Where Education Meets Real Life!
Other Events Have Speakers WE Have Instructors!
Grow, Preserve, and Cook Food Like A Pioneer Homesteader
Other Events Have Speakers WE Have Instructors!
Join folks from 26 states and Canada at the largest hands-on homesteading, bushcraft, and self-reliance event in the USA. The homestead family can make memories while learning new skills at the one-of-a-kind event!
Learn To Homestead No Matter Where You Live!
Grow, Preserve, and Cook Food Like A Pioneer Homesteader
Other Events Have Speakers WE Have Instructors!
Learn how to homestead off grid and traditional self-reliance food independence and preservation skills. The Heritage Skills USA Gathering is a 3-day hands-on self-reliance event that takes place annually June 6-8, 2025 in the Hocking Hills region of Ohio.
Grow, Preserve, and Cook Food Like A Pioneer Homesteader
Grow, Preserve, and Cook Food Like A Pioneer Homesteader
Grow, Preserve, and Cook Food Like A Pioneer Homesteader
This is not a "sit, listen, and take notes" kind of event. You will be an active participant in the classes and receive skill building hands-on training. Heritage Skills USA is a hands-on heritage skills learning experience for the entire family.
Hands-On Classes For The Kiddos Too!
Nearly 100 Hands-On Classes To Choose From
Grow, Preserve, and Cook Food Like A Pioneer Homesteader
There are over 30 classes and activities offered each day just for the kiddos! Nearly 100 hands-on survival, blacksmithing, homesteading, bushcraft, butchering, off grid living, prepping, herbalism, emergency medical, wilderness survival, homeschooling, foraging, and martial arts classes will be offered by 70+ experts from around the country.
Nearly 100 Hands-On Classes To Choose From
Nearly 100 Hands-On Classes To Choose From
Nearly 100 Hands-On Classes To Choose From
Learn from the best bushcrafters in the country courtesy of our featured instructor and world renowned bushcraft expert, Dave Canterbury and his team of highly trained instructors from the famed Pathfinders School.
Prepare To Get Your Hands Dirty!
Nearly 100 Hands-On Classes To Choose From
Nearly 100 Hands-On Classes To Choose From
A sampling of homesteading, survival, bushcraft, and homeschool classes include: Butchering, Beekeeping,, Bread Making, Leathercrafting , Gardening, Cheesemaking, Blacksmithing, Fodder Making Aquaponics, Butchering, Axe Throwing, Foraging, Hide Tanning, Bushcraft, Fire Making Emergency Medical, Wilderness Survival, Canning, Herbalism, Off Grid Living, Dehydrating Livestock Husbandry, Fiber Arts, and Fermenting.
Learn From The Top Bushcrafters In The Country!
World Renowned Bushcraft Expert and New York Times Best Selling Author
Dave Canterbury and his team of Pathfinders School Instructors will be teaching all day everyday at the Heritage Skills USA Homesteading Summit.
Learn how to survive with your wits, skills, and little gear from Dave Canterbury!
Dave Canterbury's evening skill challenge contests on Saturday night are always a huge hit with attendees of all ages!
Bushcraft and Survival Expertise In Abundance
Dave Canterbury has hosted multiple TV survival series and is called on for expert advise in the Survival field by several National and Worldwide News agencies to include Fox and CNN.
The Pathfinder School Worldwide teaches students from all walks of life including government agencies and military contractors. Dave is a certified Expert Trapper with the Fur Takers of America, a certified Open Water Diver, NASAR Advanced Search and rescue certified, WFA certified, and a US Army veteran.
Hands-On Homesteading Classes!
New Name, Even Better Classes!
In addition to our outstanding instructors and Dave Canterbury and his team of Pathfinder School instructors, a host of craftsman from our region will also be participating in the largest hands-on homesteading, bushcraft, and survival event in the USA!
Camping and Lodging
On-Site camping courtesy of the Vinton County Fairgrounds,. Off-site camping options include: Lake Alma State Park, Lake Hope State Park, or at many fine area cabins, campgrounds, and hotels.
Click on the Eat, Sleep Play tab in the menu for more information.
The most economical cabin rentals will be at Lake Hope State Park -- but expect hem to be fully booked for the weekend of our homestead gathering by the end of March.
