2 The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013
hidden TREASURES
14 contents table of
2013 OFFICIAL VISITOR’S GUIDE
4
movies IN THE PARK
5
summer MUSIC SERIES
9
aLINCOLN rideHIGHWAY along
10
buffalo bill
Family friendly presentations of popular motion pictures held at selected parks in the community.
16
Thursday nights will once again be filled with live music at the 2013 Fort Cody Summer Music Series.
Follow the Lincoln Highway from Gothenburg to North Platte. See some of the iconic concrete markers placed by the Boy Scouts in 1928.
HERITAGE
Experience the legend that is Buffalo Bill Cody. No story is complete without the story of his life in North Platte.
food 13 & DINING
From a night on the town to an intimate gathering of friends the dining choices are practically unlimited.
Sometimes the most amazing things are just around the corner. How do you know where to look? Uncover a surprise you'd never find on your own.
attractions STAY, PLAY & ENJOY North Platte and the surrounding communities are filled with history, culture and adventure. You'll find different experiences around every corner.
museums
21
RELIVING HISTORY
Travel back in time and explore these area museums and all they have to offer including art, history and culture. You will be amazed.
gothenburg
22
IT’S A STATE OF MIND
Welcome to the local town of Gothenburg, Nebraska. Enjoy all the benefits this small town has to offer.
hastings MUSEUM
25
Giant Screen 3D Theatre, 11 permanent exhibits, star-filled planitarium and traveling exhibits and artwork. Experience life up close.
calendar OF EVENTS
26
North Platte Area Events including entertainment, exhibits, races, tours, car shows, concerts, town celebrations, fairs, festivals & much more.
The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013 3
PRESENTING
movies IN THE
BY MURIEL CLARK North Platte/Lincoln County Visitor’s Bureau
The popular "Movies in the Park" are back for another year! The North Platte/Lincoln County Visitor's Bureau has partnered with the North Platte Recreation Center and Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation to once again show popular, familyoriented movies in Cody Park on an inflatable movie screen. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and snacks - don't forget the bug spray! The big 16 foot screen will give you the feeling of the old-time drive-in theater. All movies will start at dusk and will be held at the
Cody Park Softball Fields. Admission is free. Dates and locations: Saturday, June 1 - Wreck It Ralph Sponsored by Farm Bureau Financial Services with Jay Engel and Bob Rouch. Sunset is 9:09 p.m. Friday, July 12 - Hotel Transylvania sponsor TBA. Sunset is 9:16 p.m. Saturday, August 10 - The Blind Side sponsored by Equitable Bank. Sunset is 8:50 p.m. Friday, September 20 - The Odd Life of Timothy Green sponsored by Husker Radio. Sunset is 7:45 p.m.
4 The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013
summer MUSIC SERIES BY MURIEL CLARK North Platte/Lincoln County Visitor’s Bureau Thursday nights will once again be filled with live music at the 2013 Fort Cody Summer Music Series. The series is sponsored by Nroute Entertainment, a not-for-profit group in North Platte whose goal is to provide quality and affordable entertainment to the people of central Nebraska while at the same developing venues and places to perform for artists as they travel across Nebraska. The Fort Cody Music Series concerts will be each Thursday night from June 13th through August 8th. Each concert starts at 6 p.m. Central Time with a local opening act. The headline act takes the stage at 7 p.m. The concert costs $5 for adults; Kids 12 and under get in free. Concert passes are available for $20 and will grant the holder admission to each of the nine concerts. Food and beverages will be available for sale at each concert. The concerts will be held in the stockade of the Fort Cody Trading Post at 221 Halligan Drive in North Platte. June 13th - Paul Siebert June 20th - Jami Lynn and Dylan James June 27th - Reggie Shaw July 4th - CeCe Otto July 11th - Doug Rees July 18th - Daniel Christian July 25th - Jefferson Fox August 1st- The Littlest Birds August 8th- Word of Mouth A more detailed schedule can be found at www.facebook.com/nrouteentertainment that includes links to each of the artists and the opening acts. For other concert details or more information please call Rob Martinson at 308-530-2233.
