BUFFALO BILL STATE HISTORICAL
PARK
North Platte was home of the man who made the Wild West world-renowned. No one figure personifies the frontier spirit better than William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, the West’s most colorful showman, army scout and buffalo hunter. The legacy of the life and times of the man who personified the frontier spirit lives on at Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park. Cody’s elegant Victorian house, built in 1886, and huge barn wit on 25 acres of what was originally a 4,000-acre spread that Cody called Scout’s Rest Ranch.
 The barn, built in 1886, now features Wild West Show memorabilia, original posters, and a movie made of film clips taken at the time the show was touring throughout the United States and Europe.
The house, barn, and original outbuildings are now being preserved by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission as a state historical park.
Address:
2921 Scouts Rest Ranch Road, North Platte
308-535-8035 Website
Attractions: Camping Facilities & Crane Viewing
Season/Hours of Operation
March 24 – Memorial Day
Mon-Fri, 10AM – 4PM
Memorial Day – Labor Day
Every Day, 9AM – 5PM
Labor Day – October 24
Mon-Fri, 10AM – 4PM
Admission:
State Park Permit required for all vehicles ($2.50 daily permits available at House and Barn)
LINCOLN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
 …Over six million servicemen and women were served during the Canteen’s existence
The history, heritage and frontier spirit of Lincoln County are captured at the Lincoln County Historical Museum. The Museum contains treasures of life in Lincoln County.
The Museum is home of the famous World War II Canteen
display. The interpretative display details the story of volunteers that for 51 months, 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, throughout World War II, met every U.S. Military train, providing food, treats, and hospitality to its passengers. Over six million servicemen and women were served during the Canteen’s existence, generosity and faithfulness of these amazing people.
A western prairie village is housed behind the museum. All the structures have been restored and furnished and are open to visitors.
Address
2403 N. Buffalo Bill Ave
North Platte
308-534-5640
Season/Hours of Operation
May 1st – last Sunday in September
Monday – Saturday: 9AM – 5PM
Sundays 1PM – 5PM
Winter Months -
Open by appointment for groups
Admission
Adults (16 and over) $3
Family $8
Bus Tours $2 per person
School Tours (Donation Suggested)
 UNION
PACIFIC BAILEY YARD
• Every 24 hours, Bailey Yard handles 10,000 railroad cars. Of these, 3,000 are sorted daily.
• Bailey Yard handles 130 trains daily bound for cities as distant as the East, West, and Gulf Coasts.
• 70% of train traffic through Bailey Yard is composed of “unit” trains (coal, auto, refrigerated, grain, etc.)
Bailey Yard is the largest railroad classification yard in the world.
• Classification bowls for eastbound and westbound traffic contain 114 tracks and thousands of cars.
• Over 14 million gallons of diesel fuel is used monthly.
• The car repair facility repairs 50 cars daily, and replaces 10,000 pairs of wheels yearly.
• North Platte is home for 2,500 Union Pacific employees.
The former Bailey Yard Observation Deck has been demolished.
The new Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center is under construction on the corner of Homestead Road and Front Street (also known as Bailey Yard Road)
The tower will feature two observation decks, one enclosed at a height of nine stories, and an open-air deck at a height of eight stories.
Bailey Yard Website
Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center website
CODY
PARK RAILROAD MUSEUM
The Union Pacific Railroad Co. donated and installed steam locomotive UP 3977 in the railroad museum area of Cody Park in 1968. The UP 3977 is one of two remaining 3900 class Challenger type locomotives, and the only one on display.
Accompanying the 3977 Unit is a baggage car, mail car, caboose, orderboard water crane, baggage truck, and semaphore block signal. In 1985, Unit 6922 was donated to the City of North Platte by the Union Pacific Railroad. Also on display is a railroad Depot which houses railroad memorabilia.
During the night, visitors can drive by and observe working headlights, running lights, and marker lights of the locomotives.
CODY
PARK WILD WEST MEMORIAL
At the entrance of Cody Park, visitors will find the Wild West Memorial. This is near the site of the historic Old Glory Blowout, the first spectator rodeo held in 1882 staged by Buffalo Bill.
The focus of the Wild West Memorial is the life-sized bronze statue of Buffalo Bill. Surrounding the gazebo are forty-eight U.S. state flags which represent the U.S. states visited by Cody with his Wild West Show.
