Tanking, Trains And Buffalo Bill: A Wild Family Weekend In North Platte

There are too many reasons to list why a family may plan a weekend in North Platte. Maybe they’re interested in Buffalo Bill Cody or trains or tanking. For my family, it’s all of the above. We had two days to spend in North Platte and we fit in a little of everything on the itinerary. Here’s our guide to fun things to do in North Platte for families…including the most memorable putt putt outdoor golf course I’ve ever seen!

Disclosure: Our visit to North Platte was hosted by Visit North Platte. All thoughts, opinions and typos are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

North Platte is where Nebraska starts to feel more West than Midwest. Maybe it’s because there are so many references to Buffalo Bill or the recognizable Fort Cody Trading Post you spot from Interstate 80. There’s just something more Western about North Platte. And that’s a great thing; it feels like you’re further from home than you really are. 

Jump down to the itinerary or read on to learn about each stop. 

Let’s talk Buffalo Bill Cody

William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody was an iconic figure in American history, a showman known throughout the world. His career resume includes Pony Express rider, Army scout and buffalo hunter, but most people know him for the Wild West Show.

If this showy American figure interests you (and he should – he was quite a character), you’ll want to visit Buffalo Bill State Historical Park in North Platte. Cody lived in North Platte from 1886 to 1913, and you can still tour his large Second Empire-style mansion at the park. When it was built, it was the largest house in town. The decor of the era remains. You’ll also see a lot of memorabilia and photos from the Wild West Show. 

Tip: The mansion is open seasonally for self-guided tours. There is an admission fee to tour the home (this is in addition to needing a Nebraska State Park entry permit). 

Tour the grounds and walk through the large red barn. You’ll find more memorabilia inside. 

There are a couple bison on the property. You’ll find their enclosure a short walk from the barn.

Fort Cody Trading Post is another Buffalo Bill-adjacent tourist stop in North Platte. You can’t miss it, since it’s a huge fort-like structure right off Interstate 80. It’s not just a large souvenir shop, it has memorabilia and displays worth checking out. And I should mention, there are also a lot of fun photo opps. 

For more history…

For more North Platte history (as well as Lincoln County, Neb., history), visit Lincoln County Historical Museum. One of the best stories out of North Platte is the Canteen story during World War II. You can learn a little about that slice of history already, but it’s worth noting that the museum is fundraising to build a Canteen Expansion. I can’t wait to see what they build. 

My family’s favorite part of the museum is outdoors, where there’s a collection of historic buildings you can tour. We visited during the Annual Heritage Festival in June, so there were also demonstrations and hands-on activities we could participate in. Nothing’s more satisfying for a parent than watching one of their kids try to wash clothes the old school way. There are no more complaints about helping with laundry after that!

Trains and history in North Platte

For a lot of us, we have only a casual interest in trains and railroad history. We see a big engine and we appreciate it and maybe we snap a photo. But for many others, trains are worth traveling thousands of miles for. And we casual fans and major fans converge at the Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center in North Platte. 

The tower is located next to Bailey Yard, and without touring the tower, you won’t really understand what’s going on there. Bailey Yard is the world’s largest classification yard, with nearly 120 bowl rows and 400 tracks. From high above on the tower’s observation deck, you can watch Union Pacific Railroad sort and connect thousands of cars. Even the casual train fan will be impressed here.

While the big draw is being able to watch trains coming and going, there are a lot of railroad historical displays throughout the tower. Displays are found in the gift shop, as well as Floor 7 where the outdoor observation deck is and on Floor 8 where the enclosed observation area is. 

Tip: Grab a scavenger hunt sheet near the elevator on the first floor. If kids complete it, they can win a little candy prize.

Tanking on the river

Tanking is an only-in-Nebraska kind of thing, and I’m starting to feel like it’s my preferred way of floating down a river. For those who don’t know, tanking is where you float down the river in a cattle stock tank, usually one that’s outfitted with benches for comfort. These huge things do not tip over. 

We went for tanking with Dusty Trails, an outfitter that will pick you up at Cody Park in North Platte and drive you a short distance (2 miles, to be precise) and drop you off at a launch point on the North Platte River. Others leaving at the same time were in kayaks or floating down the river on tubes. 

It takes about 2 hours to tank down the river this way. Bring a cooler and snacks (and obviously sunscreen), and you’ve got yourself a fantastic afternoon. You don’t have to get wet if you don’t want to. As I said, the tank does not tip. Read this story for more tips on tanking.

Our teens were in the river more than they were in the tank. It’s a slow, steady moving river and not very deep. The bottom is sandy, mostly. 

