Community

North Platte, Nebraska

North Platte is a city in and the county seat of Lincoln County, Nebraska, United States. It is located in the west-central part of the state, along Interstate 80, at the confluence of the North and South Platte Rivers forming the Platte River. According to the 2020 United States Census, the population was 23,390.

North Platte is a railroad town; the Union Pacific Railroad's large Bailey Yard is located within the city. During World War II, the city was famous for the North Platte Canteen, where volunteers met troop trains passing through, offering coffee, sandwiches, and hospitality.

North Platte is the principal city of the North Platte, Nebraska Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Lincoln, Logan, and McPherson counties.

Bailey Yard - North Platte, NE

Union Pacific Railroad's Bailey Yard in North Platte, Nebraska, is the largest railroad classification yard in the world. It was named in honor of former Union Pacific President Edd H. Bailey. This massive yard covers 2,850 acres, stretching over eight miles. Bailey Yard handles over 14,000 railroad cars every 24 hours, with about 3,000 cars sorted daily in its eastward and westward "hump" yards. These two hump yards use strategically elevated tracks to allow cars to roll into any of 114 "bowl" tracks, where they are assembled into trains headed for various destinations.

Additional Attractions and Events

• Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park - Preserves the former Scout's Rest Ranch of William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody. Visitors can tour his Victorian home and barn, which houses Wild West Show memorabilia.
• Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center - Offers panoramic views of Bailey Yard from an eight-story tower, along with exhibits about railroad history.
• Nebraskaland Days - An annual festival held every June in North Platte. It features concerts, rodeos, parades, and other events celebrating Nebraska's heritage.
• Cody Park - A family-friendly park that includes a railroad museum, amusement rides, picnic areas, and a zoo with various animals.

People of North Platte

• Danny Woodhead - Former NFL running back who played for teams including the New York Jets, New England Patriots, San Diego Chargers, and Baltimore Ravens before retiring in 2018.
• Chief Red Cloud - An Oglala Lakota (Sioux) chief, born near the Platte River around 1822.
• Dustin Elliott - 2004 PRCA World Champion Bull Rider from North Platte.
• Buffalo Bill (William F. Cody) - Built his home and lived in North Platte, where he organized his famous Wild West shows.
• Glenn Miller - The popular big band leader lived in North Platte during his childhood.
• The North Platte Canteen - From 1941 to 1946, over six million servicemen and women experienced the hospitality of the North Platte Canteen.
• Dr. Don Rose - Noted San Francisco Bay Area disc jockey, born and raised in North Platte.

Historical Notes

The area around North Platte was significant during the westward expansion of the United States. Several historic trails, including the Oregon Trail, California Trail, and the Pony Express route, passed through or near North Platte, marking it as an important location for pioneers heading west.

Fort Cody Trading Post - One of Nebraska's largest souvenir and Western gift stores, featuring a reconstructed stockade and exhibits about Buffalo Bill and frontier life.