Challenger locomotives built by Union Pacific. The park also has a swimming pool and amusement rides for children, including a carousel and Ferris wheel. A concession stand adds treats to the memories made here. Some of the animals that Cody saw on the frontier can be seen at Cody Park, too. Deer and bison are part of the herd, and the bugling of elk can be heard across North Platte during rutting season. Peacocks and llamas live here, and there are geese, ducks and donkeys. The lake at Cody Park attracts rare trumpeter swans. Binocular-clad birdwatchers come here for nature’s show during spring and fall migrations. There is an admission for rides; other attractions are free. In 1995, the Guinness Book of World Records recognized Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard as the world’s largest railroad classification yard. It has since grown by 25 percent. It stretches eight miles and covers
nearly 3,000 acres. More than 15,000 cars pass through daily. Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center rises eight stories for a bird’s-eye view of massive Bailey Yard. An elevator takes visitors to the seventh floor open-air observation deck, or to the top for an enclosed viewing experience. (308) 532-9920. The area’s geological history is part of the flavor of Feather River Vineyards, where the mineral-rich soil produces distinctive grapes for its new wines. There’s a tasting room for sampling each variety, and the purchase of bottles of your favorites and other gifts. (308) 696-0078. Putting Nebraska agricultural ingenuity to work, Grain Bin Antique Town offers high quality collectibles and antiques for sale from re-purposed grain bins. A boardwalk connects 20 depression-era grain bins chock-full of vintage
signs, glassware, wooden furniture, trinkets and more. (308) 539-7401. The North Platte Canteen is commemorated at the Lincoln County Historical Museum. The World War II canteen met every train and fed the service men and women who passed through the depot – about 6 million in all. The museum also features a village of historic buildings, including a Pony Express station and the old Fort McPherson headquarters. (308) 534-5640. Located just south of I-80, America’s 20th Century Veterans’ Memorial honors all military men and women of the past century. A brick bas-relief sculpture depicts major wars from World War I to the Persian Gulf. Larger-than-life-size bronze statues depict the branches of the armed forces and the ladies of the North Platte Canteen. The memorial is south of I-80 beside Highway 83. (308) 532-6579.
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, also known as Scout’s Rest Ranch, includes William F. Cody’s 1880s Victorian home and period furnishings, 25 acres of the original ranch, and Cody’s huge horse barn. The property on North Platte’s northern edge became a state park in 1965. Christopher Amundson
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