Address
1400 North Jeffers – North Platte
Admission
RAILROAD DISPLAY
FREE Admission
WILD WEST MEMORIAL
FREE Admission
Season/Hours of Operation
RAILROAD DISPLAY
May 1 – End of September
Every day, 10 am – 7 pm
WILD WEST MEMORIAL
All day, Every day
20th CENTURY VETERAN'S MEMORIAL
The 20th Century Veterans’ Memorial is a permanent memorial dedicated to and
h onoring the military men and women of the United States who served their country during the 20th Century. The monument is located in North Platte’s Iron Horse Park, which is adjacent to the busy “crossroads” of the Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 83 junction. The five major armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard) will be memorialized by larger than life-sized bronze statues sculpted by internationally known artist, Ted Long of North Platte.
The five major conflicts of the 20th Century are depicted in a 15 x 40-foot brick
 bas-relief mural.
The memorial features a “Walk of Honor” lined by thousands of commemorative bricks above ground showing the names of veterans who served at any time during the 20th Century. A “Place of Meditation” containing a pentagon shaped pedestal will pay special tribute to veterans from a 27-county Mid-Nebraska area who lost their lives during 20th Century conflicts. Their names will be displayed on bronze plaques along with their home counties and the conflict in which they gave their lives.
Conceived by veterans. Designed by veterans. This memorial is unique in the United States. It honors all Twentieth Century Veterans.
Memorial Address
2811 South Jeffers – North Platte
Hours of Operation
Open 24 Hours
For more information on America’s 20th Century Veterans’ Memorial contact:
Mid-Nebraska Veterans’ Memorial Association
PO Box 1393
221 East 5th Street, North Platte, NE s69103
308-532-6579
NORTH
PLATTE AREA CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
The North Platte Area Children’s Museum is a place for children and parents to enjoy a hands-on experience in learning. The Museum offers visitors a place to experience the wonders of science, technology, culture and the arts in a unique and interactive
 atmosphere.
Located in the historic Carnegie Library building, the Museum provides many exhibits for children and their parents to interact with. Those exhibits include:
Experiencing Agriculture
Commerce Room
Laser Light Room
Media Center Science Discovery
Reading Castle
Kid’s Corral
Bubble Experience
Puppet Theatre
Medical Center
Nebraska History
Construction House
Music Exploration
Transportation Area
Come “MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE” at the North Platte Area Children’s Museum – the only fun, hands-on learning center in our area.
Address
314 North Jeffers Street
North Platte
308 532-3512
Days Open/Hours of Operation
Wednesday & Friday 10AM – 3PM
Thursday – 10AM – 5PM
Sunday – 1PM – 5PM
Admission:
$2.50 per person daily
FREE – Under Age 2
Group Rates Available
NEBRASKAland DAYS
NEBRASKAland DAYS is the state of Nebraska’s official celebration. It is a time when young and old gather to celebrate our western heritage. A 12-day event, NEBRASKAland DAYS is held annually the 2nd week in June and has been billed as “one of the top 100 events in North America” by the American Bus Association.
• 4 nights of PRCA Buffalo Bill Rodeo
• Big-name concert entertainment
• The Governor’s Western and Wildlife Art Show
• Parades
• Mexican Fiesta
• Cowboy Poetry
• Miss Rodeo Nebraska Pageant
• Frontier Revue
• Kids Parade
• Senior Fun Day
• Sports Tournaments
• Carnival
Dance following each rodeo and concert performance.
Additional information
80% of all events are free of charge
For more information on the current year’s line-up of live concerts, Buffalo Bill Rodeo and other great events:
NEBRASKAland DAYS
PO Box 706 – North Platte, NE 69103
308 532-7948 or 888-313-5606
E-mail: nld@nebraskalanddays.com
Web Site: www.nebraskalanddays.com
DANCING
LEAF CULTURAL LEARNING CENTER
One thousand years ago in Southwest Nebraska, there lived small groups of Native Americans known to archaeologists as the Upper Republican Culture. These people
 who lived in earthen lodges and farmed along Medicine Creek were thought to be ancestors to the Pawnee. Some feel that their way of life was harsh, but their ability to live as one with nature gave them a spiritual outlook on life that few have ever experienced. Set in rolling prairie hills along the banks of Medicine Creek, a feeling of closeness to nature and inner strength that can best be experienced through this simple way of life has been captured.
Dancing Leaf Cultural Learning Center offers a unique blend of educational and recreational opportunities. An earthen lodge from the time period of 800-1300 has been reconstructed. A tour of this and other archaeological information and artifacts is covered in a 90-minute daily tour. Dancing Leaf is located on 115 acres of cedar covered canyons along the Medicine Creek and includes a spring fed lake, many scenic trails and natural springs.
