North Platte - city in Lincoln County, Nebraska, United States

North Platte is a city in Nebraska. With a population of over 23,000 (2020), North Platte is the largest community in Lincoln County, located in west central Nebraska.

Understand

History

See also: Old West

In November 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, Colonel William 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.

Get in

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 Airport (IATA: LBF), 5400 E Lee Bird Dr (head west on US-30, take the second right on the other side of the river), 41.126111°, -100.683611°, +1 308-532-1900. Providing only one route both to and from Denver International (IATA: DEN). This airport averages only 77 flights a day. Free parking and car rental on site. 2021-07-13

Get around

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.

See

• Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center, 1249 Homestead Rd, 41.14423°, -100.83157°, +1 308-532-9920, info@goldenspiketower.com. 9AM-7PM. tower with two observation decks overlooking Bailey Yard, the world's largest railroad classification yard at 2,850 acres. $8 adults, $6 children, children under 5 free 2021-07-12
• Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historic Park, 2921 Scouts Rest Ranch Rd (head east on US-30 and turn north onto Buffalo Bill Ave), 41.163333°, -100.795°, +1 308-535-8035. Park grounds 8AM-sunset, House and Barn W-Su 9AM-5PM, Memorial Day - Labor Day 9AM-5PM, closed Oct 31-April 7. Once the home of Buffalo Bill, now a historical park. Covering 25 acres, this park contains a mansion built in 1886, original outbuildings, and the original barn. $6/day for Nebraska residents, $8 for non-Nebraska residents, House admission $2 2021-07-13
• Lincoln County Historical Museum, 2403 North Buffalo Bill Ave (head west on US-30, turn north on Buffalo Bill Ave, on the north side of the river), 41.16025°, -100.79293°, +1 308-534-5640, lincomuseum@gmail.com. May-Sep: M-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 1-5PM. Volunteer run museum with both indoor exhibits and open air portions. Features turn of the century buildings and 19th Century log cabins. Has an exhibit on the North Platte Canteen, a volunteer operation serving food to more than 5 million US troops during the Second World War. 2021-07-29
• Cody Park Railroad Museum, 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, 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, 2811 S. Jeffers (junction of Interstate 80 and Highway 83), +1 308-532-6579. Honoring all U.S. veterans in the 20th century. Memorial bricks for veterans still available. Open 24 hours.
• North Platte Area Children's Museum, 314 N. Jeffers (Near the center of town), +1 308-532-3512. W F 10AM-3PM, Th 10AM-5PM, Su 1-5PM. Many unique and interactive exhibits. $2.50 per person daily, free under age 2, group rates available
• Art and Gift Gallery, 516 N. Dewey (in downtown shopping district), +1 308-534-1946. Tu-Sa 11AM-4PM. Five galleries of original art by local artists, sculpture garden. Periodic workshops by local artists or nationally acclaimed professional artists.
• Feather River Vineyards, 5600 East State Farm Rd, +1 308 534-1538. Feather River is 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, 219 S. Dewey, +1 308 532-4729. The CVB maintains a comprehensive list of attractions, events, lodging and dining establishments.

Do

• NebraskaLand Days. 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 Playhouse. The Town Hall Lecture Series and Community Concert Series each bring four performances to North Platte a year.
• Cody Go-Karts, Halligan Drive (I-80 & Highway 83), +1 308 534-8277. Late May to early Sep: 10AM-10PM. Go-carts, water slides, bumper boats, miniature golf, kiddie rides.
• Country Bluegrass Show. Held 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 Races. Every Saturday night May through August at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds, starting at 7PM.
• Miss Nebraska Scholarship Pageant. Held 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 Pageant. Held 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 Fiesta. Held 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 Show. Features many woodcarvers from throughout Nebraska and the great plains. Usually held in conjunction with NebraskaLand Days.
• Heritage Festival. A 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 Dats. Rail Days in early August 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.

Buy

When you go through North Platte on either Interstate 80 or Highway 83, be wary of the first two gas stations south of the Interstate at exit 177. 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. Go north into town a couple of blocks and you will find reasonable prices.

