Discover Lincoln County

When looking for a hotel in Lincoln County, you can start by choosing the focus of your trip: railroad history, museums, outdoor activities, or seasonal events. Several cultural attractions related to the railroad are concentrated around North Platte; Lake Maloney and the North Platte River also offer activities on the water and outdoors.

Railroad History

The Golden Spike Tower offers a view of Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard. The rail yard is described as the largest in the world; around 10,000 railcars are sorted and dispatched there within 24 hours. The tower’s multimedia exhibits also cover railroad history, the orphan trains, and the North Platte WWII Canteen. The view of the active rail yard and the exhibit topics offer different insights into the railroad’s importance to the region.

The Cody Park Railroad Museum displays historic railroad cars, including a mail car and a caboose, along with railroad memorabilia. It is also home to the world’s only publicly displayed steam locomotive of the Challenger 3900 series. Visitors can climb aboard the locomotive and experience the engineer’s view. While the Golden Spike Tower focuses on Bailey Yard, this museum puts historic vehicles and the locomotive itself in the foreground.

North Platte’s history is also closely tied to the railroad: In the fall of 1867, the city became a division point; the railroad had built a locomotive roundhouse and other associated facilities there. The Lincoln County Historical Museum also focuses on pioneer life, agriculture, and the North Platte Canteen. Its visitor programs include candle making, rope making, hay baling, and a summer series of history talks. Programs and dates may change; check the latest information before your visit.

Museums, Arts, and Neighborhoods

The Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park in North Platte preserves Buffalo Bill Cody’s restored home and barn; it also displays an extensive collection of Cody memorabilia. Scout’s Rest Ranch in the park is designated a National Historic Landmark. The designation recognizes Cody’s important role in the emergence of the Wild West entertainment movement in the late 19th century. The adjacent Buffalo Bill State Recreation Area offers fishing, guided horseback rides, watercraft rentals, camping, and picnic facilities.

The North Platte Area Children’s Museum is located in the historic Carnegie Library Building in downtown North Platte. It offers an interactive, hands-on play experience for children of all ages. The Prairie Arts Center, in turn, occupies the historic North Platte Post Office Building, built in 1913. Its central gallery features rotating exhibits throughout the year; it also offers instruction and classes where visitors can create their own works of art. Class offerings and dates may change.

The Historic Canteen District is designated a Certified Creative District. Its character includes brick-paved streets, illuminated street areas, and numerous locally owned restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Those looking for local produce can find fresh Nebraska-grown products at the Original Farmer’s Market of North Platte. Check the market’s seasonal dates when planning your trip.

Water, Trails, and Nature

Lake Maloney is six miles south of North Platte. Recreational opportunities there include boating, fishing, and water sports, as well as camping and family activities. The campground has 56 Electric-Plus and 70 Basic campsites, coin-operated showers, a dump and fill station, drinking water, two boat ramps, and basic restrooms. As information about facilities and operations may change, it is a good idea to check the latest details before your visit.

The North Platte Trails Network includes scenic paths both off-road and alongside roads. Options described range from leisurely walks and challenging runs to hikes in nature. North Platte also has more than 20 miles of bike paths. For trips on the North Platte River, Dusty Trails supports outings by inner tube, kayak, canoe, or large swim ring; watercraft availability may change.

Every year beginning in mid-February, hundreds of thousands of Sandhill Cranes migrate through the Platte River Valley in Lincoln County. More than 600,000 Sandhill Cranes spend about six weeks in the North Platte River Valley each spring. These seasonal periods offer a distinct focus for trip planning alongside the museums and railroad attractions; however, they do not in themselves guarantee a particular viewing opportunity at any one location.

Annual Events and History

Every June, NEBRASKAland Days brings ten days of PRCA rodeo, country concerts, and a parade to North Platte. North Platte Rail Days takes place annually in early August. The program includes tours of Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard, children’s activities, and a model railroad exhibit. The event also offers the only opportunity of the year to get a close-up view of Bailey Yard on a tour bus ride through the rail yard. Dates and access procedures may change; check them before your trip.

Fort McPherson was built in 1863 to maintain peace on the western frontier between travelers on the Oregon Trail and Indigenous residents. During railroad construction, troops stationed there protected against attacks. The Fort McPherson National Cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 5, 2012. It is the final resting place of 63 Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalry and is open daily from sunrise to sunset; occasional closures are possible.

Discover more destinations: North Platte, Lancaster, Valley County, Kearney County, Keith County, Adams County, Scotts Bluff County, Blaine.

For the broader travel overview: Nebraska.