The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013 5
6 The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013
Re
ike
• Set • y B ad
POTTER’S MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL BY MURIEL CLARK North Platte/Lincoln County Visitor’s Bureau Did you know that the best-maintained system of mountain bike trails is only a 30-minute drive from North Platte? Potter's Pasture, located just ten miles south of Brady is a renowned stop-over for mountain bike enthusiasts from all over the country. According to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Potters Pasture is comprised of more than 1,300 acres of privately owned land. Steven Potter provides the land while local biking enthusiasts provide all of the labor and equipment to maintain the trails. The terrain is varied - trees and valleys for shade, some nice gradual climbs, then there's the wicked Six-Man trail that only six people have ever completed without stopping. The course is fun and as challenging as the bikers make it, with so many trails you could ride daily for a month and not have to take the same trail twice. The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013 7
Gates Open: 5:00pm Races Start: 7:00pm Lincoln County Raceway Track Phone: 308-532-1204 Platte Valley Speedway: 308-532-1274
May 4th May 18th May 25th June 1st June 8th June 11th June 18th July 6th July 13th August 3rd August 10th August 17th - Rain Date
8 The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013
LINCOLN HIGHWAY BY MURIEL CLARK North Platte/Lincoln County Visitor’s Bureau Zipping along Interstate 80 at 75 miles per hour, it is easy to overlook the accomplishments of the early Nebraska road-building pioneers. There are heroic tales of the westward migration, from the Oregon and California Trails and the Gandy Dancers who built the Union Pacific railroads. But the Lincoln Highway, what is now Highway 30 through most of Nebraska, was America's first transcontinental highway. It just seems to slip into place fully formed. Envisioned in 1913 to be a hard-surface road running from New York's Time Square to San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, the Lincoln Highway began by utilizing local farm-to-market roads. While these were the best of the best for their day, the reality was in dry conditions they were dusty and nearly solid washboards. When the roads were wet, they were a morass of mud cut by deep ruts. These local roads followed property boundaries, creating a trademark "stair-step" pattern in the original 1913 Lincoln Highway alignment. By following the original Lincoln Highway from Gothenburg to North Platte, modern-day travelers can experience the "stair-step" but with the added convenience of asphalt In Gothenburg you can see the landmark "berm" where the original route heads toward a crossing of the North Platte River on the east end across from Highway 47. From there you can head west on County Road 764 (which becomes Banner Road), where it crosses into Lincoln County. Following the route all the way to Highway 83 south of North Platte, you'll make no less than 24 90degree (or nearly so) turns. Thanks to the magic of the Google Maps on the Lincoln Highway Association website (www.lincolnhighwayassoc.org/map/), if you take a wrong turn, you can still easily find your way back. Along the route you'll pass landmarks such as the Banner Church, Conroy's Grave (from the era of the Indian Wars), numerous Oregon Trail and Pony Express monuments, several pioneer cemeteries, Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Feather River Vineyards, and some of the most productive farmland in the Great Plains. Fort McPherson, established in 1863 protected pioneers
along the Oregon and Mormon trails and the construction workers on the Union Pacific railroad. It was decommissioned in 1880 and Nebraska's only National Cemetery was established. Remains from other decommissioned frontier forts were reinterred here and the graves of many notable historic characters can be found. It is open from dawn until dusk every day. The Lincoln Highway underwent numerous realignments through the years, moving to the north side of the Platte River when the bridge east of North Platte was completed in the 1920s. In North Platte, you can find some of the iconic concrete Lincoln Highway markers placed by the Boy Scouts in 1928 in Memorial Park on East 4th Street and at the historic 1913 Federal Building on the corner of 5th and Jeffers. On the west edge of North Platte, turn north on Buffalo Bill Avenue from Highway 30. Here you'll find the Lincoln County Historical Museum, and just around the corner, the Buffalo Bill State Historical Park. The original 1913 Lincoln Highway followed what are now Buffalo Bill Avenue and Scouts Rest Ranch Road, which reenters Highway 30 about a half-mile west of the ranch. The Lincoln County Historical Museum preserves the most heart-warming story in North Platte history. From Christmas day 1941 through April 1 1946, local volunteers met each and every troop train traveling through on the Union Pacific railroad. By the time the war had ended, more than six million service personnel had been greeted with hometown hospitality. Buffalo Bill called North Platte home for more than 40 years founded his Wild West and Congress of Rough Riders here in 1882. He hoped one day to retire here, but fortune didn't favor him and his 4,000 acre ranch was sold in the early 1900's. Today the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has preserved 250 acres, including the historic mansion, horse barn and log cabin. It would take until 1935 before the dream of a hard-surfaced transcontinental highway was realized, and the final six-mile stretch running from North Platte to Hershey was paved. To celebrate this achievement a gala was held on Nov. 5, 1935, approximately at the point where Scouts Rest Ranch Road reenters Highway 30.