Antique stores

• Antique Emporium, 2019 East 4th, +1 308 532-3404. General line antiques and more.
• Grandma's Memories Antiques & Collectibles, 806 N. Jeffers, +1 308 534-8781. General line antiques and more.
• The Hayloft, 2006 E. 4th, +1 308 532-1300. A personable home-owned and -operated antique store. Clean and comfortable with rest rooms and large spacious parking. General line antiques.
• Red Roof Antiques, 301 W Eugene Ave, +1 308 532-4841, +1 308 530-9248. 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, 620 North Vine St, +1 308 532-8173. By chance or appointment, specialty is furniture.

Art galleries

• Art & Gift Gallery, 516 N. Dewey, +1 308 534-1946. Tuesday-Saturday 11AM-4PM. 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, 506 N Jeffers St., +1 308 532-5060, cindasgallery@alltel.net. Cinda's specializes in custom framing, specialty gifts, and a Gallery of artwork.

Bookstores

• A to Z Bargain Books, 507 N Jeffers St, +1 308 534-0140. 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, 1923 W A St, +1 308 532-4199.
• Shepherds, 504 N Dewey, +1 308 534-6060.

Crafts

• Ben Franklin, 1927 West A St, +1 308 532-0844.
• The Quilt Rack, 101 West Front St, +1 308 532-2606. Monday-Friday 10AM-6PM, Saturday 10AM-4PM, Sunday 1PM-4PM. North Platte's only full-service quilt shop complete with on-line shopping.

Gift, collectibles & specialty shops

• Fort Cody Trading Post, +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 noon to 6PM on Sunday.
• Fantasy Gifts, 501 Easy St, +1 308 534-5929. Full costume department, paintball supplies, novelty gifts, NFL & Nascar merchandise.
• Country Joy, 1013 Cottonwood St, +1 308 532-8462.
• Jared Floral, 1220 S Cottonwood, +1 308 534-2500.
• Rustic Traditions, 671 East Halligan Dr, +1 308 534-5795. Fine Western furnishing and unique home accents.
• It's All That, 402 N. Dewey St, +1 308 534-6796. Nebraska foods & candies, gourmet foods, customized gift baskets, jewelry, and candles.
• Midwest Screen Print, 206 N Jeffers St, +1 308 534-7012. Screen printing & embroidery along with fun fashions.

Western wear

• Corral West, 1000 S Dewey St, +1 308 532-4930.
• Rivers Edge, 19945 W South River Rd, Hershey, +1 308 368-7576.
• Town & Country, 106 E William Ave, +1 308 534-3300.

Eat

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, 1210 South Jeffers, +1 308 532-7950.
• Anchor Inn, 711 East North Lake Rd, +1 308 532-1303. At Lake Maloney.
• Come & Get It, 502 S Jeffers, +1 308 532-2. BBQ
• Dave's Place, 1510 East Fourth, +1 308 532-3922.
• Depot Chop House and the Rail Bar, 520 North Dewey, +1 308 534-7844.
• Main Street Cafe, 517 North Dewey, +1 308 534-0922. A cafeteria-style restaurant.
• Espresso Shoppe, 419 North Dewey, +1 308 534-9550. A great coffee house and lunch place, sometimes entertainment on weekend evenings.
• Fisherman's Cove, 109 North Lake Maloney (at the inlet of Lake Maloney), +1 308 532-2128.
• Frontier Resort Cafe, 600 Frontier Dr, +1 308 532-2128. Right on the lakefront at Lake Maloney.
• Hobb 'E's, 217 East 6th, +1 308 534-9998.
• King Buffet and Mongolian Grill, 402 East Leota, Suite #1.
• La Casa Nueva, 1911 East Fourth St, +1 308 534-8967.
• La Hacienda, 321 East Sixth St, +1 308 532-0148.
• Merrick's Ranch House, 1220 East Fourth St, +1 308 532-8200. A completely smoke-free restaurant.
• Mi Ranchito, 202 Eugene Ave, +1 308 532-3384.
• Oriental and American House of Food, 510 North Jeffers, +1 308 534-0422.
• Penny's Diner, 473 Halligan Dr, +1 308 535-9900. Open 24 hours.
• Red Kay Luin Cafe, 1002 South Jeffers, +1 308 534-7333.
• Roger's Fine Foods, 1401 South Jeffers, +1 308 534-3595.
• Skelley Inn, 320 Rodeo Rd, +1 308 532-8720.
• Tempura Japanese Restaurant, 221 East Sixth St, +1 308 532-0711.
• Valentino's, 901 South Dewey St, +1 308 534-5367.
• Hunan Gourmet Chinese Restaurant, I 80 & S Hwy 83, +1 308-532-8145.