Food and Drink
Important Attendee Updates
Important Attendee Updates
Bringing in your own food to picnic during the day or at the campground will still be allowed. The McArthur Fire Department will again be serving breakfast daily. Amish cooks will be the primary food concessions during the event, but several other food vendors may also be in attendance.
Some vendors accept only cash and there is not an ATM machine on-site but are multiple available in McArthur and Hamden.
All local, state, and federal laws regarding alcohol consumption and firearms and other weapons, as well as fireworks will be enforced. Alcohol and leashed pets allowed only in the campground -with the exception of service animals.
This is a family environment, no unruly or inappropriate behavior will be tolerated. If you violate the terms of service noted at ticket purchase, you will be ejected without refund at the sole discretion of the event operators.
Get Tickets! Please send any questions to: heritageskillsusa@gmail.com
Important Attendee Updates
Important Attendee Updates
Important Attendee Updates
The Heritage Skills USA Homesteading Summit Welcome Packet will be emailed to all ticket holders two weeks prior to the event. Add heritageskillsusa@gmail.com to your email contacts to avoid the packet getting lost in your spam or promotions tab. The Welcome Packet and other important event updates will also be shared on the Heritage Skills USA Facebook page and blog.
The Homesteading Summit schedule will be posted in March - then the class registration will open. Heritage Skills USA Network members get exclusive access to registration for one week prior to opening to general ticket holders. Members also receive discounted fees or free access to some make and take or ebook included classes. Approximately 85 percent of classes are included in general admission but some have limited enrollment due to the supplies used or nature of the class. Registration is not required for general admission classes but it is the only way to secure your spot in the class.
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Heritage Skills USA Blog
How to Make Money Homesteading:
2 April 2025|Homesteading
Let’s be real—homesteading might be about the simple life, but it sure ain’t free. Between fencing that somehow always needs fixing, critters that eat more than their fair share, and the never-ending list of “just one more” projects, the expenses can add up fast. So, how do you keep the dream alive without draining your bank account? By turning your homestead into a money-making machine, that’s how!
From selling fresh eggs to running homestead workshops, there are plenty of ways to make your homestead pay for itself. So, grab a cup of homegrown herbal tea (or coffee, if you’re still working on growing your own beans), and let’s dive into how you can make a living off your homesteading efforts—without selling your soul or your favorite milk cow.
1. Sell Farm Fresh Eggs, Honey, and Dairy
If you’ve got chickens, bees, or dairy animals, you’ve got a built-in income stream. People love fresh, local food, and they’ll pay top dollar for farm-fresh eggs, raw honey, and homemade cheeses or butter. Just make sure to check your state’s cottage food laws before you start selling dairy products. (You don’t want to become an accidental outlaw over a batch of yogurt.)
Pro Tip: Fancy egg cartons and a cute farm logo can help you stand out at the farmer’s market. And if your chickens lay colorful eggs? Charge extra! Pastel eggs practically sell themselves.
2. Grow and Sell Medicinal Herbs
Herbal medicine is booming, and if you’ve got the green thumb for it, growing and selling medicinal herbs can be a fantastic way to bring in extra cash on your homestead. Think chamomile, echinacea, lemon balm, and calendula—easy to grow, in high demand, and packed with health benefits.
Ways to Sell:
- Dried herbs for teas and tinctures
- Herbal salves and balms
- DIY herb kits for beginner herbalists
3. Host Farm Tours and Homesteading Workshops
People love learning old-fashioned skills—because let’s face it, not everyone knows how to bake sourdough, churn butter, or start a fire without a lighter. Hosting workshops on your homestead can bring in a steady stream of income while helping others get back to their roots.
Ideas for Homesteading Workshops:
- Cheese-making, soap-making, and canning
- Bushcraft and survival skills
- Organic gardening and permaculture techniques
- Farm-to-table cooking classes
4. Sell Handcrafted Goods and DIY Products
If you’re the crafty type, homemade goods can be a great way to make money while staying true to your homesteading values. From hand-poured beeswax candles to goat’s milk soap, people love one-of-a-kind, homemade products.
Best-Selling Items:
- Natural skincare (lotions, lip balms, herbal salves)
- Handmade wooden tools and kitchenware
- Woven baskets and wool products
- DIY homesteading kits (sourdough starters, seed collections, herbal tea blends)
5. Monetize Your Homesteading Knowledge Online
Believe it or not, homesteading knowledge is worth real money! If you love sharing your experience, you can turn it into an online business through blogging, YouTube, or online courses.