Attractions
Reconstructed earth lodge, nature trails, medicine wheel, canoeing, museum, gift shop, buffalo stew meals
Season/Hours of operation
Memorial weekend through Labor Day
Daily Tours – 9am thru 3pm / tours start every half hour
Available Year Around by Reservation
Other tours and overnight accommodations available (Reservations Required)
…a feeling of closeness to nature and inner strength
Directions
25 miles South to Wellfleet, then 2 miles East at the railroad tracks on Opal Springs Road
Admission
90-minute Daily Tours
Adults - $7.00
Children - $5.00
Contact for additional info:
DANCING LEAF
6100 E. Opal Springs Road
Wellfleet, NE 69170
308-963-4233
www.dancingleaf.com
FORT
McPHERSON NATIONAL CEMETERY
…Fort McPherson is the only National Cemetery in Nebraska
Established on September 27, 1863, Fort McPherson provided protection for traders and trappers in their search for furs, settlers in their quest for land and freedom, miners seeking the riches of the Rocky Mountains, and the first transcontinental railroad linking the East and West Coast.
On March 3, 1873, the Fort McPherson National Cemetery was established on a 107-acre tract of the Fort McPherson Military Reservation. Fort McPherson is the only National Cemetery in Nebraska, and about 6,500 United States veterans and their spouses are buried here.
Over the years, this small piece of Nebraska has become the final resting place for four recipients of the Medal of Honor, two of which are Buffalo Soldiers. The Medal of Honor is earned by a deed of personal bravery and self-sacrifice, above and beyond the call of duty.
Location
2 miles south of I-80 Exit 190
Maxwell, Nebraska
308 582-4433
Admission
Free Admission
Hours of Operation
Gates open 24 hours
Fort McPherson Website
FORT
CODY TRADING POST
 Fort Cody Trading Post, located at the Intersection of I-80 and Hwy 83, is one of the West's largest and most unique gift shops. Antiques, leather goods, jewelry and Western gifts.
 Free Old West Museum. Fun for the entire family - open all year round. Special attraction: Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show in miniature - a 20,000 piece, handcarved animated display.
(308) 532-8081
Fort Cody is open year round, except for Easter Sunday,
Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. Summer hours
are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., 7 Days a Week. The rest of the year we open
at 9 a.m. and close at 5:30 p.m, Monday through Saturday, and 12
Noon to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.
http://www.fortcody.com
CODY GO KARTS
Cody Go Karts offers FUN for the entire family. Featuring rides and games supervised for
your safety and enjoyment. Open seven days a week, Cody Go Karts' lot is fully lit, so your
fun doesn't have to stop when the sun goes down. Activities include:
New WATER SLIDES
Three slides with 560 feet of wet, slippery, rapid ride fun!! New kiddie slide in the pool area.
GO KARTS
Offering different levels of driving excitement
BUMPER BOATS
Featuring the "Waterbugs".... the latest in water sports
 HI-BALL
A bouncing basketball trampoline game.
FRONTIER KIDDIE RIDES
Includes the Santa Fe Train, Moon Walk, Baby Bumper Boats and the new Kiddie Go Karts for the little ones.
CODY GO KARTS for a FUNTASTIC TIME also offers video games, snack bar and camping!!!
I-80 & Highway 83, on Halligan Drive.
North Platte, NE
http://www.codygokarts.com
ART & GIFT
GALLERY
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, sculpture, and much, much more.
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11:00 - 4:00 p.m.
516 N. Dewey 308-534-1946
FEATHER RIVER VINEYARDS
Feather River Vineyards is located in the scenic and lush Loess hills just south of North Platte. Their most recent plantings make Feather River 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.
Hours:
January through March, Sunday, 1pm to 6pm
Spring 2008, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 2pm to 6pm
November and December, Saturday and Sunday, 1pm to 6pm
6152 East State Farm Road
308 530-5744
www.Feather-River.com
STONES AND BONES GALLERY AND EMPORIUM
Stones and Bones is a unique gallery of art and artifacts, featuring an assemblage of western and wildlife art and a premier private collection of native Stone Age artifacts from rural western Nebraska.
Special group tours of ten or less, with question and answer discussions covering subjects such as our collection, artifacts in general, flint knapping with demonstrations and personal instruction. Tepee set-up demonstrations are also offered.
(308) 530-8626 or (308) 368-7400
105 E. 2nd St., PO Box 85
Hershey, NE 69143
fossilrocks@hotmail.com
www.myspace.com/stones_and_bones_gallery
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