North Platte

In November of 1868, the rails of the Union Pacific Railroad reached the location of what is now known as North Platte. Situated between the North and South Platte rivers, just west of the confluence, the town was named by a flip of a coin to determine between North Platte and South Platte. North Platte was incorporated as a city in 1873.
In 1882, Col. Wm. F. Cody, known to the world as "Buffalo Bill", responded to the calls of local civic leaders and produced an Independence Day celebration known as the "Old Glory Blowout". He later developed this into his famed Wild West Show which toured throughout the world. The home he built while living in North Platte, known as Scouts Rest Ranch, is now a state historical park and is open to tour.
North Platte could have gone the way of many small towns in rural Nebraska, becoming a sleepy backwater, except for native Bill Jeffers. Jeffers rose from a "call boy" for Union Pacific, to become president of the railroad. He chose his home town of North Platte to build a reclassification yard. Union Pacific's Bailey Yard is now the largest railroad classification yard in the world. Nearly 4,000 employees service more than 150 trains per day, totaling nearly 15,000 rail cars.
During World War II, North Platte became famous for the North Platte Canteen. Volunteers met in early December 1941 at the Depot to greet what they thought was a train load of local troops headed for war. When the train stopped, it turned out to be carrying boys from Kansas instead of North Platte. After they got over their disappointment, townspeople offered all of the goodies they had collected to the Kansas boys. From this humble beginning, on Christmas Day 1941, the North Platte Canteen opened. For the next 52 months, volunteers met every single troop train that came through town, day or night. By April 1, 1946, this all-volunteer effort had served more than 6.5 million service personnel.

By car

The primary means of getting to North Platte is Interstate 80, which runs east-west; US 83 serves as the primary north-south route. Lincoln is three hours east on I-80; Cheyenne is 3 hours west on I-80; Denver is four hours west on I-80 and I-76.

By plane

• North Platte Regional AirportServed by United Express with connecting flights from Denver International Airport.

Most people get around North Platte by car, but you can also explore the city by bicycle, using the streets and highways, or the extensive network of trails.

• Bailey YardImmediately west of North Platte on US 30. The world's largest railroad classification yard at 2,850 acres. It is 8 miles long and 2 miles wide,with 315 miles of track.

• Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center

  address: 1249 Homestead Rd
  100' tower with two observation decks overlooking Bailey Yard, the world's largest railroad classification yard at 2,850 acres.

• Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historic Park

  phone: +1 308-535-8035
  address: 2921 Scouts Rest Ranch Rd
  Home of "Buffalo Bill" Cody.

• Lincoln County Historical Museum

  phone: +1 308-534-5640
  address: 2403 N. Buffalo Bill Ave
  Home of the display of the North Platte Canteen. Open seasonally May - October, $3.00.

• Cody Park Railroad Museum

  address: 1400 N. Jeffers (North Highway 83)
  Home of only 3900 Series "Challenger" steam engines on public display. Also a 6900 Diesel Engine the largest locomotive ever made. Free admission.

• Cody Park Wild West Memorial

  address: 1400 N. Jeffers (North Highway 83)
  Cody Park is near the site of the 1882 Old Glory Blowout, the forerunner of Cody's Wild West Show. Larger-than-life statue donated to North Platte by the United Kingdom, surrounded by flags of foreign countries and U.S. states in which the Wild West Show toured. Free admission.

• America's 20th Century Veterans Memorial

  phone: +1 308-532-6579
  address: 2811 S. Jeffers
  Honoring all U.S. veterans in the 20th century. Memorial bricks for veterans still available. Open 24 hours.

• North Platte Area Children's Museum

  phone: +1 308-532-3512
  address: 314 N. Jeffers
  Many unique and interactive exhibits. Wednesday & Friday 10AM 3PM, Thursday 10AM 5PM Sunday 1PM 5PM, Admission: $2.50 per person daily, FREE Under Age 2, Group Rates Available

• Art and Gift Gallery

  phone: +1 308-534-1946
  address: 516 N. Dewey
  Five galleries of original art by local artists, sculpture garden. Periodic workshops by local artists or nationally acclaimed professional artists.

