Discover North Platte

North Platte brings together a variety of themes for your trip planning: Buffalo Bill Cody and Western heritage, railroad history, museums, and activities along the river. Visiting hours also vary. The grounds of Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park are open year-round from 8 a.m. until sunset. The mansion can be visited on self-guided tours from late spring through early fall; outside that period, visits are by appointment only. Check the latest tour information before your visit.

Buffalo Bill and Western Heritage

Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park in North Platte preserves Buffalo Bill Cody’s restored home and barn. It also displays numerous Cody memorabilia. Scout’s Rest Ranch in the park is designated a National Historic Landmark. The designation recognizes William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody’s significant role in the emergence of the Wild West entertainment movement in the late 19th century.

The Western Heritage Village at the Lincoln County Historical Museum offers another perspective on history: its restored buildings include a Pony Express log cabin from the 1860s and a country church dating to 1917. The museum itself also has an exhibit on the North Platte Canteen during World War II. From December 25, 1941, to April 1, 1946, the canteen served more than 6.5 million service members and other military personnel. The historic buildings and the exhibit focus on different subjects: life in early settlements and support for military personnel during the war.

Railroad History from Multiple Perspectives

The Golden Spike Tower offers a view of Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard, described as the world’s largest classification yard. Multimedia exhibits cover railroad history, orphan trains, and the North Platte WWII Canteen. Alongside the rail yard, the focus is also on the people and events connected with the region.

The Cody Park Railroad Museum is home to a Challenger 3900-class steam locomotive, considered the only locomotive of its class on public display anywhere in the world. Visitors can climb aboard locomotive No. 3977 and take in the engineer’s perspective. Historic railroad cars are also open to visitors, including a mail car and a caboose. If you’re comparing railroad attractions, the Golden Spike Tower focuses on views of Bailey Yard and multimedia exhibits, while the Railroad Museum offers the chance to get a closer look at a locomotive and historic cars.

Trails, Water, and Wildlife Watching

The 5-mile Buffalo Bill Trail runs along Buffalo Bill Road and connects with Scouts Rest Ranch north of Highway 30. South of North Platte, Potter’s Pasture offers nearly 100 miles of trails across 1,200 acres of hills and canyons. Access and trail conditions can change. Nearby, six miles south of North Platte, Lake Maloney offers opportunities for boating, fishing, water sports, camping, wildlife watching, and disc golf. Conditions and facilities there may vary seasonally.

Cody Park is located on the North Platte River and has a drive-through zoo with deer, elk, donkeys, llamas, geese, and peacocks. The park also offers a wildlife sanctuary, sports facilities, an outdoor swimming pool, campgrounds, and picnic areas; some facilities operate seasonally. More than 600,000 sandhill cranes spend about six weeks in the North Platte River Valley. They can be watched roosting overnight and setting off to forage during the day. Timing and viewing conditions vary from year to year.

For trips on the North Platte River, Dusty Trails offers tours by stock tank, inner tube, canoe, or kayak. Availability may depend on operating conditions. Dusty Trails also offers riding camps and trail rides for riders of all ages and experience levels at Buffalo Bill State Historical Park and Recreation Area in North Platte; reservations are recommended.

Events and a Family Outing

North Platte Rail Days is held once a year. During the event, exclusive guided bus tours of Bailey Yard are offered. NEBRASKAland Days lasts ten days each June in North Platte and includes a PRCA rodeo, country concerts, and a parade. If either event is important to your trip, check the dates in advance.

The North Platte Area Children’s Museum offers an interactive, immersive play experience for children of all ages. It is located in the historic Carnegie Library building in downtown North Platte. Downtown, the Canteen District combines dining and a variety of cuisines with boutique shopping, entertainment, and more. Individual businesses and offerings may change.

When looking for a hotel in North Platte, it may help to plan your travel dates around the visits you have in mind. Keep in mind the seasonal opportunities to tour the mansion, event dates, and conditions for outdoor activities.

For the broader travel overview: Lincoln County.