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North Platte, NE

Frequently asked questions

North Platte, NE

North Platte is a city in and the county seat of Lincoln County, Nebraska, United States. It is located in the west-central part of the state, along Interstate 80, at the confluence of the North and South Platte Rivers forming the Platte River. The population was 23,390 at the 2020 census, making it the 11th most populous city in Nebraska.

North Platte is a railroad town; Union Pacific Railroad's large Bailey Yard is located within the city. Today, North Platte is served only by freight trains, but during World War II the city was known for the North Platte Canteen, a volunteer organization serving food to millions of traveling soldiers. North Platte is the principal city of the North Platte Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Lincoln, Logan, and McPherson counties.

North Platte was established in 1866 when the Union Pacific Railroad was extended to that point. It derives its name from the North Platte River. North Platte was the western terminus of the Union Pacific Railway from December 1866 until the next section to Ogallala was opened the following year. Even though Congress had authorized the building of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1862, it had been extended only as far as Fremont, Nebraska by the end of the 1865 construction season. The 275-mile (443 km) section from Fremont to North Platte was completed in 1866. 

In the 1880s, Buffalo Bill Cody established his ranch, known as Scout's Rest Ranch, just north of town. It is now a National Historic Landmark. On July 13, 1929, a black man shot and killed a white police officer. The black man reportedly took his own life, being trapped by a mob. This led to the formation of white mobs combing the city, and ordering black residents to leave North Platte. Fearing mob violence, most of North Platte's black residents fled.

The North Platte Canteen was one of the largest volunteer efforts of World War II, originating in 1941. Tens of thousands of volunteers from North Platte and surrounding towns met the troop trains passing through North Platte, offering coffee, sandwiches, dessert, and hospitality to nearly seven million servicemen.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 13.39 square miles (34.68 km²), of which 13.20 square miles (34.19 km²) is land and 0.19 square miles (0.49 km²) is water.

The 2020 United States census counted 23,390 people, 10,188 households, and 6,061 families in North Platte. The population density was 1,730.0 per square mile (667.9/km²). There were 11,409 housing units at an average density of 843.9 per square mile (325.8/km²). The racial makeup was 86.54% (20,242) white, 1.64% (384) black or African-American, 0.79% (184) Native American, 1.15% (268) Asian, 0.03% (6) Pacific Islander, 3.1% (725) from other races, and 6.76% (1,581) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 10.0% (2,558) of the population.

Health and wellness are integral aspects of life in North Platte. The city offers residents access to a range of healthcare services, including North Platte Care Center, the primary medical center serving the region. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the North Platte Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Fire House Gym, Enzo Athletic Performance and Nebraska Athletic Club. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around North Platte, such as the Lake Maloney Trail and Iron Horse Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in North Platte, NE are Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park Museum, Lincoln County Historical Museum, Golden Spike Tower, and Cody Park Railroad Museum.

Population: 22,523 (2023). ZIP code: 69101. Area code: 308. Elevation: 2,777 feet (846 meters). Area: 13.78 square miles (35.7 km²).

FAQs

Why is North Platte, NE famous?

The West-Central Nebraska city sits west of where the North and South Platte Rivers join to create the Platte River. North Platte’s biggest claims to fame are the Union Pacific Bailey Yard, the world’s largest railroad classification yard; the home of “Buffalo Bill” Cody; and the North Platte Canteen. All three came to North Platte because of its location on the broad, flat Platte River Valley. It was the easiest route to the Pacific Coast.

Is North Platte, Nebraska a good place to live?

North Platte is in Lincoln County. Living in North Platte offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In North Platte there are a lot of parks. Many families live in North Platte and residents tend to be conservative.

What is the crime rate in North Platte, NE?

The crime rate in North Platte is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 30 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in North Platte is 1 in 33. Based on FBI crime data, North Platte is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Nebraska, North Platte has a crime rate that is higher than 98% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of North Platte

North Platte Care Center

North Platte Parks and Recreation Department

Fire House Gym

Enzo Athletic Performance 

Nebraska Athletic Club

Lake Maloney Trail 

Iron Horse Park

Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park Museum

Lincoln County Historical Museum

Golden Spike Tower

Cody Park Railroad Museum

Niche

Neighborhood Scout

Roxie On The Road

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