Heading west through Nebraska, beyond the iconic landmark of Chimney Rock and the maginificent Courthouse and Jail Rocks on the Oregon Trail, we came to the town of North Platte.
I knew it was a railroad town, but I wasn’t prepared for what I was about to find. This unassuming spot on the prairie is home to the largest rail yard in the world: Bailey Yard.
What I discovered was something totally different, a place to see and learn from. It’s not just a destination for train buffs; it’s a staggering piece of American history and a jaw-dropping display of modern logistics.
If you think this place is just for railfans, you may be pleasantly surprised, just like I was.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to visit, from the practical details to the mind-boggling numbers and the incredible stories that make this a unique stop for any traveller.
Planning Your Visit to Bailey Yard & The Golden Spike Tower
The best way to experience the sheer scale of Bailey Yard is from the top of the Golden Spike Tower, a purpose-built visitor center offering a panoramic view of the entire operation.
Here is the essential information you’ll need to plan your trip.
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Visitor Information |
Details |
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Location |
Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center, 1249 N. Homestead Rd., North Platte, NE 69101. Directions are available from I-80, US-83, and US-30. |
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Hours of Operation |
May-September (Summer): Daily, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.4 October-April (Winter): Daily, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.4 (Note: Some sources state 9am-5pm in winter; it is best to advise checking the official website for the most current hours). |
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Admission Fees |
Prices vary by age (Adult, Senior 62+, Youth 6-16). Children 5 and under are typically free. Group rates are also available. (Advise checking the official website for the most current pricing). |
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Official Website |
Navigating the Tower: 7th vs. 8th Floor
The tower offers two distinct viewing experiences:
The 7th Floor: This is an open-air observation deck, perfect for photography and for truly experiencing the sounds of the yard—the rumble of locomotives, the distant horns, and the unique screech of cars rolling down the classification hump.
The 8th Floor: Fully enclosed, this floor offers a 360-degree, climate-controlled view. It’s filled with historical exhibits and is staffed by friendly guides, many of whom are retired Union Pacific employees with a wealth of firsthand knowledge.
Insider Tips for the Best Experience
Bring Binoculars: To get a closer look at the action across the vast yard, binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lens are highly recommended.
Talk to the Guides: The volunteer guides are a treasure. They can explain exactly what you’re seeing and share incredible stories from their time working on the railroad.
Check for Events: North Platte hosts an annual “Rail Days” celebration, which can offer unique tours and experiences. Check the tower’s official calendar before your visit.
View Online First: If you want a preview, the Golden Spike Tower hosts an official live webcam on its website, offering a real-time look at the yard’s activity.
Inside the Machine: Bailey Yard by the Numbers
The term “world’s largest” is hard to comprehend until you see the numbers.
Owned and operated by the Union Pacific Railroad, Bailey Yard is named after former UP President Edd H. Bailey. The statistics behind its 24/7 operation are staggering.
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Bailey Yard At a Glance |
Statistics |
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Total Area |
2,850 acres. |
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Dimensions |
8 miles in length, 2 miles in width. |
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Total Track Length |
315 miles—enough to stretch from North Platte past Omaha. |
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Daily Train Traffic |
An average of 139 to 150 trains pass through every 24 hours. |
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Daily Rail Cars Handled |
Approximately 10,000 to 14,000 cars. |
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Daily Cars Sorted |
3,000 to 3,600 cars are sorted via the hump yards. |
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Locomotives Serviced |
Over 8,500 locomotives are fueled and serviced per month. |
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Total Employees |
Approximately 2,600 people work at the yard. |
Standing on the 8th floor, trying to comprehend that thousands of cars pass beneath you every single day is truly a humbling experience.
It’s a scale that is almost impossible to grasp until you see it.
If you were impressed by the sheer scale and ingenuity of Bailey Yard, you’ll also love this other incredible example of human engineering I’ve explored. The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
The Engineering Marvel of the Hump Yard
The heart of Bailey Yard is its two massive “hump yards,” an ingenious, gravity-powered sorting system.
Trains are slowly pushed over a large mound—34 feet high for eastbound traffic and 20 feet for westbound.
At the crest, individual cars are uncoupled and roll down the other side.
A sophisticated computer system then activates a series of switches, guiding each car to one of 114 “bowl” tracks to join its new train.
This process sorts up to four cars every minute, a mesmerizing ballet of steel and logistics.
A Crossroads of American History
I came to learn more than I thought I would, and I quickly realized this place is a cornerstone of American history.
From “Hell on Wheels” to a Modern Marvel
The story begins in 1866, when Union Pacific engineer Grenville Dodge chose this location for its access to water during the construction of the transcontinental railroad.
The resulting boomtown was so rough and chaotic it was nicknamed “Hell on Wheels”.
Buffalo Bill’s Railroad Hub
The legendary William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody established his famous “Scouts Rest Ranch” in North Platte precisely because its central location on the Union Pacific line allowed him to easily transport his massive Wild West show to audiences across the country.
The North Platte Canteen: A WWII Miracle
Perhaps the most moving story is that of the North Platte Canteen. During World War II, from 1941 to 1946, the community organized to meet every single troop train that passed through—sometimes over 20 a day.
For a brief 10-minute stop, volunteers provided soldiers with free coffee, sandwiches, and a moment of warmth and gratitude.
Over the course of the war, they served more than six million soldiers, a remarkable feat of patriotism that adds a profound human element to the railroad’s history.
Bailey Yard on Your Nebraska Road Trip
Just as I experienced, Bailey Yard fits perfectly into a broader journey through Nebraska’s historic corridor.
It serves as a modern counterpoint to nearby Oregon Trail landmarks like Chimney Rock and Scotts Bluff National Monument.
While in North Platte, you can also visit the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park and the Cody Park Railroad Museum to round out your trip.
The yard is more than just an industrial site; it’s considered a real-time barometer of the U.S. economy.
The sheer volume of goods—from coal and grain to automobiles and electronics—provides a snapshot of national supply and demand.
As a massive, active facility, it also faces modern challenges, with a continuous focus on operational safety, a topic that drew national attention following a 2023 rail car fire.
This unique stop on the Oregon Trail turned out to be one of the most fascinating.
It’s a living monument to American engineering, a critical artery of the national economy, and a place steeped in the history of westward expansion and wartime sacrifice.
It is interesting for all, and a visit I can highly recommend.
Thank you so much for sharing your views of Bailey Yard and the Golden Spike Tower!
Hi Muriel, Thank you.. It was fascinating and interesting… So glad I stopped off there