North Platte is a city in and the county seat of Lincoln County in the state of Nebraska, United States. It is located along the South Platte River, approximately 101 miles (163 km) west of the state's eastern border with Iowa and just over 110 miles (177 km) south of Wyoming's western border with Nebraska. The population was 24,733 at the 2010 census.
North Platte is a venture hub of the beloved Oregon Trail and the grounds for a number of historic events such as the First Transcontinental Railroad and the Overland Stage locales used during the Indian Wars. North Platte is near the confluence of the North and South Platte Rivers. This area had long been an important center of Native American activity as the crossroads of the North Platte trails and the South Platte River trails, and the Pony Express ran along the North Platte Trail.
In 1866, the town was established as a stop along the Union Pacific Railroad, and it rapidly became a booming cattle town. The town's population swelled from a mere 100 to 25,000 people in a short amount of time, causing the locals to nickname the city "Queen City of the Plains". North Platte is home to the world's largest railroad classification yard; the Bailey Yard, owned and operated by the Union Pacific Railroad. It is also the hometown of famous frontier scout and showman Buffalo Bill Cody. North Platte has been Nebraska's largest city between Omaha and Cheyenne for over a century.
Interesting Facts About North Platte City
1. North Platte is home to the world’s largest rail yard – the Union Pacific Bailey Rail Yard. It covers an area of over 4.7 million square feet and is served by over 1,000 miles of tracks.
2. North Platte is the birthplace of Union Pacific Railroad, founded in 1862.
3. North Platte is one of the top fly-fishing destinations in Nebraska.
4. The city of North Platte features a free downtown trolley service, making it easy for visitors and locals alike to explore the downtown area.
5. North Platte is home to the Midwest Theater, which first opened in 1936.
6. The city of North Platte is also known as the “Gateway to the West” because of its strategic position along the Oregon Trail.
7. North Platte is home to the Buffalo Bill Rodeo each summer, which is one of the oldest rodeos in the nation.
8. North Platte is the location of the Lincoln County Historical Museum, which is a great place to learn more about the city’s history.
9. "Nebraska Stories" a production of NET Television, have filmed several episodes of the show in North Platte highlighting the interesting stories of the area.
10. North Platte is home to the longest running service club in the State, the Old Orchard Kiwanis, which has been going since 1950.
What is North Platte known & Famous for
North Platte, Nebraska, is known for its beautiful scenery, excellent outdoor recreation, and for being part of the historic Oregon Trail. North Platte is also famous for its role in two major World War II events: the North Platte Canteen and the North Platte Airbase. The North Platte Canteen was an effort to provide refreshments and personal greetings to the thousands of service members passing through the city's Union Pacific Railroad station on their way to the Pacific Theater. The North Platte Airbase, the largest bomber training base in the world, was also located in North Platte. The city continues to honor its past with the Museum of the Fur Trade, the Lincoln County Historical Museum, and numerous landmarks throughout town.
What Is It Like To Visit In North Platte City?
Visiting North Platte, NE is a fun experience. It is a great place to explore the outdoors, have unique shopping experiences, and take in the small-town charm. Hiking, camping, fishing, and bird-watching are great outdoor activities to enjoy while in North Platte. Explore the Union Pacific Railroad Museum to learn more about the history of the area. Take in a show at the North Platte Community Playhouse or explore the historic downtown area. For shopping, take a look at the multitude of local shops, art galleries, and antiques stores that line North Platte. Whether you want to experience outdoor recreation or take a stroll through downtown, North Platte is a great destination to explore.
