golden spike tower and visitor center

Living in the area the past several years we have heard many stories from railroaders about Bailey Yard. This place brings all those stories and about a century more all into one place. It is interesting to walk through the museum and gift shop as well as watch the video in the lobby. The view from the tower covers the railroad below as well as into the Sandhills area beyond. The courtyard is worth a quick swing when it's open as well. If you like to check out local history venues or just have an interest in anything trains, this is definately worth the stop.

The top floor is enclosed, one floor down is open air. Lobby has a decent gift store and a glass case with HO scale models of the great steam locomotives that once prowled the UP system.

Lorena, Thank you for visiting us! June is always a beautiful time to see the yard here in North Platte. It was quite a busy year for Bailey Yard, so we took advantage of watching a lot of action rolling in and out, as I am sure you saw. Just this last month, they had some shiny new locomotives sitting right outside our front windows. It looks like they have moved and you never know...may come by your way some day. Thanks again for visiting and we look forward to seeing you the next time you are in the area!KirstenGolden Spike Tower

I wasn't really 'into' this visit, but I wanted to see what it was all about. Our 9-yr old grandson was of the same mindset at first, but he soon started reading the displays, asking questions, participating in the interactive kiosks/fun facts, and I found his enthusiasm and wonder to be contagious - the more we saw, the more we wanted to know!

It sounds hokey when you read about it, but once you get up to the 7th floor of the tower and have the panoramic view of the Union Pacific Railroad Bailey Yard, you will be hooked. We just sat and watched trains passing through, being sorted out and made up, and thought about where the trains were going and where they had been. A volunteer was available to tell us what was going on, without being pushy. What would make it perfect is a wine bar! (Probably not possible, but, hey, that's the kind of place it is). Worth the money.

Went to indulge my husband but learning about the history of the railroad, particularly as pertinent to the North Platte area was pretty neat. The observation tower and view of all the train tracks is awesome and the video about the hospitality the whole town of North Platte extended to WW2 troops passing through is really heartwarming.

An amazing look at the history of this rail town and the Union Pacific Railway. The tower provides an amazing view of Bailey yard and it's easy to see and understand how things work through the literature available and the guides on site. Learn about local history as well and how the trains helped North Platte make a name for itself during war times. A well stocked gift shop is on site as well. Stop and have a look. You won't be disappointed at the tower.

This is a great find; a major junction for Union Pacific trains. Just $7 to watch short film, interesting exhibits then go up the tower. At the top you'll see a great overview of all the trains coming into junction, and learn how they get to they get to destinations correctly. Former driver was on hand to answer questions. A fascinating hour was spent at the site.

I believe this is the largest train depot in the US. The facility has around 100 tracks with a couple of switching stations that are interesting to watch - from a distance, so bring binoculars. One handles assembling trains heading east, while the other handles west bound. The observation tower requires a small fee to assess, but well worth the short elevator ride to the top to see all of the activity. The volunteer guide was very informative – nice job!

I was very excited to be seeing the largest railroad yard, but I was disappointed that you were not able to get closer to the yard. The tower has a neat gift shop and a nice intro video that explains the railroad yard. Watching the hump in use was quite interesting. Anyway. the tower has an open floor where you go outside and watch the yard. The top floor of the tower is enclosed. Make sure you bring good binoculars or you will not really see to much of the activity in the yard as you are not that close. The yard should have other view spots much closer so you can really get to see and know what goes on here. You can do it all in less than 1 hour.

We went to the Tower and Visitor Center as part of RailFest. The introductory film was very informative, and the staff were friendly and helpful. We went to the enclosed observation level as well as the open level. The views are terrific and shouldn't be missed, particularly by any train lovers. A volunteer was pointing our sights and explaining the workings of the Bailey Yard. We went to the gift shop afterward and bought a spike with a small train on it (and we never buy souveniers!). Highly recommended.

very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Good value - $7good views of yard and I am not a train lover but did enjoy it

Great views from the tower. Enjoyed our time here. Great history. Not far from Fort Cody Trading Post, also a great place to visit.

Actually we did spend hours here. It's very mesmerizing and relaxing watching the trains. Second time here and I'll be back.

Thank you for taking the time to visit us. I am so sorry to hear of your disappointment in your visit. The chance to overlook Bailey Yard, the world's largest rail yard is quite fascinating for many, but not to all. We completely understand and respect that. In your review, I noticed your recommendation to make this a free attraction, similar to other companies advertising such as factory tours and you were concerned of paying the railroad. I would like to assure you that the Golden Spike Tower is a private non-profit organization, paid in part by admissions. We are not relations of Union Pacific or Bailey Yard, although work very well with them.Our main purpose is to offer our guests education and the closest view they can get of Bailey Yard, as it is Union Pacific private property. We do our best to provide this through our Hall of Fame display, Canteen display, Orphan Train display, our tour guides on the 8th floor, other displays and events. We are a fairly new facility and we look forward to growing over the years, as funding becomes available. I would encourage you to send us any ideas you may have that would have made your trip more enjoyable. Please feel free to email me direction at director@goldenspiketower.com. Thank you again for your visit and we do hope to hear from you. Kirsten ParkerExecutive DirectorGolden Spike Tower & Visitor Center