Ways to Profit:
- Start a homesteading blog and monetize with ads and affiliate links
- Create YouTube videos on gardening, animal care, or DIY skills
- Sell e-books or online courses about homesteading topics
6. Rent Out Space for Camping or Events
Got extra land? Use it! Homesteads are a great place for rustic weddings, farm-to-table dinners, or on-site camping experiences. Websites like Hipcamp allow you to list your property for campers looking for unique stays.
Ideas for Rental Income:
- Rent out a cabin or tiny home
- Host farm stays for families wanting a homesteading experience
- Offer seasonal events like pumpkin patches, Christmas tree sales, or sunflower fields
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Want to Learn Even More? Join Us at the Heritage Skills USA Homesteading Summit!
If you’re serious about turning your homesteading skills into a profitable lifestyle, you can’t miss the Heritage Skills USA Homesteading Summit, June 6-8, 2025, in Hocking Hills, Ohio! This is the biggest hands-on homesteading event in the United States, bringing together thousands of like-minded folks ready to learn and grow.
What You’ll Find:
- 100+ homesteading classes on everything from animal husbandry to off-grid living
- 25+ classes just for kids to inspire the next generation of homesteaders
- Hands-on workshops where you’ll learn skills you can immediately apply
- Special guests: Bushcraft legend Dave Canterbury and his Pathfinder School instructors will be teaching daily bushcrafting classes!
- On-site camping available so you can fully immerse yourself in the experience
🎖 Special Discounts Available for:
- Military & First Responders
- Homeschool Families
Visit www.heritageskillsusa.com for tickets and details!
Conclusion: Start Small, Dream Big
Making money on a homestead doesn’t happen overnight, but with a little creativity and a lot of elbow grease, you can turn your passion into profit. Whether you start selling eggs at the local market or launch an online business teaching homesteading skills, every little bit adds up.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there, get your hands dirty, and start building the homesteading life of your dreams—one dollar (and one farm-fresh egg) at a time.
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Homesteading and Homeschool Freebies!
The learning and spending time with other like-minded folks does not need to end when an event is over for the year. Join the Heritage Skills USA Network to enjoy survival books and homesteading books, planners, logs, journals, cookbooks, a homeschool curriculum created for prepping families, and Level A online classes. Network members also receive discounted tickets to all Heritage Skills USA events as well as first access to class registration and on-site camping. Click here to join the Heritage Skills USA Network today for only $25 for 12 full months today! No auto-renewal.
You CAN become a homesteader regardless of how many acres you call home!!
Our ultimate guides, handbooks, cookbooks, and journals will teach you how to:
- Grow your own food.
- Learn how to identify and use medicinal herbs.
- Teach you about raising small scale livestock on your homestead - no matter where you live ... and how to butcher and preserve meat!
- Learn about canning the groceries you grow and raise.
- Discover how to set up your very own permaculture garden.
- Become educated on the value livestock manure and learn about composting and how to set up your own system on the cheap.
- Become better informed about the art of bartering and how mastering these skills are great way to help you save money while taking care of your family's own needs without spending money at a store - and for if you can't go shopping during uncertain times.
Handicap Accessibility
This is an outdoor survival, homeschool, and homesteading event where uneven terrain and off pavement conditions should be expected to be encountered. Rain before or during the event may make some areas difficult or impossible to traverse by wheelchair.
The road through the main event venue is a combination of gravel and dirt that is usually passable by a wheelchair, but weather conditions could alter passability. All barns, buildings, and permanent restrooms are handicap accessible.
There are roughly 5 handicap parking spots in the heart of the main event venue. These will be used daily on a first come first serve basis. If an attendee alerts event staff at the front gate that all handicap accessible parking spaces are taken, a drop off to the main event building or as near as possible to an event area will be permitted. Please contact us via email with any specific questions or concerns about handicap accessibility prior to purchasing a non-refundable ticket or during the event in the case of inclement weather that may alter accessibility conditions at the outdoor event.
Contact Us
Have Questions? Contact Us Anytime!
Contact the Heritage Skills USA team with survival, homeschool, or homesteading event, lodging, presenter, demonstrator, or vendor questions via email - heritageskillsusa@gmail.com or by contacting Bob and Tara Dodrill at 740-596-4037
