Golden Spike Tower

Harold J. Cook Homestead Cabin, more commonly known as Bone Cabin, located on south side of Niobrara River
Ammodramus, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted

Observation tower featuring panoramic views of an active rail classification yard and exhibits interpreting modern railroad operations.

General Information

Hours:
Memorial Day–Labor Day: Daily 9:00am–7:00pm
Labor Day–Memorial Day: Daily 9:00am–5:00pm
Fees:
Adults: $12
Seniors & Military: $10
Youth ages 6–16: $6
Children under 5: Free
Pet Policy:
No public pet policy is listed for this location.
Seasons:
Open year‑round with extended summer hours.
Location:
1249 N Homestead Rd, North Platte, NE 69101
Website:
goldenspiketower.com

Travel east on US‑26 from Scottsbluff, merge onto I‑80 East toward North Platte, then exit toward Homestead Road and follow signs directly to the tower.

The Golden Spike Tower rises 104 feet above Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard, granting visitors sweeping views of the world’s largest rail classification yard where thousands of railcars are sorted daily. Inside, exhibits interpret the evolution of railroading, including multimedia presentations, historic railroad narratives, and stories of the North Platte Canteen. Retired rails below.

Two observation decks—one indoor and one open‑air—allow guests to observe hump yards, bowl tracks, and locomotive movements from a rare vantage point, making the site a magnet for railfans, families, and travelers. Interactive kiosks, short films, and curated displays deepen appreciation for the yard’s role in nationwide freight movement. Whether capturing photographs from the outdoor deck or exploring the educational exhibits, visitors gain an immersive understanding of modern railroad infrastructure and its enduring impact on American industry.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the https://goldenspiketower.com/, which are released under the https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.

Visitor center and museum
Jllm06, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
CyberXRef, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted