Location: North Platte
Top Things to do in North Platte
- 1. Cody Park
- 2. Union Pacific Railroad Bailey Yard
- 3. Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center
- 4. Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park
- 5. Lincoln County Historical Museum
- 6. America's 20th Century Veterans' Memorial
- 7. Feather river winery
- 8. Grain Bin Antique Town
- 9. North Platte Area Children's Museum
- 10. Lake Maloney State Recreation Area
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The 10 Best Things to Do in North Platte, United States
North Platte is a city in and the county seat of Lincoln County, Nebraska, United States. It is located in the southwestern part of the state, along Interstate 80, at the confluence of the North and South Platte Rivers forming the Platte River. The population was 24,733 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in North Platte
1. Cody Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
Reviewed By NiceFLTraveler - Niceville, Florida
This park is fantastic! Both our kids loved it. The trains were amazing. My husband and I had as much fun on them as the kids did. The steamer and diesel both have access to the cab. The steamer had a few cars you could walk through, including, a mail car and caboose. There was also a little train depot. The park area was really nice with lots of swings. The bathroom by the park was a bit odd (no doors in the ladies room...hmmm). We were pleasantly surprised with all the animals in the park. And it's all free!
2. Union Pacific Railroad Bailey Yard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
Reviewed By DK8989
If you're a rail or train buff this is definitely a not to miss location. The 90 ft tower to see the yard is outstanding and a must to view the whole operation. Costs about 5 per person.
3. Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 389 reviews
Reviewed By jazzie F - Canandaigua
You must go here. Three days later, we're still carrying the emotions and awe of the visit. Here are the highlights of the three areas of depot history that you SHOULD NOT miss:
Bailey yard: This place is incredible. What a masterpiece of design and foresight that Mr. Bailey had. This is a massive sorting yard, where 10,000 cars per day are sorted by tracks and formed into 130 car trains that go to the same end destination. The yard is 8 miles long and 3-1/2 miles wide. It's a one of kind, unique in the world, right here in North Platte.
Your first stop should be the gift shop where you can acclimate yourself for what you will shortly see in person. There's a short video and 4 or 5 plaques that describe the historical highlights of the yard, including information on Buffalo Bills home base and the tragedy that occurred here. You brought your binoculars, right? Next head up to the 7th floor where you can view the yard and start to identify planned, sequential movements that will make more sense once you talk to the docent on the 8th floor. The docents are very knowledgeable and I would be surprised if you could present them with a question that you couldn't answer. Did you know that the cars are sorted by a bar code or imbedded chip on the side of each car? Learn about and spot with your binoculars the remote control car movement. Also look for the control center and see if you can spot the return of the sandhill cranes. Wow.
Note: nighttime access is provided on the third Saturday of the month. The lights and train movements must be so cool.
Next highlight was the WWII canteen that worked out of the depot, since demolished. Bring extra tissues, you'll need them. This information and personal-account video is on the the 7th floor. If you take the stairs you'll miss it unless you circle over to the elevator area. Despite food rations, the women of the area provided coffee, cigarettes, sandwiches, cookies, treats, and even birthday cakes to 6 MILLION servicemen traveling through Nebraska on their way to or from the war. They sacrificed their own food rations to do so too. The video was fascinating and gave us tremendous insight into a historical event of which we knew nothing.
The last highlight that you CANNOT miss is information the orphan train that went thorough North Platte. You'll need the spare tissues you brought. This is an almost hour long video, personal-account provided at the elevator area on the 8th floor.
I am so thankful that we stopped and were able to immerse ourselves into the history of this remarkable stop. We were awed, saddened, and humbled.
4. Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
Reviewed By alphawolfie - oklahoma
We did not get to tour the house as this state historic site had limited hours when we were there. We did get to tour the grounds and see the interesting architecture of both the house and barn. The barn has shotgun stocks as the rafter endings under the eaves. A really neat feature. The grounds are lovely and well kept, there is a small pond with a small waterfall letting the water run through the park.
5. Lincoln County Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By Swimfins - San Salvador, El Salvador
This place has everything from fossilized dinosaur poo to extensive exhibits of artifacts from the Great Wars and the frontier days. It is absolutely worth the time to stop in and browse around.
The buildings out back are period-authentic, often with original pieces to the building - there's a barber shop, a couple of houses, a schoolhouse, and other buildings.
6. America's 20th Century Veterans' Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By kanbaatar - Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
There is no question that this is a MUST SEE attraction IF you have served in the military or if you support our military. Is it a solemn attraction. You better believe it is a solemn attraction. Men and Women, gave up their very lives in the service to our country. Thank You TripAdvisor, for having this listed as an important attraction here in North Platte, Nebraska.
7. Feather river winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By Susan E - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The GPS wanted to take us to a farm that was a little before the winery but we called and learned we had to come just a little further up the road. The staff was very friendly and the tastings were a great deal. Would definitely go back again.
8. Grain Bin Antique Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Dennis W - Holton, Kansas
What a neat idea taking the government issued wood grain bins and arranging them along a board walk and stuffing them full of a great selection of antiques. We had a fun time browsing and buying and the owner was friendly. Your wife will be impressed that you could find it in the middle of the country.
9. North Platte Area Children's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Karon H - Grant, Nebraska
Even though we didn't have any kids with us when we visited, it looked like the kids that were there were having a good time. I saw lots of things that young kids would really enjoy and there is a separate area for babies/toddlers. The young lady at the front desk was really nice.
10. Lake Maloney State Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By Nancy S - North Platte, Nebraska
Great lake for camping,boating and swimming. Lots of areas to find a spot to do your thing. Easy access to lake. Easy access to restaurants and store for supplies--don't have to drive into town for those items you might have forgotten.
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