The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013 9
BUFFALO BILL
heritage BY MURIEL CLARK North Platte/Lincoln County Visitor’s Bureau
In the introduction to "Buffalo Bill, His Family, Friends, Fame, Failures, and Fortunes," Cody biographer Nellie Snyder Yost writes, "None of his previous biographers have bothered to write much about North Platte, which for thirty-five years the colonel made his home and headquarters." Sadly, this oversight continues to this day as North Platte's importance is overshadowed by the likes of Lookout Mountain in Colorado and Cody, Wyoming. Yost continues, "… rich portraits of Buffalo Bill Cody as husband, father, neighbor, and citizen in the town he adopted and loved. He made his money in far places, but he spent much of it generously in the little town at the forks of the Platte. There he developed a ranch second to none in western Nebraska, with the finest buildings, the most elaborate landscaping, the most productive of irrigated lands, and the best blooded livestock within hundreds of miles." "There he provided his wife and daughters with the handsomest house in town. There he gave lavishly to aid the town's churches, to outfit its band and its fire department, and to promote the county fairs. There, because of Colonel Cody, some of the finest shows then touring the United States, including opera, stopped to perform, and he saw to it that every kid in town, the ragged and the barefoot as well as the others, saw those shows at his expense. There he performed countless little acts of kindness for his town's poor and
unfortunate, kindnesses long unknown to any but the recipients." It was near North Platte, at Fort McPherson where Cody arrived on May 20, 1869 as an Army scout. It was in North Platte on May 29, 1869 at the Dan Costello circus Cody attended, that may have planted the seeds for the Wild West Show. It was also in North Platte on January 18, 1872 where Cody greeted Russia's Grand Duke Alexis prior to departing on the famed buffalo hunt. At his Scouts Rest Ranch on August 24, 1878, it is reported that Mr. Cody had done some very fancy and difficult shooting. There followed the first mention of Cody's shooting at glass balls. Whether or not it was called the Old Glory Blowout at the time, on Independence Day in 1882, the Hon. W. F. Cody acted as marshal of the days' festivities. This included buffalo and steer roping and horse races. Following the performance, there are many accounts of his proclaiming his intention to develop a western show to tour in the east. By May of 1883 it took six boxcars and several passenger cars to hold the people, livestock, and equipment that had been assembled for the show to transport it from North Platte to Omaha for the first performance of the Wild West. Notice of Cody's sale of Scouts Rest Ranch came in February of 1913, only four years before his death, ending more than 40 years of Buffalo Bill's presence in North Platte. History makes clear that North Platte was beloved to Buffalo Bill and that his Scouts Rest Ranch played an important part in his life and the development of the Wild West, an importance that should not be overlooked. North Platte still has a number of attractions and events that honor Buffalo
10 The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013
Bill, most notably the Buffalo Bill State Historical Park, known locally simply as The Ranch. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has preserved 250 acres of the once 4,000 acre spread, including the magnificent Victorian mansion which is filled with Cody memorabilia and period furnishings. Also preserved is the massive horse barn, complete with eaves in the shape of gun stocks and at the peak of the roof, Annie Oakley's favorite target, the Ace of Spades. Each year in June, NEBRASKAland DAYS pays homage to the spirit of Buffalo Bill. The four evening performances of the PRCA Buffalo Bill Rodeo, top-name concert entertainment, sporting events, parades, the Frontier Revue, art shows and much more complete the 21 day celebration. Cody Park, which was the site of the 1882 Independence Day celebration, is the home of the Wild West Memorial. This includes a life size statue of Buffalo Bill that was presented to the community of North Platte by the citizens of Great Britain to commemorate the regard they had for him. Fort Cody Trading Post, an iconic roadside attraction, displays a 20,000 piece hand-carved animated miniature replica of the Wild West and Congress of Rough Riders. The exhibit truly gives visitors an appreciation for the monumental logistical task it was to transport all of the equipment and personnel of the show, and to feed and house the performers, human and animal. Yes, the exhibits at Cody, Wyoming and Lookout Mountain, Colorado are impressive. Yes, they've done a better job in telling the story of Buffalo Bill's importance in American history. But no history of Buffalo Bill is complete without the story of his life in North Platte.