• Feather River Vineyards

  phone: +1 308 534-1538
  address: 5600 East State Farm Rd
  Their most recent plantings make Feather River the largest vineyard in the state. The vineyard is open for private parties and group tours. Tents are available to enjoy your party at the vineyard or in the midst of the grape vines. Seasonal activities include picnics, hayrack rides and sleigh rides.

• North Platte/Lincoln County Convention and Visitors Bureau

  phone: +1 308-532-4729
  address: 219 S. Dewey
  The CVB maintains a comprehensive list of attractions, events, lodging and dining establishments.

• NEBRASKAland DAYSIs Nebraska's official state celebration. It is held the second week in June each year and features the Buffalo Bill PRCA Rodeo, concerts, a Frontier Revue, parades, and many other events.

• North Platte Community PlayhouseThe, Town Hall Lecture Series and Community Concert Series each bring four performances to North Platte each year.

• Cody Go-Karts

  phone: +1 308-534-8277
  address: Halligan Drive
  Go-carts, water slides, bumper boats, miniature golf, kiddie rides.

• Country Bluegrass ShowHeld every year the last weekend in April at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds. Running from Wednesday to Saturday, it features top bluegrass performers from around the country.

• Stock Car RacesEvery Saturday night May through August at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds, starting at 7PM.

• Miss Nebraska Scholarship PageantHeld annually in North Platte the first week of June, just preceding NEBRASKAland DAYS. Beautiful women from across Nebraska compete in various categories to be chosen Miss Nebraska.

• Miss Rodeo Nebraska PageantHeld in conjunction with the Buffalo Bill PRCA Rodeo during NEBRASKAland DAYS. These young women, many from ranching families, compete in many events, including horsemanship for the title of Miss Rodeo Nebraska.

• Mexican FiestaHeld the first weekend of NEBRASKAland DAYS each year and celebrates the Mexican heritage of many of the area's families. Events include lots of music and food, and a queen contest.

• North Platte Woodcarvers Artistry in Wood ShowFeatures many woodcarvers from throughout Nebraska and the great plains. Usually held in conjunction with NEBRASKAland DAYS.

• Heritage FestivalA production of the Lincoln County Historical Museum and features antique farm implements and practices, as well as many of the practices used in making a home by the first pioneers of the area. Reenactors in period costumes. Usually held in conjunction with NEBRASKAland DAYS.

• North Platte Rail FestScheduled for September 18, 19 and 20 2009, the Rail Fest will celebrate the importance of Union Pacific Railroad to the community of North Platte, the settlement of the nation and the economy of the state and nation.

• North Platte Honky Tonk BBQ FestivalMay 7 and 8, 2010 at the Wild West Arena. Live music, beer garden, competitive bbq cooking.

Whatever you do, when you go through North Platte on either Interstate 80 or Highway 83, do NOT buy your gas at the first two stations south of the Interstate at exit 177. If you do, please note that the advertised prices flashing on their brightly-lighted signs will ONLY be available on one or two pumps! If you don't pay attention, you will be paying some of the highest prices for gas along the Interstate. Advice: Go north into town a couple of blocks and you will find reasonable prices.

