Located partway between Lincoln and Denver, North Platte is a riverfront city and the seat of Nebraska’s Lincoln County. It was founded in 1866 following the extension of the Union Pacific Railroad. During World War II, the city’s railway tracks provided a setting for a huge volunteer effort known as the North Platte Canteen.
Things to do in North Platte
Take a step back in time at the Lincoln County Historical Museum, which explores the cultural and social history of the region. In addition to detailing the 55,000 Nebraska women who served the North Platte Canteen, it features a recreated prairie village with heritage buildings. Admire the antique wagons and artefacts on display and learn about the Pawnee, Arapaho and Sioux who originally inhabited the area.
Train enthusiasts can visit the Cody Park Railroad Museum, which occupies a restored train depot on the edge of a sprawling park. Marvel at the Challenger 3900 steam locomotive on display and climb aboard to see the engineer’s view. Housed within the vintage rail cars and caboose are artefacts from the glory years of United States rail travel.
After your visit, you can let the kids run loose in Cody Park, which is home to children’s playgrounds, a disc golf course and sporting fields. You can refresh with a swim in the outdoor pool, enjoy a game of disc golf or ride the colourful carousel. In the park’s small zoo, you’ll find deer, llamas and peacocks.
Getting around North Platte
North Platte Regional Airport is a 10-minute drive from the city centre and has regular flights to Denver. Lincoln Airport is just over three hours away and has flights to destinations across the United States. Long-distance buses connect to North Platte while local services travel throughout the city.