Three American adventurers—Terry Nicholson, Jeff Margrave, and Vandyck Jennings—are captivated by tales of a mysterious land inhabited solely by women. It is rumored that no man has ever emerged from this enigmatic place. Driven by curiosity, the trio hires a local guide to lead them to the secluded "Herland," as Terry mockingly calls it. Upon their arrival, they encounter three women—Ellador, Celis, and Alima—whose agility astonishes them. Despite their attempts to capture the women, they find themselves outpaced by the women's swift movements. Intrigued, the explorers venture into the village, convinced that such an efficient civilization must be the handiwork of men. However, upon reaching the town, they are overwhelmed by a crowd of women. When they resist cooperating with Herland’s inhabitants, they are swiftly overpowered, anesthetized, and placed in comfortable confinement.

Learning the Ways of Herland

While detained, the men are assigned tutors who teach them Herland's language, culture, and history, along with the expected behavior for guests in this unique society. They learn that Herland was once a society of both men and women, engaged in regular conflicts with neighboring tribes that decimated its male population. A revolt led by enslaved men resulted in the deaths of remaining male leaders and older women, forcing the surviving females to take up arms. They triumphed over their would-be conquerors and have lived without men for two millennia.

The Miracle of Parthenogenesis

The women of Herland achieve reproduction through parthenogenesis, a remarkable self-fertilization process that has become universal among them. This unique ability not only allows them to bear female offspring but also forms the spiritual core of their society. Herlanders embrace a maternal pantheism, acknowledging their children as the nation's life force and salvation. Every citizen contributes to creating what they term Conscious Makers of People, focusing on selective motherhood, communal nurturing, and equal education, which eradicates the destructive tendencies of past civilizations, replacing aggression with cooperation.

Adapting to a New Reality

Vandyck and Jeff immerse themselves in their studies, gradually adapting to their new environment. In contrast, Terry remains frustrated and combative, clinging to outdated beliefs and attempting to assert dominance. His disdainful remarks about the women reveal his inability to comprehend or embrace their society. He fails to manipulate or charm his captors, finding himself at odds with their peaceful yet firm demeanor.

Bridging Cultural Gaps

The tutors, with genuine curiosity, ask the men about American social customs. Herland's seclusion has left its people eager to learn about the outside world. The women's surprise at the explorers' descriptions highlights the primitive aspects of American culture, such as its patriarchal family structure, economic systems, labor divisions, educational practices, and religious beliefs. Vandyck, the story's narrator, gradually realizes the contrast between these and Herland's more advanced, egalitarian society, uncovering the patriarchal and barbaric roots of his own culture.

Marriage and Cultural Conflicts

Once the men master the basics of Herland's culture and language, they are granted freedom from physical confinement, although they are still not permitted to leave. They soon fall for the women they initially met, culminating in a communal wedding ceremony. However, the men are taken aback by Herland's resistance to Western concepts of possessive relationships. Marriages in Herland are built on platonic love and communal ideals, rather than patriarchal ownership. The women initially see no purpose in sexual intercourse and are unwilling to adopt their husbands' surnames or establish private homes, preferring to continue their forestry work.

Love and Misunderstanding

Despite these cultural differences, Vandyck and Ellador form a deeply emotional and equal partnership. Jeff, having easily adjusted, finds contentment in his life with Celis. However, Terry, the most chauvinistic of the group, refuses to relinquish his perceived rights as a husband. After a failed attempt to assault his wife Alima, she defends herself, leading to Terry's imprisonment, trial, and eventual banishment. Vandyck and Ellador choose to accompany him, driven by Ellador’s desire to understand Western society for the benefit of Herland. Jeff decides to stay with Celis, who is now pregnant, marking the first instance of a man-fathered pregnancy in Herland in two thousand years.