Antique Stores

• Antique Emporium

  phone: +1 308-532-3404
  address: 2019 East 4th
  Specialties for Antique Emporium are: General Line Antiques & more

• Grandma's Memories Antiques & Collectibles

  phone: +1 308-534-8781
  address: 806 N. Jeffers
  Specialties for Grandma’s are: General Line Antiques & more

• The Hayloft

  phone: +1 308-532-1300
  address: 2006 E. 4th
  A personable home owned and operated Antique Store. Clean and comfortable with rest rooms and large spacious parking. Specialties for The Hayloft are: General Line Antiques

• Red Roof Antiques

  phone: +1 308-532-4841, +1 308-530-9248
  address: 301 W Eugene Ave
  Specialties for Red Roof Antiques are: Advertising, Americana, Architectural Antiques, Art, Art Deco, Art Glass, Books, Clocks, Crocks, Depression Dishes, Dolls, European, Figurines, Fine China, Flatware, Furniture, General Line Antiques, Gifts, Glassware, Jewelry, Linens, Military, Miniatures, Multiple Dealers, Oak, Pine, Post Cards, Pottery, Primitives, Quilts, Sports Cards, Tools, Toys, Victorian, Vintage Clothing Walnut, & Western.

• Steele's Antique

  phone: +1 308-532-8173
  address: 620 North Vine St
  By chance or appointment, Specialty for Steele’s Antique: furniture.

Art Galleries

• Art & Gift Gallery

  phone: +1 308-534-1946
  address: 516 N. Dewey
  The Gallery is a showcase for the original work of West Central Nebraska regional artists. Featured are five large gallery rooms and an outdoor sculpture garden where you have the opportunity to view the work in a leisurely atmosphere. Workshops are also hosted by artist members or nationally acclaimed professional artists. Guided tours for classrooms and conventions are also available. Mediums include porcelain, jewelry, pottery, oil, watercolor, wood carvings, and sculpture.

• Cinda's Accents

  phone: +1 308-532-5060
  address: 506 N Jeffers St.
  Cinda's specializes in custom framing, specialty gifts, and a Gallery of artwork.

Bookstores

• A to Z Bargain Books

  phone: +1 308-534-0140
  address: 507 N Jeffers St
  A to Z Books has been in business in North Platte for 25 years, and is the largest book store between Lincoln and Denver. A to Z offers customers a rich, warm and comforting atmosphere. The store is located in Downtown North Platte along Hwy 83 with 4000 sq ft of used books-paperbacks and hardbacks-which they buy, sell and trade. Open Monday-Thursday 10AM to 6PM, Friday 10AM to 5PM and Saturday from 10AM to 4PM. Hosts an "open-mic" night on the 2nd and 4th Fridays. A popular spot for local writers and musicians.

• Bible Supplies

  phone: +1 308-532-4199
  address: 1923 W A St

• Shepherds

  phone: +1 308-534-6060
  address: 504 N Dewey

Crafts

• Ben Franklin

  phone: +1 308-532-0844
  address: 1927 West A St

• The Quilt Rack

  phone: +1 308-532-2606
  address: 101 West Front St
  North Platte's only full-service quilt shop complete with on-line shopping.

Gift, Collectibles & Specialty Shops

• Fort Cody Trading Post

  phone: +1 308-532-8081
  Old West museum and animated 20,000 piece hand-carved miniature Wild West Show. Gifts and Souvenirs. Open year-round except Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Years. Summer hours are 8AM to 9PM, 7 days a week. The rest of the year 9AM to 5:30PM, Monday through Saturday, and 12 Noon to 6PM on Sunday.

• Fantasy Gifts

  phone: +1 308-534-5929
  address: 501 Easy St
  Full costume department, paintball supplies, novelty gifts, NFL & Nascar merchandise.

• Country Joy

  phone: +1 308-532-8462
  address: 1013 Cottonwood St

• Jared Floral

  phone: +1 308-534-2500
  address: 1220 S Cottonwood

• Rustic Traditions

  phone: +1 308-534-5795
  address: 671 East Halligan Dr
  Fine Western furnishing and unique home accents.

• It's All That

  phone: +1 308-534-6796
  address: 402 N. Dewey St
  Nebraska foods & candies, gourmet foods, customized gift baskets, jewelry, and candles.

• Midwest Screen Print

  phone: +1 308-534-7012
  address: 206 N Jeffers St
  Screen printing & embroidery along with fun fashions.

