots open early enough for pre-dawn departures, and dinner options stay open late enough for hunters coming in from evening sits. The variety here is a step up from most small-town Nebraska dining.

Where to Stay

Hotels and motels in Beatrice include national chain properties and locally owned options. The selection is broad enough that finding a room during hunting season is typically not a problem. Rates are reasonable, and the proximity to Lincoln means you could also base out of the capital city if you prefer.

Where to Hunt

Homestead WMA near Beatrice provides public hunting access in a landscape of grassland, timber, and agricultural edges. The WMA is managed for multiple species including deer, turkey, and upland birds.

The Big Blue River corridor running through Gage County is the primary attraction for deer hunters. The river-bottom timber, agricultural fields, and brushy creek channels create classic whitetail habitat. Gage County produces consistent deer harvests, and the timber bottoms hold mature bucks that benefit from the relative proximity to Lincoln, where suburban sprawl creates a refuge effect that pushes big deer into the surrounding rural areas.

Turkey hunting in Gage County has improved significantly in recent years. The river timber provides excellent roosting habitat, and the adjacent fields offer strutting and feeding areas. Spring gobbler hunting along the Big Blue River can be highly productive.

Why Beatrice Works for Weekend Hunters

The biggest advantage of Beatrice is proximity. At 40 minutes from Lincoln, you can leave work Friday afternoon and be in a treestand by Saturday morning without a multi-hour drive. The hunting in Gage County is solid, the town is comfortable and welcoming, and the infrastructure means you will not want for anything. For Lincoln-based hunters or out-of-state visitors flying into Lincoln, Beatrice is one of the most convenient quality hunting destinations in the state.