Lisa Cox is
the Executive Director of the North Platte/Lincoln County Convention
& Visitors Bureau
As executive director of the North Platte/Lincoln
County Convention & Visitors Bureau, I want to invite you to our great
city. Come experience some friendly, midwestern hospitality and live the
adventure of the Wild West.
It took a special breed of people to turn the Wild West into a land of prosperity.
Today, their legacy is our way of life. As the Union Pacific was busy thrusting
its iron rails across the prairies, it was unaware of the significant role
it was playing in North Platte’s rich history. A thriving community
soon developed which
now boasts Union Pacific’s
Bailey Yard – the world’s largest rail classification yard.
Railroad buffs from across the country come to see the 10,000 cars pass
through the yards daily. Don’t miss the Train Museum at Cody Park
which features a Challenger steam engine.
William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody made his home in North Platte
and it was also the headquarters of his world famous “Wild West Show.”
His 18 room mansion has been restored and is now a state historical park.
Cody’s legacy began on July 4, 1882, when he organized the “Old
Glory Blowout” for the residents of North Platte. The attendees loved
it and the American sport of rodeo was born. Cody went on to expand the
idea of the Old Glory Blowout into his Wild West Show and Congress of Rough
Riders.
We celebrate our western heritage every June during NEBRASKAland DAYS (June
13-26, 2004) with rodeos, parades and concerts.
You can capture the complete history and heritage of our community with
a vist to the Lincoln County Historical Museum. The museum is home to the
famous World War II Canteen display. The interpretative display details
the story of volunteers that, for 51 months, 24 hours per day, 7 days a
week, throughout World War II, met every U.S. military train, providing
food, treats, and hospitality to its passengers. Over six million servicemen
and women were served during the Canteen’s four year existence. The
Canteen display is a tribute to the spirit, generosity and faithfulness
of these amazing people. Be sure to visit the western prairie village housed
behind the museum. All the structures have been restored and furnished and
are open to visitors.
I’ve given you just a small taste of what North Platte has to offer
its visitors. Please stop by the Convention & Visitor’s Bureau
or visit us on line at www.visitnorthplatte.com for more information.
Sincerely,
Lisa Cox, Executive Director
North Platte/Lincoln County Convention & Visitors Bureau
219 South Dewey, P.O. Box 1207
North Platte, Nebraska 69103-1207
(800) 955 4528, (308) 532-4729 or fax (308) 532-5914