Itinerary: (Rocking and) Rolling Railroad Fun

North Platte has been central to the transcontinental Railroad since its inception. From the hell on wheels days of laying track across the prairie to the present as the home of Bailey Yard, the world’s largest Classification Rail Yard, the trains have been running through here.

North Platte has an average of 10,000-14,000 railcars pass through every single day! What’s even cooler? We are the only place you can watch them from 7- and 8-stories high! It’s not just fun for railfans either…bring your family, your brother, your sister, your neighbor, your teacher or just grab someone who wants to come. They’ll have a great time too!

North Platte Bailey Classification Rail Yard
Day 1
Pop Corner

1847 W A Street
North Platte, NE
United States

Grab a homemade breakfast sandwich (or a bag of popcorn, it’s kind of like breakfast food) and “All Aboard” for this rocking and rolling railroad road trip!

20th Century Veterans Memorial

2811 S Jeffers Street
North Platte, NE
United States

Pay tribute to the brave men and women of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard who served our country, as well as volunteers from the North Platte Canteen.

For more information on the conflicts depicted in the memorial, visitors can pay a visit to the nearby Lincoln County Historical Museum.

Merrick's Ranch House

1220 E 4th Street
North Platte, NE
United States

Pull up a chair and enjoy some good home cooking and classic American fare.

Golden Spike Tower and Visitors Center

1249 N Homestead Road
North Platte, NE
United States

Since opening in 2008, The Golden Spike Tower has drawn train enthusiasts from all over to central Nebraska, offering interactive exhibits, railroad history and a behind-the-scenes look at the largest classification rail yard in the world, the Union Pacific Bailey Yard. Head up to the observation deck for a bird’s eye view of the yard and watch as nearly 10,000 cars are sorted and connected at the Bailey Yard each day. This unique attraction gives a glimpse at the inner workings of the complex and fascinating railroad system.

The Good Life on the Bricks

402 N Dewey Street
North Platte, NE
United States

In the true spirit of Nebraska, what better place to stop for a bite to eat (besides the dining car)?

Fort Cody Trading Post

221 Halligan Drive
North Platte, NE
United States

Step through the doors and back in time at Fort Cody Trading Post. Learn about the region’s rich history full of covered wagons, cowboys and Buffalo Bill Cody. Visitors can watch a reenactment of the “Wild West Show” performed by 20,000 hand-carved miniatures, explore the Village and experience “Roadside Americana.”

North Platte Lodging Options

North Platte, NE
United States

Sign outside the Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center in North Platte
Day 2
Capones

2520 Halligan Drive
North Platte, NE
United States

A culinary crime drama, Capones blends a combination of traditional fares: All day breakfast, a plethora of sandwiches, wide selection of dinner entrees, pizzas and appetizers. They also offer full bar service.

Cody Park Rides and Train Museum

1601 N Jeffers Street
North Platte, NE
United States

Cody Park is home to two of the largest Union Pacific locomotives ever built, one of which is the last publicly displayed Challenger-3900 steam locomotive. Visit the restored train depot and learn about North Platte’s history as a bustling railroad town at the Cody Park Railroad Museum.

Local’s Tip: Don’t forget to grab a generous helping of delicious soft-serve ice cream from the park concession stand.

Espresso Shop

408 N Chestnut St
North Platte, NE
United States

Refuel for the day with a doppio, drip coffee or whatever caffeinated beverage that you prefer; also enjoy a salad, sandwich or soup for lunch from the Espresso Shop’s made-to-order menu.

Shopping in the Canteen District

North Platte, NE
United States

Spend your afternoon shopping small in the historic Canteen District. A proud entry on the National Register of Historic Places, North Platte’s downtown commercial district is the home to many restaurants and retail businesses that would love for you to pay a visit!

Another Round Sports Bar and Grill

1008 W 18th Street
North Platte, NE
United States

Another Round isn’t your typical bar and grill and offers fine-dining fare in a fun, laid-back atmosphere.

Local’s Tip: The restaurant patio is a great place to spend a warm, summer evening. Plus, you have the perfect view of the first tee box at River’s Edge Golf Course (and who doesn’t love dinner and a show?).

Sutherland Railroad Park

Highway 30
Sutherland, NE
United States

View one of the busiest stretches of track on the Union Pacific line from the pedestrian overpass in the Sutherland Railroad Park.

North Platte Lodging Options

North Platte, NE
United States

Challenger Train Engine Image from amanda Connick