Plan Your Visit – North Platte Rail Days 2025
July 29 – August 3 | North Platte, Nebraska
Make the most of your Rail Days experience with this quick guide to planning your visit. Whether you’re coming for a day or the whole weekend, we’ve got everything you need to know.
Event Headquarters
Golden Spike Tower
1249 N Homestead Rd, North Platte, NE
Open daily | Extended hours during Rail Days
This is the main hub for VIP pass pickup, tower tours, and bus tour departures.
Getting Here
North Platte is conveniently located minutes away from Interstate 80, Hwy 83 and Hwy 30 in west-central Nebraska.
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Driving: Access from I-80, U.S. Hwy 83, and U.S. Hwy 30
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Flying: The nearest airport is North Platte Regional Airport (LBF), offering limited commercial flights, direct from Denver (DIA) via SkyWest powered by United.
Parking
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Golden Spike Tower: Free parking available on-site
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D&N Event Center: Free event parking for the Model Train Show
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Cody Park, Prairie Arts Center, and Lincoln County Historical Museum all offer public or overflow parking areas
Tour Departures
All Bailey Yard tours depart from the Golden Spike Tower unless otherwise noted in your schedule or confirmation email. Please arrive at least 20–30 minutes before your scheduled departure for VIP holders. Time will vary for those joining via stand-by line.
Lodging
Stay close to the action! North Platte offers a variety of hotels, motels, and campgrounds. Many are within 5-10 minutes of Rail Days sites. We recommend booking early—rooms fill quickly for this event weekend. We value all our lodging partners, with no recommendations. Disclaimer: The Golden Spike Tower currently receives 2% of all hotel stays within the North Platte community, during the term of our loan or February 2029, whichever comes first.
Dining
Enjoy local favorites at participating restaurants offering VIP Perks Pass discounts. From Nebraska beef to sweet treats and family-friendly meals, there’s something for every appetite.
Don’t miss:
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Welcome to Nebraska Celebration (Friday evening)
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Pulled Pork & Corn Feed (Saturday)
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Pancake Feed with Kiwanis (Sunday morning
Double Dips Ice Cream Social (Sunday afternoon)
Accessibility
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Bailey Yard tours take place on motor coaches that are not wheelchair accessible by default.
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The Golden Spike Tower and most venues are accessible, but terrain at outdoor events may vary.
Weather & What to Bring
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Rail Days events take place rain or shine
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Dress for the weather—summer in Nebraska can be hot
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Bring sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and a refillable water bottle
Visitor Tips
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VIP Pass Holders: Check your email for your tour reservation link and bonus perks
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Public Tours: Arrive early for standby seating—spots fill fast
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Be ready to explore: events are spread throughout North Platte, so allow drive time
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Have questions during the event? Staff and volunteers will be stationed at major locations to assist you.
Need more info?
Email us at NorthPlatteRailDays@GoldenSpikeTower.com or visit the Golden Spike Tower’s front desk during event hours.