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
The Best States for Homesteading
3 April 2025|Homesteading
So, you’ve decided to dive into the wild and wonderful world of homesteading. Maybe you’re dreaming of raising chickens, growing your own food, or living off-grid with nothing but a woodstove and your survival skills. But before you start building that log cabin, you’ve got one big decision to make: Where should you homestead?
Not all states are created equal when it comes to homesteading. Some have cheap land and low taxes, while others will tax you to death before you even get your first goat. Let’s take a look at ten of the best states for homesteading, breaking down the pros, cons, and what you need to know before packing up the wagon (or, you know, your moving truck).
1. Tennessee – The Homesteader’s Haven
Pros:
- No state income tax
- Long growing season and mild winters
- Affordable land, especially in rural areas
- Strong homesteading community
Cons:
- Some areas have high humidity (prepare for mold and mildew!)
- Property prices near cities are rising
Average Land Cost: $3,500 per acre Property Tax Rate: 0.71% Crime Rate: Lower than the national average
Tennessee’s rolling hills and friendly neighbors make it a solid choice for homesteading—just don’t be surprised if you find yourself picking ticks off your livestock (and yourself) more often than you’d like.
2. Missouri – Cheap Land and Freedom
Pros:
- Incredibly affordable land
- Lax building codes in rural areas
- Good mix of farmland and forests
Cons:
- Summers can be brutally hot and humid
- Tornadoes are a real concern
Average Land Cost: $3,000 per acre Property Tax Rate: 0.97% Crime Rate: Higher than average in urban areas, but low in rural regions
Missouri is a dream for anyone wanting land on the cheap. Just make sure you have a storm shelter handy when tornado season rolls around.
3. Idaho – Off-Grid Paradise
Pros:
- Lots of remote land for off-grid living
- Strong farming and ranching communities
- Low crime rates
Cons:
- Winters are long and harsh
- Land prices are rising fast
Average Land Cost: $5,500 per acre Property Tax Rate: 0.69% Crime Rate: One of the lowest in the U.S.
If you love mountains, solitude, and the idea of chopping wood all winter, Idaho is calling your name.
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4. Kentucky – Bluegrass and Bountiful Land
Pros:
- Fertile soil and a long growing season
- Low cost of living
- Reasonable building regulations
Cons:
- Summers can be muggy
- Some areas have unpredictable weather
Average Land Cost: $4,000 per acre Property Tax Rate: 0.83% Crime Rate: Low in rural areas
Kentucky is great for homesteaders who want good farmland and a tight-knit community. Just be ready for some wild weather swings.
5. Alaska – The Last Frontier
Pros:
- Free land programs in some areas
- No state income or sales tax
- Plenty of hunting, fishing, and wild food
Cons:
- Harsh winters and short growing season
- High cost of supplies
Average Land Cost: $3,500 per acre (cheaper in remote areas) Property Tax Rate: 1.19% Crime Rate: Higher than average in some areas
If you’re tough enough to handle sub-zero temps and months of darkness, Alaska offers some of the best opportunities for true self-sufficiency.
6. Texas – The Land of Opportunity
Pros:
- No state income tax
- Tons of available land
- Mild winters in most areas
Cons:
- Property taxes are high
- Water availability can be an issue
Average Land Cost: $4,500 per acre Property Tax Rate: 1.8% Crime Rate: Varies widely by region
Texas is big enough to offer a little of everything—just make sure your well doesn’t run dry in the summer heat.
7. Montana – Big Sky Country
Pros:
- Low population density
- Abundant wildlife and natural resources
- No state sales tax
Cons:
- Harsh winters
- Land prices are rising
Average Land Cost: $6,000 per acre Property Tax Rate: 0.83% Crime Rate: Low
Montana is perfect for homesteaders who want space, stunning views, and don’t mind a long, snowy winter.
Want to Learn More? Come to the Heritage Skills USA Homesteading Summit!
If you’re serious about homesteading, you can’t miss the Heritage Skills USA Homesteading Summit, June 6-8, 2025, in Hocking Hills, Ohio! It’s the biggest hands-on homesteading event in the U.S., with 100+ classes covering everything from animal husbandry to off-grid skills.
Highlights:
- 25 classes just for kids – Teach them self-sufficiency early!
- Bushcraft legend Dave Canterbury and his Pathfinder School instructors will be teaching daily.
- On-site camping for a full immersion experience.
- Discounts for military, first responders, and homeschool families.
Visit www.heritageskillsusa.com for details!
Conclusion: Finding the Right Homestead for You
No matter where you settle, homesteading is about resilience, creativity, and embracing a lifestyle of self-sufficiency. Whether you’re drawn to the mild climate of Tennessee or the rugged independence of Alaska, there’s a homesteading haven out there waiting for you.
So, which state sounds like your perfect homestead? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear where you’re planning to plant your roots!
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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
