Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center, Nebraska, United States
4.5 (573 reviews) Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Ranking #2 in North Platte Visitor Centers
Glad we stopped!
We weren’t going to stop here but after seeing a brochure that had pictures of the tower we decided to make a stop. I’m glad we did. The visitor center had a short film that you could watch as well as coffee and snacks for visitors. Once you’re done with the film you can then take the elevators to the top. We went to the 8th floor that’s fully enclosed first. On that floor there was a lot of information and items that were related to the towers history, the history of trains, and the history of the railroad. It was very interesting, even for people who aren’t train fanatics. There were also view finders in the tower but you can only use them if you have some quarters. The top floor is also staffed with volunteers that will discuss the railroad yard, there experiences working here or working on trains, or other related topics. Next we went to the 7th floor which is an open air deck. From here you can see the yard and also hear what’s going on. There were also view finders on this deck as well as picnic tables. Another highlight of this stop was the exhibits and film related to the orphan trains that traveled through the area. If you’re in the area this is a pretty great place to stop. You can stay for a while or for 30-45 minutes.
Address
1249 N Homestead Rd, North Platte, NE 69101-1433
Mobile
Website
http://www.goldenspiketower.com
Working hours
Monday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday :
Sunday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Current local date and time now
Monday, May 06, 2024, 11:55
User Ratings
4.5 based on (573 reviews)
Reviews
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5rescueagreyhound 5:00 PM Jun 23, 2020
Squealing and Banging - A train is in the making.
Thank you to the Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center for giving us a view, safely and legally, of the Union Pacific Bailey Yard. We were able to visit the tower, post Covid-19 shut downs, just as things were opening back up. The staff is doing an excellent job keeping the facility clean. We did purchase tickets, $7.00 per person, in advance for an 1.5 hour time slot. Per guidelines, the Visitor Center can only allow a certain number of guess at a time. So please plan ahead and purchase advance tickets. Thank you to the gentleman, Lynn, who volunteers his time to explain how operations work in the yard. He is a retired UP employee who specifically worked in Bailey Yard. His knowledge was so helpful to understand the workings as it happened. Watching the hump hills in action was impressive. You could hear the wheel retarders squealing as they slowed the unpowered rail cars moving into position to couple with the next car. Rows and rows of locomotive power lined the rails for repair or main line action. The whole yard works in an organized chaotic dance. Our trip from Ohio specifically see the Golden Spike Tower and Bailey Yard was not disappointing. Rail fans should visit at least once.
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5Elizabeth H 5:00 PM Dec 21, 2022
Glad we stopped!
We weren’t going to stop here but after seeing a brochure that had pictures of the tower we decided to make a stop. I’m glad we did. The visitor center had a short film that you could watch as well as coffee and snacks for visitors. Once you’re done with the film you can then take the elevators to the top. We went to the 8th floor that’s fully enclosed first. On that floor there was a lot of information and items that were related to the towers history, the history of trains, and the history of the railroad. It was very interesting, even for people who aren’t train fanatics. There were also view finders in the tower but you can only use them if you have some quarters. The top floor is also staffed with volunteers that will discuss the railroad yard, there experiences working here or working on trains, or other related topics. Next we went to the 7th floor which is an open air deck. From here you can see the yard and also hear what’s going on. There were also view finders on this deck as well as picnic tables. Another highlight of this stop was the exhibits and film related to the orphan trains that traveled through the area. If you’re in the area this is a pretty great place to stop. You can stay for a while or for 30-45 minutes.
