North Platte at a Glance
North Platte is a city located in west-central Nebraska, the county seat of Lincoln County and has a population of approximately 24,000 people. North Platte is situated along the North Platte River, which provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
One of the most popular attractions in North Platte is the Union Pacific Railroad Bailey Yard, which is the world’s largest rail yard. Visitors can take a tour of the yard to learn about the history of the railroad and see the massive locomotives and rail cars up close. The Cody Park Railroad Museum is also a popular attraction, featuring exhibits on the history of the railroad in the area.
Another must-see attraction in North Platte is the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, which was once the home of Buffalo Bill Cody. Visitors can tour the mansion and the grounds, which include a barn and a buffalo herd.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Lake Maloney State Recreation Area is a great place to visit. The lake offers fishing, boating, and swimming, and there are also hiking and biking trails in the surrounding area.
North Platte also has a number of cultural attractions, including the North Platte Area Children’s Museum and the Prairie Arts Center, which features exhibits and events showcasing local artists and performers.
Overall, North Platte offers a mix of history, culture, and outdoor recreation, making it a great destination for travelers looking for a unique experience in Nebraska.
North Platte Weather
Places to Stay in North Platte…
North Platte has a variety of hotels to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly options to more upscale accommodations. Here are a few examples:
Best Western Plus
North Platte Inn & Suites: This hotel offers a variety of room types, including standard rooms, suites, and whirlpool suites. Amenities include an indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, complimentary breakfast, and free Wi-Fi.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott North Platte
This hotel offers comfortable rooms and suites, along with a complimentary breakfast buffet, indoor pool, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. It is conveniently located near local attractions such as the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham North Platte
This hotel offers a variety of room types, including standard rooms, suites, and pet-friendly rooms. Amenities include a fitness center, indoor pool, hot tub, complimentary breakfast, and free Wi-Fi.
Hampton Inn North Platte
This hotel offers a variety of room types, including standard rooms and suites, along with amenities such as an indoor pool, fitness center, complimentary breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. It is conveniently located near local attractions such as the Union Pacific Railroad Bailey Yard.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites North Platte
This hotel offers a variety of room types, including standard rooms and suites, along with amenities such as an indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, complimentary breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. It is located near local attractions such as Lake Maloney State Recreation Area.
These are just a few examples of the hotels available in North Platte. Visitors can find additional options by searching online or contacting the North Platte Visitors Bureau for recommendations.
Places to Eat in North Platte
North Platte has a variety of restaurants to choose from, offering everything from classic American fare to international cuisine. Here are a few examples:
Penny’s Diner
This classic American diner offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner 24 hours a day. The menu features classic diner fare such as burgers, sandwiches, and milkshakes.
Nebraska Steakhouse
This steakhouse offers a variety of steak cuts, along with seafood and other classic American dishes. The restaurant has a cozy, rustic atmosphere and a full bar.
Espresso Shoppe
This cozy coffee shop offers a variety of coffee drinks, as well as breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and other light fare. The shop also features a selection of local art and crafts for sale.
The Tea Room
This charming tea room offers a variety of teas, as well as sandwiches, soups, and desserts. The restaurant is located in a historic building and features a garden patio for outdoor dining.
Taste of India
This restaurant offers authentic Indian cuisine, with a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The menu features classic dishes such as chicken tikka masala, biryani, and naan bread.
El Rodeo
This Mexican restaurant offers a variety of dishes such as tacos, burritos, and fajitas, along with margaritas and other cocktails. The restaurant has a festive atmosphere and outdoor seating.
These are just a few examples of the many dining options available in North Platte. Visitors can find additional options by searching online or asking locals for recommendations.
Places to Visit in North Platte…
North Platte has several popular attractions and places to visit. Here are a few examples:
Union Pacific Railroad Bailey Yard
This is the world’s largest rail yard, and visitors can take a tour to see the massive locomotives and rail cars up close. The tour includes a visit to the Golden Spike Tower, which provides a bird’s-eye view of the yard and surrounding area.
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park
This park was once the home of Buffalo Bill Cody, and visitors can tour the mansion and the grounds, which include a barn and a buffalo herd. The park also features a museum with exhibits on the history of the area and the life of Buffalo Bill.
Cody Park Railroad Museum
This museum features exhibits on the history of the railroad in the area, as well as a collection of historic locomotives and rail cars. Visitors can take a train ride through the park and see other attractions such as a carousel and a Ferris wheel.
Lake Maloney State Recreation Area
This lake offers fishing, boating, and swimming, as well as hiking and biking trails in the surrounding area. The park also has campsites and picnic areas.
Lincoln County Historical Museum
This museum features exhibits on the history of the area, including artifacts from pioneer life, military history, and local businesses.
North Platte Area Children’s Museum
This interactive museum is designed for children and features exhibits on science, technology, engineering, and math.
These are just a few examples of the many popular places to visit in North Platte. Visitors can find additional attractions and activities by searching online or contacting the North Platte Visitors Bureau for recommendations.
Getting Around North Platte
Navigating around North Platte by car is fairly easy, as the city is laid out on a grid system with numbered streets running north-south and lettered streets running east-west. Here are a few tips for navigating around North Platte by car:
Highways: North Platte is located at the intersection of Interstate 80 and US Route 83, which makes it easy to get to and from the city by car. The main highways within the city include US Route 30, which runs east-west through the city, and US Route 83, which runs north-south.
Parking: There are several parking options in North Platte, including street parking, public parking lots, and private parking garages. Many of the downtown shops and restaurants have free parking available.
Traffic: Traffic in North Platte is generally light to moderate, with the exception of the area around the Union Pacific Railroad Bailey Yard, which can be congested at times. There are also occasional road closures or detours due to construction or events, so it’s a good idea to check for updates before heading out.
GPS and maps: GPS navigation and smartphone maps are widely available and can be helpful for finding your way around North Platte. However, it’s always a good idea to have a paper map or atlas as a backup, especially if you’re traveling in areas with poor cell phone reception.
Weather: North Platte can experience extreme weather conditions, such as heavy snow or thunderstorms, which can make driving conditions more challenging. It’s important to be prepared and to drive cautiously in adverse weather conditions.
Visit our North Platte I-80 Traffic feature for real-time road information.
By following these tips and using common sense, navigating around North Platte by car should be a relatively easy and stress-free experience.
The I-80 Exit Guide is the Internet’s largest and most complete website dedicated to Interstate 80 travelers. Find detailed exit service listings… lodging, camping, food, gas and more for every exit from Maine to Florida!
On the road? Why not take us with you. The I-80 Exit Guide is mobile-friendly and totally FREE. No App Required.
Traveling another route? Visit our growing family of exit guides: I-4 Exit Guide, I-5 Exit Guide, I-10 Exit Guide, I-75 Exit Guide, I-80 Exit Guide and I-95 Exit Guide. Detailed exit service listings… discount lodging, camping, food, gas and more for every exit along the way!
