Community

Home / Community
Rail Fest is a community project of the Original Town Association of North Platte. The Original Town Association is a neighborhood organization representing the area north of the railroad corridor and within the city limits of North Platte. The group’s primary purpose is promoting growth and rehabilitation within this important part of North Platte, both in terms of a business center as well as a residential neighborhood.
Along with implementing projects such as street banners to bring identification to the area, creation of a small park and the completion of a Neighborhood Redevelopment Plan; the Original Town Association is proud to host an annual festival to recognize the contributions the Union Pacific Railroad and its employees have made in shaping North Platte, Nebraska into the extraordinary community it is today.

Rail Fest Celebrates Opening!

Rail Fest celebrates the opening of the Golden Spike Visitors’ Center

The center highlights Union Pacific Bailey Yard, the world’s largest rail freight classification yard in the world. Over the years, Bailey Yard has drawn thousands of visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the Union Pacific Railroad in action. Until recently, the only access was a one-story wooden platform that provides a view of the West Hump or long distance view of yard activities at the top of the Buffalo Bill viaduct.

The Golden Spike has a 95-foot tower with an enclosed 360-degree main viewing level to allow for a panoramic view of Bailey Yard and the Platte River Valley. An exterior viewing deck at 83-feet provides a look at Union Pacific in action.

The center’s 3,500 square foot building with its connecting hallway to the observation tower was designed with the appearance of an old-style railroad depot.

 

Shuttle Buses will be available to the Golden Spike throughout the Railfest event.
The buses will leave Cody Park on the top of the hour and return from the Spike every half hour.

 

Click here to visit the Golden Spike Tower website.




Shuttle Buses will be available to the Golden Spike throughout the Railfest event.
The buses will leave Cody Park on the top of the hour and return from the Spike every half hour.

 

Click here to visit the Golden Spike Tower website.

Funding Provided by...

Web site funded in part by a grant from the North Platte Convention & Visitors Bureau.





Community College

Mid-Plains Community College is also a big supporter of our Rail Fest Events. Their mission as a college is to provide quality educational opportunities for lifelong learning. To learn more about MPCC please click here.

Union Pacific

The Union Pacific Railroad was an incredible supporter of Rail Fest 2007 and has pledged even more support in 2008.  Rail Fest 2008 will be an even bigger and better event than our first year's event in 2007. Learn more about Union Pacific on their website.