Sightseeing
Quirky FunGolden Spike Tower
Under $25Ride the elevator up an eight-story tower to watch Union Pacific crews sort rail cars in Bailey Yard below.
SightseeingHistory BuffLocal GemFamily Favorite
North Platte
· North Platte, NE
Why you should go…
North Platte is a railroad town in western Nebraska at the fork of the North and South Platte Rivers, founded in 1868. Buffalo Bill Cody's restored ranch and mansion are preserved at Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, and the Golden Spike Tower overlooks Union Pacific's Bailey Yard, the world's largest rail classification yard. The city also hosts NEBRASKAland DAYS, an annual rodeo and concert celebration each June.
- #history
- #railroad
- #rodeo
- #state park
- #road trip
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 North Platte, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.
