History Tour
North Platte has a lot to offer any history buff! Check out these places that are sure to take you back in time, and when you take a break from exploring, check out our Restaurants Page for some great local eats!
When planning your trip, please be sure to click on the attractions you would like to visit and review their business hours, as some places are only open seasonally.
Day 1
See the heartwarming story of the North Platte Canteen at the Lincoln County Historical Museum. One trip to the Lincoln County Historical Museum and you’ll see why it gets Buffalo Bill’s Buffalo of Approval. The museum contains a mix of railroad, old west, early pioneer, agricultural, and WWII…
It’s Buffalo Bill’s ranch, of course it gets his Buffalo of Approval. You don’t have to take his word for it, there’s tons of reasons this State Historic Park is a must-see for visitors. Originally the 4000 acre Scout’s Rest Ranch, the historic park now consists of 16 acres that contain Buffalo…
There are lots of places where you can view other people’s artwork. But great art on display isn’t the sole reason that Prairie Arts Center gets Buffalo Bill’s Buffalo of Approval. Prairie Arts center gets this coveted honor because not only can you view, and purchase, great pieces of artwork but…
The North Platte Historical Preservation Commission published a self-guided walking tour of the downtown area of North Platte. Fast forward to 2020, and the U.S. National Park Service has approved the listing of the “North Platte Commercial Historic District” on the National Register of Historic…
North Platte Canteen volunteers are memorialized by bronze statues.
Day 2
Anyone who’s ever loved the railroad or has been interested in trains, will instantly understand why the Golden Spike Tower gets Buffalo Bill’s Buffalo of Approval. The Golden Spike Tower offers the best view of the world’s largest railyard, Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard. Approximately 20,000 railcars…
Nebraska’s oldest National Cemetery, Fort McPherson is the final resting place of veterans of the Spanish American War, Indian Wars, World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf War and Iraq.
One of the most unique antique shopping experiences.
What was once the 1909 Gothenburg Union Pacific Depot has now been moved & restored into one of Nebraska's newest and most vibrant wineries- the Old Depot Vineyard & Winery!
This hands-on museum gets Buffalo Bill’s Buffalo of Approval for having the only Challenger 3900 series steam locomotive on public display in the world.
Day 3
Over the years roadside souvenir stands have been given a bad name, well this is one shop that’s worth the trip. It’s not just any souvenir shop, inside you’ll find a museum, a two-headed calf and a plethora of off the wall goodies to commemorate your trip.
Stones and Bones is a unique gallery tucked into the small town of Hershey, Nebraska. The gallery features Native American artifacts western art and wildlife pieces. Visitors and history lovers won’t want to miss their exceptional private collection of Native American Stone Age artifacts that have…
North Platte has more than its share of historic sites and monuments. At the crossroads of several pioneer trails, the first transcontinental railroad, and generations of settlers and residents have created an interesting tapestry that weaves its way through our communities.
Throughout North Platte and Lincoln County you’ll find historic markers, sites and buildings, see them all for a self-guided tour of how the history of the United States has flowed through North Platte and the region through the location and stories of forts, trails, ranches and more.
Still looking for more things to see and do?
Check out our Attractions Page or see what's happening on our Event Calendar!
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