North Platte Rail Days | August 6-9, 2026

All aboard for one of Nebraska’s most unique and exciting events!

August 6-8 Thursday, Friday and Saturday

Step aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned motor coach, relax, enjoy the ride and experience a 1 hour guided tour through Union Pacific’s iconic Bailey Yard.

• Travel through active areas of the   yard not open to the public
• Hear insider stories from Union Pacific team members
• Watch real-time rail operations in action
• Visit key locations only accessible during this tour

This is a rare, one-of-a-kind opportunity that rail enthusiasts, families, and curious travelers won’t want to miss.

9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm
Golden Spike Tower

Two ways to get on board:

• VIP Pass $35 to $45 – Grants you early access to reserve a tour date and time of your choice with no waiting in line.
• Standby Line Free – Tours are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis where you simply join the standby line and board as space allows.

August 6 Thursday

All Aboard to paint Conductor Cow in a relaxed, social atmosphere as you sip on a Pals Brewing beverage.

$50 per person, all materials, instructions and one drink included. Additional drinks and food may be purchased from Pals Brewing.

7-9pm
Pals Brewing Company
$50

August 6-8

Experience the power and beauty of railroading through the lens of talented photographers. Browse the entries in the Railway Shots Photography Contest and vote for your favorite where the Railway Shots Grand Champion and Reserve Champion will be crowned. Don’t miss this inspiring exhibit celebrating the railroad industry that keeps America moving.

11am-4pm
Prairie Arts Center
Free event open to the public

August 7-9 Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Whether you’re a lifelong railfan or just looking for a fun family outing, the Model Train Show is a must-see event. Explore impressive custom-made layouts, detailed miniature landscapes, and realistic modeled operations. Meet talented model railroaders and discover the creativity behind this beloved hobby. Interactive displays and exhibits make it a great experience for visitors of all ages. Come celebrate the magic of railroading in miniature!

7th 9am-6pm
8th 9am-6pm
9th 9am-3pm
D&N Event Center
Adult 12+ $5
Child 7-11 $2

August 7 Friday

Celebrate the best of Nebraska at Taste of Nebraska, held in conjunction with the North Platte Chamber’s Business After Hours. Enjoy an evening of locally crafted beers, wines, and delicious flavors while networking with community members. The atmosphere comes alive with live music from Platinum Pearls, creating the perfect backdrop for connecting, relaxing, and celebrating everything that makes Nebraska unique.

5-8pm
Golden Spike Tower
Free event open to the public

August 7-8 Friday, Saturday

Experience Bailey Yard like never before as the sun sets over the world’s largest classification rail yard. Watch thousands of rail cars come to life under the glow of dusk while enjoying one of North Platte’s most unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a lifelong railfan or simply looking for a unique summer evening adventure, Twilight Tours at the Golden Spike Tower are an event you won’t want to miss.

7-11pm
Golden Spike Tower
Adult $12
Youth 6-16 $6
Senior 62+ $10

August 8 Saturday

The perfect stop for young railroad fans and families! Kids can enjoy hands-on activities, interactive games, crafts, and train-themed fun designed to spark creativity and imagination. With plenty of opportunities to play, explore, and make lasting memories, it’s a can’t-miss family destination. All aboard for smiles, laughter, and fun for kids of all ages!

10am-1pm
D&N Event Center
Free event open to the public

August 8 Saturday

The perfect way to spend a summer evening with family and friends! Enjoy live music featuring Caleb Smith, treat yourself to delicious Double Dips Ice Cream, and climb aboard the historic Challenger locomotive in the park. Relax, make memories, and experience the perfect blend of music, history, and sweet treats.

6-8pm
Cody Park-Challenger
Free event open to the public

August 9 Sunday

Start your day with a delicious pancake breakfast before exploring the Model Train Show. Fuel up, then chug along through an incredible display of model railroads, detailed layouts, and creative craftsmanship. Whether you’re a lifelong railfan or looking for a fun family outing, it’s the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable weekend of railroad excitement at North Platte Rail Days!

9-11am
D&N Event Center
Included with Model Train Show Admission
Adult 12+ $5
Child 7-11 $2
Child 6 Under Free

Golden Spike Tower
1249 N Homestead Rd
Bailey Yard Tours
Taste of Nebraska-Business After Hours
Twilight Tours

Visit North Platte
101 Halligan Drive
VIP Pass Pickup

D&N Event Center
501 E Walker Rd
Model Train Show
Whistle Stop Kidz Zone

Cody Park-Challenger
1400 N Jeffers Street
Trains, Tunes & Ice Cream

Prairie Arts Center
416 N Jeffers Street
Railway Shots Photo Display

Pals Brewing Company
4520 S Buffalo Bill Ave
Sip, Paint & Steam Ahead

“All Aboard with a great shot!”  Snap it. Share it. Win big. 

Who Can Enter?

• Everyone is welcome aboard!
• Under 18? Make sure you’ve got a conductor (parent/guardian) giving the green light.
• By entering, you’re agreeing to ride by these rules. What Kind of Photos Can I Submit?

We’re looking for original, eye-catching photos that capture the spirit of railroading, community, and fun!

Your photo must:

• Be taken by YOU (no borrowing from the internet caboose)
• Be appropriate for all audiences
• Not include watermarks, logos, or ads

We reserve the right to sideline any photo that doesn’t follow the track.

How It Works

• For $25 reserve your spot to display your framed photo by August 1^st
• Send or deliver your framed photo to the Golden Spike Tower by August 1^st
• Entries will be displayed at the Prairie Arts Center August 7 & 8, 2026 from 11am-4pm, where railfans and visitors will vote on their favorite image.
• The more votes you earn, the closer you are to the winner’s circle
• When the final vote rolls in, the People’s Choice Champion and People’s Choice Runner-Up will be crowned

The Important (But Still Friendly) Fine Print

Alright, this is the part where we switch from “conductor hat” to “legal hat”—but we’ll keep it painless:

By entering a photo, you’re giving the Golden Spike Tower the full green signal to use it.

That means:

• We can use your photo anytime, anywhere, for any purpose
• This includes marketing, social media, website, print, merch—you name it
• We can edit it, share it, and showcase it as part of our story
• You won’t receive payment for this use
• You don’t need to approve how it’s used
• You confirm the photo is yours to share

In legal speak: this is a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide license—but in plain speak, it just means your photo might become part of the Tower’s legacy

Say Cheese… You Might Be Famous

By entering, you also give us permission to use:

• Your name
• Your photo
• Your smiling face (if applicable!)

…in promotions celebrating the contest and the Tower.

A Few More Track Rules

• We’re not responsible for technical hiccups (even the best rail yards have delays!)
• We may update or adjust the contest if needed
• If something unexpected happens, we’ll keep things fair and on track

Final Boarding Call
By entering, you’re officially on board and agree to all rules above.

Pro Tip: The best entries tell a story—trains, people, moments, memories. Don’t just post a photo… post the photo.