Cody Park Railroad Museum

Cody Park Railroad Museum is a unique open-air museum located in North Platte, Nebraska. This place is a true paradise for tech and history buffs, offering guests a rare chance to get up close to the legendary machines that once conquered the vast reaches of the USA.

The crown jewel of the collection is the Challenger No. 3977 steam locomotive. It is the only representative of its series in the world available for public inspection. Visitors can do more than just look at the steel giant; they can climb into the engineer's cab to feel the scale of operating such a mechanism. Also on display is one of the world's largest diesel locomotives—model No. 6922.

In addition to these powerful machines, the museum complex includes a restored railroad station from Hershey and authentic railcars converted into exhibition halls. All of this is set in the picturesque surroundings of a park with a lake where ducks and swans swim, and the majestic monument to Buffalo Bill Cody stands nearby.

To confirm current information before your visit, you can use the following museum contact details:

Hands-on exploration is highly encouraged at this museum. Be sure to climb the stairs into the cab of the giant Challenger No. 3977 steam locomotive: here you can examine the controls in detail and imagine yourself at the helm of a massive train. It's equally fascinating to peek inside diesel locomotive No. 6922, whose scale is impressive even to those who aren't tech-savvy.

A walk through the old railcars is a special treat. Step into the Railroad Post Office (RPO) car, where specialized sorting tables and mail slots remain—a glimpse into how mail worked in motion decades ago. You can also peek into the cargo caboose and explore the interior of the historic Hershey station, filled with small artifacts ranging from vintage tickets to railway uniforms.

If you're visiting with family, head deeper into Cody Park after touring the trains. Here you can ride a vintage carousel or the Ferris wheel, have a picnic in specially equipped zones, or feed the birds by the lake. Railroad volunteers are often on duty, happy to share fascinating stories about the golden age of rail travel.

The museum is located at 1400 N Jeffers St, right within the scenic Cody Park, which is not far from the city center. Travelers by car will find it easily: just head north on Jeffers St (about 2-3 km from the center). The site is located in close proximity to major transit routes—I-80 and US-30—making it an excellent stop during a grand road trip across Nebraska.

For those who prefer public transport, it is worth noting that the city's network is moderately developed. The most convenient way to get there from hotels or the North Platte Regional Airport (LBF) is by taxi or rideshare service, which takes about 10–15 minutes. If you are staying in hotels near the northern part of the city, the museum is easily accessible by foot or bicycle.

There is spacious parking available within the park, which can easily accommodate not only cars but also campers (RVs), a feature highly valued by those touring the USA in a motorhome.

The history of this site is inextricably linked to the development of the transcontinental railroad, in which North Platte historically played a key role. The museum was established to preserve the heritage of the Union Pacific Railroad, whose iron arteries literally shaped the American West. The crown jewels of the collection are the giant Challenger No. 3977 steam locomotive, once considered the most powerful on the rails, and the Series 6900 No. 6922 diesel giant—one of the largest of its kind.

Cody Park itself is named after the legendary William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody, whose figure became a symbol of the Wild West era. In 1998, a majestic bronze statue of Buffalo Bill, gifted to the city by a British sculptor, was installed here. Flying around the monument are the flags of the countries and states visited by the famous Wild West show, serving as a reminder of this national hero's international fame.

Of particular historical value is the station building, moved here from the nearby settlement of Hershey. This authentic early 20th-century structure allows visitors to experience the atmosphere of a provincial station from that era. Exhibits inside the cars, such as the mail sorting equipment in the Railroad Post Office (RPO) car, clearly demonstrate how trains served as the country's main lifeblood, carrying not only people but also vital correspondence and cargo.

Most visitors need between 1 to 2 hours for a comfortable tour of the railroad exhibits and a walk around the grounds. If your goal is simply to see the legendary locomotives and snap a few impressive photos, you can manage in about 45 minutes.

However, if you're traveling with children or want a full day out, you can easily spend half a day in the park. Extra time can be spent enjoying the rides, having a picnic by the lake, or watching the swans, making the museum an ideal spot for a leisurely family pit stop.

The museum is seasonal and typically open to visitors from May 1st to late September. During this period, it operates on the following schedule: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and on Sunday with reduced hours (usually 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM).

Please note that during the winter months and the off-season, access to some railcars and indoor facilities may be limited. It is strongly recommended to check the current information on the official city website or the North Platte visitors bureau before your trip, as hours may change based on holidays and weather conditions.

After immersing yourself in the world of railroads, it's worth taking some time for other local interests. Exploring the area around Cody Park will help you get a better sense of this Nebraska region's welcoming atmosphere.