Western Wear

• Corral West

  phone: +1 308-532-4930
  address: 1000 S Dewey St

• Rivers Edge

  phone: +1 308-368-7576
  address: 19945 W South River Rd, Hershey

• Town & Country

  phone: +1 308-534-3300
  address: 106 E William Ave

You'll find just about every fast food place and many of the chain restaurants in North Platte that you will in the rest of the country. These are some of the best local restaurants.

• Amigo's

  phone: +1 308 532-7950
  address: 1210 South Jeffers

• Anchor Inn

  phone: +1 308 532-1303
  address: 711 East North Lake Rd
  At Lake Maloney.

• Come & Get It

  phone: +1 308 532-2
  address: 502 S Jeffers
  BBQ

• Dave's Place

  phone: +1 308 532-3922
  address: 1510 East Fourth

• Depot Chop House and the Rail Bar

  phone: +1 308 534-7844
  address: 520 North Dewey

• Main Street Cafe

  phone: +1 308 534-0922
  address: 517 North Dewey
  A cafeteria-style restaurant.

• Espresso Shoppe

  phone: +1 308 534-9550
  address: 419 North Dewey
  A great coffee house and lunch place, sometimes entertainment on weekend evenings.

• Fisherman's Cove

  phone: +1 308 532-2128
  address: 109 North Lake Maloney

• Frontier Resort Cafe

  phone: +1 308 532-2128
  address: 600 Frontier Dr
  Right on the lakefront at Lake Maloney.

• Hobb 'E's

  phone: +1 308 534-9998
  address: 217 East 6th

• King Buffet and Mongolian Grill

  address: 402 East Leota, Suite #1

• La Casa Nueva

  phone: +1 308 534-8967
  address: 1911 East Fourth St

• La Hacienda

  phone: +1 308 532-0148
  address: 321 East Sixth St

• Merrick's Ranch House

  phone: +1 308 532-8200
  address: 1220 East Fourth St
  A completely smoke-free restaurant.

• Mi Ranchito

  phone: +1 308 532-3384
  address: 202 Eugene Ave

• Oriental and American House of Food

  phone: +1 308 534-0422
  address: 510 North Jeffers

• Penny's Diner

  phone: +1 308 535-9900
  address: 473 Halligan Dr

• Red Kay Luin Cafe

  phone: +1 308 534-7333
  address: 1002 South Jeffers

• Roger's Fine Foods

  phone: +1 308 534-3595
  address: 1401 South Jeffers

• Skelley Inn

  phone: +1 308 532-8720
  address: 320 Rodeo Rd

• Tempura Japanese Restaurant

  phone: +1 308 532-0711
  address: 221 East Sixth St

• Valentino's

  phone: +1 308 534-5367
  address: 901 South Dewey St

• Hunan Gourmet Chinese Restaurant

  phone: +1 308-532-8145
  address: I 80 & S Hwy 83

Karaoke can be found most nights of the week at some location.

• The Canteen Bar and Grill

  phone: +1 308-535-6168
  address: 2102 S Jeffers
  Contains memorabilia of the WW II North Platte Canteen.

• Touchdown Club

  phone: +1 308-535-0212
  address: 1100 S Jeffers
  Has many Sports Paraphernalia in display cases much of it is Nebraska Cornhusker items.