Tip: The end point of the float trip is Cody Park, where you parked your car to meet the outfitter. If you’re not tired from sitting in the sun for a few hours, drive over to the main part of the park. There’s a little carnival area with kiddie rides, including an antique carousel. There are also several animals like elk, bison, and alpacas. You can feed some of the animals, like donkeys. Cody Park also is home to the Cody Park Railroad Museum. It has the only Challenger 3900 series steam locomotive on public display in the world

Mini Golf and More Family Fun Options

Crystal Cave and Falls Adventure Mini Golf was the unexpected hit of the trip to North Platte. You can putt putt 19 holes (it’s a work in progress) surrounded by several man-made waterfalls and botanical gardens…and at one point, you’ll putt at a hole on top of a man-made cave. 

They’re proud to say they’re the U.S’s only Nature Trail Classified Mini Golf Course. And what’s most impressive is that it’s all the work of one man, Duanne Gaedke. He designed it, made the casts of all the rocks used throughout, and built it all. You may even see him while you’re there, weeding or building. 

Words don’t do this place justice, so just go see for yourself. 

Tip: Spray yourself with more bug spray than you think you’ll need. MIni golf is not a fast-moving game, and you’ll find yourself standing among flowers and near ponds throughout. The mosquitos will be relentless.

You wouldn’t know this oasis existed, so take my word for it, you need to seek it out! It’s located on the same property as Cody Go-Carts. And just a side note, those go-carts are legit. I haven’t seen go-carts go that speed since the late ’80s. 

For something totally different, Axes & Aces is an indoor entertainment option. We went for an hour of axe throwing one night, but you can also try out virtual golf or pickleball while there. 

Tip: Axe throwing is discounted on Sunday nights. It was a steal for a family of four!

North Platte itinerary: Two days in the summer

This itinerary works best in the summer since one major component, the tanking trip, is a seasonal activity.

Day 1

To do: Get to know the history of the area before you explore by visiting Lincoln County Historical Museum, 2403 N. Buffalo Bill Ave.. Beyond the museum exhibits indoors covering everything from Native American history and the Oregon Trail to the North Platte WWII Canteen. Be sure to venture to the grounds behind the museum where you’ll find historic structures including a barn, a one-room schoolhouse and a cabin.

Your next stop is the Golden Spike Tower, 1249 N. Homestead Road. It may be a quick stop if you’re not overly fascinated by the immense rail yard it overlooks. It may be a longer stop if you are, or if you’re there with kids who want to complete the scavenger hunt. If it’s a hot day, you may want to spend extra time there so that your next stop is later in the evening when things cool off a bit.

Yes, your next stop should be to play a round of putt putt at Crystal Cave and Falls Adventure Mini Golf, 805 Halligan Drive. Even with the trees around the course, it can get hot out there if you opt to go earlier in the day.

Dining: Start the trip off right with a hearty dinner at The Cedar Room, 505 N. Dewey St. The menu ranges from steaks to seafood. If you’re going on a weekend night, make a reservation ahead of time. It’s in the Historic Canteen District, which you’ll want to explore.

Stay: North Platte has plenty of hotel options. We stayed at Best Western Plus, 3201 S. Jeffers St. Its location was super convenient for all of the attractions we went to, plus it’s not far from Interstate 80.

Day 2

To do: Visit Buffalo Bill State Historical Park, 2921 Scouts Rest Ranch Road, where you can tour his home and barn, as well as the grounds around them. I recommend doing this earlier in the day, just to beat the heat.

In the early afternoon, go tanking the North Platte River with Dusty Trails Outfitters (you’ll need to make reservations for this ahead of time). Arrive early if you plan on exploring Cody Park before the designated pick-up time. You’ll likely be hot and sun-tired after your float trip, making it unlikely that you’ll explore afterward.

Dine: For pizza, nachos and good beer, plan a meal at Pals Brewing Co., 4520 S. Buffalo Bill Ave. We made this family-owned establishment our lunch spot on Day 2. If you’re not on a tight schedule, it’s a nice place to hang out. They have children’s toys outdoors, too. In the evening, we had chicken wings at Axes & Aces. Service was spotty, so we would’ve ordered more if the wait wasn’t so long. For dessert, head to Double Dips Ice Creamery. We went to Canteen District location, 522 N. Dewey St., following our float trip. But, there’s another location inside Axes & Aces. I liked the charming interior of the Canteen District a lot. By the way, their waffle cones and waffle bowls are homemade.

Shopping: If you want a souvenir from this trip, the best place to go is the massive Fort Cody Trading Post, 221 Halligan Drive. It’s the state’s largest souvenir and western shop. You’ll spend more time than you think there. It’s not just a retail store. Walk around to see the Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show in miniature (20,000 hand-carved figures!) and Old West exhibit.