A very good place to be.
TM
• Complimentary Breakfast • High speed Internet • Outdoor pool • Restaurant
North Platte Exit 177
Lexington Exit 237
Toll-free reservations: 1-800-2RAMADA
•Express Start Breakfast •24-hr Indoor pool, Jacuzzi & exercise room •Conference center for 400 •Free high speed Internet •Business Center
Toll-free reservations North Platte: 1-888-562-9500 Lexington: 1-866-669-9731
Go anywhere. Stay here.
TM
• Complimentary Breakfast • High speed Internet • Indoor pool • Restaurant
Toll-free reservations: 1-800-446-4656
The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013 11
12 The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013
FOOD
YOUR TABLE IS WAITING!
& dining
It’s going to be a great vacation! Start it off right with the perfect meal! Let us spend all the time in the kitchen so you don’t have to. See what’s on the menu at these North Platte and surrounding area restaurants. Choose from a variety, including everything from high quality cuisine to local diners. These restaurants offer great service, comfortable seating areas and a great dining atmosphere. From dinner to drinks or dessert, you are sure to find something pleasing for the whole family to enjoy!
The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013 13
HIDDEN
treasures • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
14 The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013
Play At These Locations: Platte Bar • Brothers Tavern • House Bar Canteen Bar & Grille • Cedar Bowl
534 - 3354 215 East 6th Street • North Platte, NE
The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013 15
stay, play
&201E3 NJOY
NORTH PLATTE AREA ATTRACTIONS
Cody Go-Karts
rial
20th Century Veterans Memo
Cody Park Railroad Museum
Art & Gift Gallery
Cody Park Wild West Memorial
Bark Park
Community Unity Tile Sculptures
Park Buffalo Bill State Historical
Dancing Leaf Cultural Learning Center
16 The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013
20TH CENTURY VETERANS MEMORIAL The busy crossroads of the Eisenhower Memorial Interstate System (I-80), and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Highway (Highway 83), is the appropriate location of the 20th Century Veterans Memorial. The five major armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard) as well as the volunteers of the North Platte Canteen are memorialized by larger than life bronze statues. The five major conflicts of the 20th century (World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm) are depicted in a fifteen foot tall brick bas-relief mural. The memorial features a Walk of Honor, lined by thousands of commemorative bricks showing the names of veterans who served at any time during the 20th century. Location: 2811 South Jeffers North Platte Self guided tours. Open 24 hours all year. For more information contact: Mid-Nebraska Veterans Memorial Association PO Box 1393 - 221 East 5th Street North Platte, NE 69103 308-532-6579 www.20thcvetsmem.org ALPHA AND OMEGA LABYRINTH The eleven-circuit Labyrinth is a spiritual tool used for walking meditation. It comes from the Christian tradition during the 11th and 12th century and is a replica of the one on the floor of Chartres Cathedral outside of Paris. 1600 West E Street, North Platte, NE 69101 308-532-1478 www.npfumc.org Admission: Donations are welcome to help maintain the space and for future landscape projects.
ART AND GIFT GALLERY Five galleries featuring the works of member artists in the largest co-op gallery in the state. Address: 516 N. Dewey, North Platte, NE Phone: 308-534-1946 Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11am-6pm Special Hours by appointment.