• Brothers

  phone: +1 308-534-3670
  address: 215 E 6th

• Kelsey's Place

  phone: +1 308-534-2036
  address: 219 Rodeo Rd

• Dave's Place

  phone: +1 308-532-3922
  address: 1510 East 4 St

• The House Bar

  phone: +1 308-535-0212
  address: 1601 E 4 St

• The Hub Bar

  phone: +1 308-532-5030
  address: 702 N Jeffers

• Snapper's Lounge

  phone: +1 308-534-3630
  address: 1402 S Jeffers

• Anchor Inn

  phone: +1 308-532-1303
  address: 711 E. North Lake Rd
  Lake Maloney

• Platte Bar

  phone: +1 308-532-6300
  address: 119 W 6

• Rodeway Inn

  phone: +1 308 532-2313
  address: 920 N Jeffers St

• Blue Spruce Motel

  phone: +1 308 534-2600
  address: 821 South Dewey

• Bronco Inn

  phone: +1 308 532-7316
  address: 4601 Rodeo Rd

• Cedar Lodge Motel

  phone: +1 308 532-0970
  address: 421 Rodeo Rd

• Comfort Inn

  phone: +1 308 532-6144
  address: I-80 and South U.S. Highway 83

• Comfort Inn North Platte,NE

  phone: +1 308-532-6433
  address: 2901 S. Jeffers St

• Country Inn

  phone: +1 308 532-8130
  address: 321 S. Dewey

• Days Inn

  phone: +1 308 532-9321

• Hampton Inn

  phone: +1 308 532-6000
  address: I-80 & North Highway 83

• Holiday Inn Express:

  phone: +1 308 532-9500
  address: 300 Holiday Frontage Rd
  Wi-Fi, Ethernet ports. "Executive Suite" (2 rooms) is $150/night; less-expensive rooms available.

• Hospitality Inn

  phone: +1 308 532-0151
  address: 501 Halligan Dr

• Howard Johnson

  phone: +1 308 532-0130
  address: 1211 South Dewey

• Husker Inn

  phone: +1 308 534-6960
  address: 721 East Fourth St

• La Quinta

  phone: +1 308 534-0700
  address: 2600 Eagles Wings Pl

• Motel 6

  phone: +1 308 534-6200
  address: 1520 S Jeffers St

• Oak Tree Inn

  phone: +1 308 535-9900
  address: 451 Halligan Dr

• Park Motel

  phone: +1 308 532-6834
  address: 1302 North Jeffers

• Quality Inn and Suites

  phone: +1 308 532-9090
  address: I-80 & Highway 83

• Ramada Inn

  phone: +1 308 534-3120
  address: I-80 and South U.S. Highway 83

• Rambler Motel

  phone: +1 308 532-9290
  address: 1420 Rodeo Rd

• Royal Colonial Inn

  phone: +1 308 534-3600
  address: I-80 & S. Hwy 83

• Stanford Motel

  phone: +1 308 532-9380
  address: 1400 East Fourth St

• Super 8

  phone: +1 308 532-4224
  address: I-80 & South Highway 83

• Travelers Inn

  phone: +1 308 534-4020
  address: 602 East Fourth St

• Western Motel

  phone: +1 308 532-5240
  address: 706 Rodeo Rd

Camping

• A-1 Sunset Mobile Park

  phone: +1 308 532-9182
  address: 3120 Rodeo Rd

• Buffalo Bill State Historical Park

  phone: +1 308 535-8035
  address: 2921 Scouts Rest Ranch Rd

• Frontier Resort, Cafe and Marina

  phone: +1 308 532-8776
  Located at Lake Maloney.

• Cody Park

  address: 1400 North Jeffers

• Holiday RV Park and Campground

  phone: +1 308 534-2265
  address: 601 Halligan Dr

• Lake Maloney State Recreation AreaBare-bones camping at Lake Maloney, five miles south of North Platte on highway 83.

• Fisherman's Cove

  phone: +1 308 532-2128
  address: 109 N. Lake Maloney

The following locations offer free wireless Internet service:

• Starbucks Coffee - just off of Interstate 80 at exit 177, in the outlot of the Quality Inn and Suites.
• Pro Computing - 721 S. Dewey, +1 308-532-1447. Also offers Internet surfing and e-mailing on their computers for $5 per hour.
• Winfields Coffee - on the corner of Dewey Street (which is Highway 83) and B Street (202 S. Dewey), +1 308-696-0016.
• Espresso Shoppe - Downtown at 419 N. Dewey Street, +1 308-534-9550

• Sutherland
• Hershey
• Brady
• Maxwell
• Wallace
• Wellfleet