Golden Spike Tower & Bailey Yard Tour — North Platte, Nebraska

Discover the Golden Spike Tower & Bailey Yard Tour in Nebraska

Located in North Platte, Nebraska, the Golden Spike Tower & Bailey Yard Tour offers visitors a rare, elevated view over the world’s largest railroad classification yard. From the eight-story Golden Spike Tower, guests overlook Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard, where thousands of railcars are sorted and assembled daily.

This rail-focused visitor experience combines observation decks, railroad exhibits, and educational displays explaining how modern freight operations keep America’s supply chain moving.

Why it’s special: The Golden Spike Tower & Bailey Yard Tour provides panoramic access to the largest railroad yard on Earth — a must-visit for train enthusiasts and anyone curious about large-scale rail logistics.

History & Story of Bailey Yard

Bailey Yard was established in 1866 and has grown into the largest railroad classification yard in the world. Operated by Union Pacific Railroad, the yard spans over 2,800 acres and processes up to 10,000 railcars per day.

The Golden Spike Tower was later built as a public observation facility, allowing visitors to safely view this massive operation from above while learning about the evolution of American railroads.

What You’ll See & Do on the Golden Spike Tower & Bailey Yard Tour

• Ride the elevator to the 8th-floor enclosed observation deck
• Step onto the open-air 7th-floor deck for panoramic yard views
• Watch locomotives sort and assemble freight trains
• Explore exhibits about railroad history and logistics
• View informational videos explaining rail yard operations

Hands-On Elements: Interactive railroad exhibits inside the visitor center; yard operations are observation-only.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography is permitted from observation decks.

Souvenirs & Extras: Gift shop offering railroad-themed merchandise, books, toys, and memorabilia.

Pricing of the Golden Spike Tower & Bailey Yard Tour

Adult price: $7 per adult

Discounted admission may be available for seniors, youth, and military.

Visiting information for Golden Spike Tower & Bailey Yard Tour

Duration: 60–90 minutes

Age limits: All ages welcome

Accessibility: Fully accessible tower with elevator access to observation decks

Working Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

No reservations required for general admission.

Nearby attractions to Golden Spike Tower & Bailey Yard Tour

• Cody Park
• Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park
• North Platte Area Children’s Museum

FAQs About Visiting the Golden Spike Tower & Bailey Yard Tour

Is Bailey Yard really the largest rail yard in the world?
Yes. Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard in North Platte is recognized as the world’s largest railroad classification yard.

Can visitors enter the rail yard itself?
No. Visitors observe operations safely from the Golden Spike Tower; the yard is not open for public access.

Is the tower open year-round?
Yes. The tower operates daily with consistent hours throughout most of the year.

Are the observation decks climate controlled?
The 8th-floor deck is enclosed and climate controlled, while the 7th-floor deck is open-air.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes. The tower’s interactive exhibits and train views make it popular with families and train enthusiasts of all ages.