CODY GO-KARTS Rides & games for the entire family - water slides, go-kart racetracks, bumper boats and miniature golf. Address: I-80 & Highway 83 interchange 805 Halligan Drive, North Platte, NE Phone: 308-534-8277 www.codygokarts.com Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day 10:30am - 10pm BARK PARKS Open weekends pre and post season. The Waggin Tales park at 1102 West Leota is Admission: Admission charged. most conveniently located to Interstate 80 and the hotels near there. From I-80, go north on Dewey Street (Highway 83) to Leota. Turn CODY PARK RAILROAD MUSEUM left. At the corner of Leota and Oak Street, For hands-on railroad enthusiasts, the Cody continue straight into the park. The north side Park Railroad Museum is a must! The only park is the Happy Hound Retreat, located at Challenger 3900 series steam locomotive on 301 West 18th. Go north on Dewey Street until public display is located right here in North it joins with Jeffers Street. Continue north on Platte, a city born in 1866 when the Union Jeffers past Highway 30 to 18th Street. Turn Pacific stretched its rails across the prairie, left. You can find reviews of North Platte's two racing to complete the first transcontinental railroad. Accompanying the 3977 is Unit 6922, dog parks at www.dogparkusa.com. one of the 6900 series diesel locomotives, the largest ever made. These two behemoths have BUFFALO BILL a combined horsepower of more than 12,000! STATE HISTORICAL PARK Also to be seen is a fully restored railroad Col. Wm. F. Cody, "Buffalo Bill," built his depot, several rail cars and a caboose. North Platte home during the heyday of his Address: 1400 North Jeffers, Cody Park famous Wild West Show, which debuted in North Platte, NE North Platte as the "Old Glory Blowout" on Hours: May 1 through September 16 July 4th, 1882. Cody owned some 4,000 acres Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 7pm here, and in 1886, built the large Victorian Sunday 10am-5pm mansion at a cost of $3,900. Sixteen acres of his ranch, appropriately named "Scout's Rest", CODY PARK WILD WEST MEMORIAL became a state historical park in 1965. Since It took an army of entertainers to pull off that time, the house and barn have been Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show. These restored and a wealth of Cody memorabilia has entertainers, the cowboys and Indians, trick been acquired. riders and shooters, are honored at the site of Guided tours available by appointment. the precursor of the Wild West Show - the 1882 March 24-Memorial Day Old Glory Blowout hosted by Buffalo Bill in 10am-4pm weekdays, closed weekends Cody Park. The centerpiece of the exhibit is Memorial Day - Labor Day the larger than life sized bronze statue of 9am-5pm daily Buffalo Bill donated to the city of North Platte Labor Day - Oct 24 by the citizens of Great Britain. Surrounding 10am-4pm weekdays, closed weekends the gazebo housing the statue are the flags of Fee: State Park Permit required for all the states and foreign countries in which Cody vehicles, admission charged for tour. performed with his Wild West Show. Location: 2921 Scouts Rest Ranch Road Address: 1400 North Jeffers, Cody Park 308-535-8035 North Platte, NE www.ngpc.state.ne.us/cody.html Open all year, 24 hours a day. The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013 17
COMMUNITY UNITY TILE SCULPTURES Five eight-foot tall sculptures arrayed with hand-painted tiles created by community members. Veterans Memorial Park, 2811 S. Jeffers Centennial Park, Leota and Francis Streets Courthouse Square, 4th and Dewey Streets Memorial Park, East 4th and Bryan Streets Cody Park, 1400 North Jeffers St. DANCING LEAF CULTURAL LEARNING CENTER The reconstructed earthen lodge is set in the spectacular scenery of the Medicine Creek Valley in the Loess Hills 25 miles south of North Platte. Your hosts are local experts in the Upper Republican Culture that dates from 800-1300 years ago, and in the important archeological finds in the area. Dancing Leaf is located on 115 acres of cedar covered canyons along Medicine Creek and includes a spring fed lake, many scenic trails and natural springs. A 90-minute daily tour covers the earth lodge, historical and archeological information and artifacts and the medicine wheel. Overnight lodging is available in the earth lodge or in several modern cabins. Other activities include canoeing, hiking and guided plant and nature hikes. Open by reservation only. Available by reservation any time year round. Admission charged. Location: 6100 E. Opal Springs Rd. Wellfleet, NE 69170 308-963-4233 www.DancingLeaf.com
