NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/440846
8 NEBRASKAland • DECEMBER 2014 ocated in west-central Nebraska, North Platte offers plenty of activities for travelers on Interstate 80 and Highways 30 and 83. Whether you're a hunter, angler, camper, boater or history buff, North Platte has entertainment for all. Lake Maloney State Recreation Area (SRA), just south of North Platte, offers camping, fishing and more. Kansas Point near the inlet area of the lake offers RV hookups and tent camping. The main camping area near the outlet offers RV and tent camping with no amenities, but great access to boat ramps, swimming, boating, kayaking and a playground for the kids. Anglers will find walleye, bass, catfish, wipers, bluegill, crappie and white bass for fishing all year. For a Wild West treat visit Buffalo Bill's Ranch State Historical Park and SRA. The ranch preserved by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission shows the home and history of William Cody and his Scout's Rest Ranch Barn. Cody's Victorian home takes sightseers back in time as they view classic photos and possessions of the Cody family. The Barn features Wild West Show posters, historical relics, horse tack and more. The tucked away SRA has RV hookups and tent camping along the North Platte River, with hiking trails, horse-back riding and access to fishing, paddling or tubing. The Lincoln County Historical Museum tells the historical significance of west-central Nebraska and the Platte River Valley. The Pawnee, Arapaho, and Sioux all lived in this area and the Oregon, Mormon and California trails all ran through it. The North Platte Canteen, which served 6 million troops during World War II, is one of the best legacies of North Platte. Hunting can be done at eight Wildlife Management Areas and Open Fields and Waters lands within 30 minutes from North Platte providing hunters with waterfowl, upland game, turkey and deer hunting. June is the prestigious NEBRASKAland DAYS celebration. The week- long event has everything from the PRCA Rodeo, parade, antique cars, food, concerts a carnival and much more. North Platte is also home to the largest railroad classification yard in the world. Union Pacific's Bailey yards covers 2,850 acres for a total length of eight miles. Bailey Yard handles 10,000 railroad cars a day. For a birds-eye view of the yards head to The Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center and view the action from the tower platforms. The Visitor Center includes Union Pacific Railroad and Nebraska memorabilia, educational displays and a gift shop. Lastly, downtown North Platte has shops with one-of-a-kind gifts and décor. Take a break with a favorite coffee or latte at the Espresso Shop, then finish the day at Grain Bin Antique town and enjoy wine from Feather River Vineyard located in the Loess Hills south of North Platte. Feather River Vineyard introduces visitors to award- winning wines and the antique town made from wooden grain bins is packed full of antique deals. ■ By Julie Geiser oc oc oc pl pl pl p Hi Hi H North Platte Buffalo Bill's Ranch State Historical Park and SRA The Espresso Shop in downtown North Platte Fishing at Lake Maloney North Platte Bailey Yard' d' d' d s Golden en n Spi Sp ke Tower and n Vi Visit sitor o Center he he he he h o e e