Cody Park Railroad Museum

Hands on display of historic railroad artifacts.

On display at the Cody Park Railroad Museum is the Union Pacific's Challenger 3977, one of the largest steam locomotives ever built. It was one of 105 Challenger class steam locomotives built by the American Locomotive Company of New York. There are two remaining "3900" class locomotives. One is operated by the Union Pacific steam department and resides in Cheyenne Wyoming, and the other is on display in North Platte - the home of Union Pacific's Bailey Yard, the largest railroad yard in the world.

Also on display in the Cody Park Railroad Museum is Union Pacific DD40AX, #6922. Built by the Electro-Motor division of General Motors, all 47 of these locomotives were owned by Union Pacific. At the time, they were billed as "The World's Most Powerful Land Vehicle." The locomotives were designated with the "6900" series in honor of the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869.

Together these two locomotives have a combined horsepower of over 12,000! Rounding out the exhibit is a baggage car, mail car, caboose, and the restored Hershey, Nebraska depot. All are filled with Union Pacific memorabilia, historical and educational displays. Other displays include a semaphore type block signal, telephone and telegraph equipment, baggage truck, order board and water spout.

Contact Info

1400 North Jeffers North Platte, NE 69101
Hours: May 1 through September 21 open every day 10am to 6pm. Closed September 21 through May 1. Admission: Free