FORT CODY TRADING POST The highlight of a visit to the Fort Cody Trading Post is the animated twenty thousand piece hand carved miniature replica of the Wild West Show. The delightful show runs every half hour. The Old West Museum features some of the finest cowboy gear, Native American hand crafts, guns and much more Wild West memorabilia to be seen in this area, and all free of charge. Location: I-80 & U.S. Highway 83 Interchange - North Platte 308-532-8081 www.FortCody.com Hours of Operation: Summer Hours: Memorial Day - Labor Day 9am-9pm 7 days a week Winter Hours: 9am to 5:30pm Monday-Sat, 12pm - 5:30pm Sunday
FORT MCPHERSON NATIONAL CEMETERY Nebraska's only National Cemetery, Fort McPherson is the final resting place of veterans of the Spanish American War, Indian Wars, World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf War and Iraq. Four Medal of Honor recipients rest here, three of whom served during the Indian Wars and one who served in Vietnam. Established in 1863, the original fort provided protection for the westward trails and the building of the railroad. On March 3, 1873, the Fort McPherson National Cemetery was established, and the remains resting in 23 frontier forts were reinterred here. Hours: Daily sunrise to sunset Self-guided tour book available FEATHER RIVER VINEYARDS at the CVB Office Located in the scenic and lush Loess Hills Location: 12004 S. Spur 56A just south of North Platte, the vineyard is Maxwell, NE 69151 the largest in the state. Feather River is 308-582-4433 open for tastings, private parties and group tours. GOLDEN SPIKE TOWER Address: 5700 SE State Farm Road AND VISITOR CENTER Phone: 308-696-0078 A panoramic view of Union Pacific's Bailey www.feather-river.com Yard will greet railfans from the two Hours: Call for hours observation decks of the Golden Spike Tower. 18 The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013
The eighth story fully enclosed viewing platform offers a 360 degree view of Bailey Yard and the Platte River valley. The seventh floor platform is open-air. The Visitor Center includes Union Pacific Railroad and Nebraska memorabilia and educational displays as well as a gift shop with a large selection of souvenirs. The Guinness Book of World Records certifies Bailey Yard as the world's largest railroad yard, with a mind-boggling array of more than 315 miles of tracks, accommodating more than 150 trains a day. Address: 1249 N. Homestead Road North Platte, NE Phone: 308-532-9920 www.GoldenSpikeTower.com Hours: May 1 through September 30: Monday-Saturday 9am-7pm Sunday 1pm-7pm October 1 through April 30: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm Sunday 1pm-5pm LINCOLN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM Early pioneer history is preserved in the Western Heritage Village which is home to restored buildings dating from the 1860's Pony Express log cabin to the 1917 Country Church. Also included are the 1963 Fort McPherson headquarters, 1899 Fredericksen home, 1869 two story log home of the first homesteader in Lincoln County, 1900 barber shop, and the 1876 birthplace of William Jeffers, President of Union Pacific Railroad from 1937 through 1946. The Museum is also the home of the World War II North Platte Canteen, which served more than 6.5 million service men and women from Christmas Day 1941 through April first, 1946. Every day, as many as 5,000 service members
stay, play
& ENJOY 2013
NORTH PLATTE AREA ATTRACTIONS Feather River Vineyard
Memorial Park Splash Pad Ford Cody Trading Post
Neville Center for Performing Arts Fort McPherson National Cemetery
North Platte Area Children’s Museum Golden Spike Tower & Visitors Center
Stones and Bones Gallery & Emporium Lincoln County Historical Museum
The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013 19
stay, play
& ENJOY 2013 NORTH PLATTE AREA ATTRACTIONS
visited the North Platte Canteen in the Union Pacific Depot. Many never forgot the ten minute stop, as sixty years of thank-you letters can attest. Fee: Admission charged Guided tours available by appointment all year. May 1 through September 3 Sunday 1pm-5pm; Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm Address: 2403 N. Buffalo Bill Ave. North Platte, NE Phone: 308-534-5640 www.lincolncountymuseum.org
NORTH PLATTE AREA CHILDREN'S MUSEUM More than twenty-five exciting interactive exhibits will keep children six months to twelve years old entertained for hours. The Museum offers visitors a place to experience the wonders of science, technology, culture and the arts in a unique and interactive atmosphere. A member of the Association of Youth Museums, your local participating museum membership allows you free admission to the North Platte Area Children's Museum. Exhibits include Experiencing Agriculture - Commerce Room Laser Light Room - Media Center - Science Discovery - Reading Castle - Kid's Corral Bubble Experience Puppet Theater - Medical Center - Nebraska History - Construction House - Music Exploration - Transportation Area Address: 314 North Jeffers Street, North Platte, NE Phone: (308) 532-3512 Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9:30am-5pm Admission: Admission charged. www.northplattechildrensmuseum.com