Drink

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

• The Canteen Bar and Grill, 2102 S Jeffers (Inside the Quality Inn & Suites), +1 308 535-6168. Contains memorabilia of the World War II North Platte Canteen.
• Touchdown Club, 1100 S Jeffers (at the Cedar Bowl), +1 308 535-0212. Has many sports paraphernalia in display cases much of it is Nebraska Cornhusker items.
• Brothers, 215 E 6th, +1 308 534-3670.
• Kelsey's Place, 219 Rodeo Rd, +1 308 534-2036.
• Dave's Place, 1510 East 4 St, +1 308 532-3922.
• The House Bar, 1601 E 4 St, +1 308 535-0212.
• The Hub Bar, 702 N Jeffers, +1 308 532-5030.
• Snapper's Lounge, 1402 S Jeffers (inside the Royal Colonial Inn), +1 308 534-3630.
• Anchor Inn, 711 E. North Lake Rd, +1 308 532-1303. Lake Maloney
• Platte Bar, 119 W 6, +1 308 532-6300.

Sleep

• Rodeway Inn, 920 N Jeffers St, +1 308 532-2313.
• Blue Spruce Motel, 821 South Dewey, +1 308 534-2600.
• Bronco Inn, 4601 Rodeo Rd, +1 308 532-7316.
• Cedar Lodge Motel, 421 Rodeo Rd, +1 308 532-0970.
• Comfort Inn, I-80 and South U.S. Highway 83, +1 308 532-6144.
• Comfort Inn North Platte,NE, 2901 S. Jeffers St, +1 308 532-6433.
• Country Inn, 321 S. Dewey, +1 308 532-8130.
• Days Inn, +1 308 532-9321.
• Hampton Inn, I-80 & North Highway 83, +1 308 532-6000.
• Holiday Inn Express:, 300 Holiday Frontage Rd (I-80 Exit 177), +1 308 532-9500, npholidayinn@alltel.net. Wi-Fi, Ethernet ports. "Executive Suite" (2 rooms) is $150/night; less-expensive rooms available.
• Hospitality Inn, 501 Halligan Dr, +1 308 532-0151.
• Howard Johnson, 1211 South Dewey, +1 308 532-0130.
• Husker Inn, 721 East Fourth St, +1 308 534-6960.
• La Quinta, 2600 Eagles Wings Pl, +1 308 534-0700.
• Motel 6, 1520 S Jeffers St, +1 308 534-6200.
• Oak Tree Inn, 451 Halligan Dr, +1 308 535-9900.
• Park Motel, 1302 North Jeffers, +1 308 532-6834.
• Quality Inn and Suites, I-80 & Highway 83, +1 308 532-9090.
• Ramada Inn, I-80 and South U.S. Highway 83, +1 308 534-3120.
• Rambler Motel, 1420 Rodeo Rd, +1 308 532-9290.
• Royal Colonial Inn, I-80 & S. Hwy 83, +1 308 534-3600.
• Stanford Motel, 1400 East Fourth St, +1 308 532-9380.
• Super 8, I-80 & South Highway 83, +1 308 532-4224.
• Travelers Inn, 602 East Fourth St, +1 308 534-4020.
• Western Motel, 706 Rodeo Rd, +1 308 532-5240.

Camping

• A-1 Sunset Mobile Park, 3120 Rodeo Rd, +1 308 532-9182.
• Buffalo Bill State Historical Park, 2921 Scouts Rest Ranch Rd, +1 308 535-8035.
• Frontier Resort, Cafe and Marina, +1 308 532-8776. Located at Lake Maloney.
• Cody Park, 1400 North Jeffers.
• Holiday RV Park and Campground, 601 Halligan Dr, +1 308 534-2265.
• Lake Maloney State Recreation Area. Bare-bones camping at Lake Maloney, five miles south of North Platte on highway 83.
• Fisherman's Cove, 109 N. Lake Maloney (at the inlet), +1 308 532-2128.

Connect

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

Go next

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