Sightseeing
History BuffNorth Platte
FreeA western Nebraska railroad town along the Platte River, home to Buffalo Bill's ranch and a giant rail yard.
SightseeingQuirky FunFamily FavoriteRainy-Day Pick
Golden Spike Tower
1249 N Homestead Rd · North Platte, NE
Why you should go…
Golden Spike Tower is a visitor center overlooking Union Pacific's Bailey Yard, which covers 2,850 acres and handles about 14,000 rail cars every 24 hours. An elevator takes you to the open-air observation deck on the 7th floor, where you hear cars squeal down the hump, and to the enclosed 8th floor with a 360 degree view. Retired railroaders explain what is happening below, and exhibits cover the Orphan Train and the North Platte Canteen.
- #observation tower
- #trains
- #railroad history
- #bailey yard
Good to know
General sightseeing guidance
Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.
The forecast is part of the ticket
Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.
Golden hour sells out first
Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.
Dress a layer warmer
It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.
Timed entry is common
Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.
What's around here?
The closest stops to Golden Spike Tower, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.