MEMORIAL PARK SPLASH PAD The railroad-themed Betty Keenan Memorial Splash Pad is open 11am to 8pm daily in Memorial Park on East 4th street and is operated by the push of a button. STONES AND BONES Address: 1200 E. 4th Street GALLERY AND EMPORIUM North Platte, NE Native American artifacts and much more… Stones and Bones is a unique gallery of art and NEVILLE CENTER FOR artifacts, featuring an assemblage of western THE PERFORMING ARTS and wildlife art and a premier private The historic Fox Theater, originally built as collection of native Stone Age artifacts from a movie and vaudeville theater in 1929 is rural western Nebraska. the home of the North Platte Community Address: 105 E. 2nd Street Playhouse, hosting many productions each Hershey, NE 69143 year. Many performances of the Town Hall Phone: 308-530-8626, 308-368-7400 Lecture Series, Community Concert Series and www.stonesandbonesofnebrask.com special events are also regularly held at the Hours: Call ahead, usually 10am-5pm daily Neville Center. Address: 301 East 5th For more information on local North Platte, NE attractions please visit the North Phone: 308-532-8559 Platte/Lincoln County Visitor’s Bureau www.northplattecommunityplayhouse.org at visitnorthplatte.com 20 The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013
area museums
Travel back in time! Art, history and culture are just part of the what you will find at these local museums. You will be amazed to find that there is more to Nebraska culture, but the truth is that local museums thrive here. They will enchant you with their everchanging exhibitions, living history, activities and unique experiences. Relive the depiction of the history of the Sandhills region, including many relics used by the settlers at Stuhr Museum. Explore the pioneers who settled the plains of central Nebraska in the late 19th century at Thomas County Historical Society Museum. Stones & Bones Gallery and
Emporium features beautiful assemblage of western and wildlife art and a premier private collection of native Stone-age artifacts from rural western Nebraska. A visit to the Lincoln County Historical Museum will immerse you in the early days of North Platte and the love and sacrifice of the North Platte Canteen.
Thomas County Historical Society Museum Former: Chet & Ida Paxton Home. Located on Highway 2. Box 224, Thedford, Nebraska 69166 Open Memorial Day - Labor Day Mon - Fri 10am - 12pm • 2pm - 4pm Central Time Open by Request by Calling-
(308) 645-2477 . (308) 645-2489 FREE Admission
The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013 21
GOTHENBURG BY GOTHENBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
People in Gothenburg enjoy all the benefits a small town has to offer. That includes a variety of sports, outdoor and leisure activities. Ehmen Park is a beautiful tree-lined park on Lake Avenue. Complete with picnic shelters and playground equipment, it is a popular place for family gatherings and community festivals. One of the few Pony Express Stations remaining in existence was rebuilt and moved to the park in 1931 and opened to the public in 1954. Each year over 25,000 tourists visit the Pony Express Station to learn about its history. Gothenburg was designated the Pony Express Capital of Nebraska by the Nebraska Legislature in 1992. A self-guided tour of historic homes and buildings located around the park and along Lake Avenue affords visitors a chance to learn about the community. Tennis courts, colorful playground equipment and shrubs and plants groomed by local garden volunteers welcome visitors to E. G. West Park.
It's "Play Ball" in the summer for adults and youths with a strong, locally financed program. Four-plex ball fields are busy throughout the summer with local competitors as well as with teams from across the state. Water sports are popular with tubing and canoeing on the Platte River. On Jeffrey, Midway and Johnson Lakes-each only 20 minutes from Gothenburg-sailing, power boating, water skiing and fishing fill summer days with fun. If hunting is your preference, white tailed and mule deer and elk can be found along with pheasants, wild turkeys, doves, quail, ducks and geese. Wild Horse Golf Club, a championship 18-hole public course designed by the general contractors for the Sandhills Golf Course at Mullen, Nebraska, opened for play in the spring of 1999. The rolling sandhills course features huge greens, wide fairways bordered by native grass and about 60 bunkers. Several golf magazines have rated Wild Horse in their prestigious ratings. Among them are Golf Digest, Golf Magazine and Golf Week Magazine. The Gothenburg Roping Club holds team-roping events, sponsors jackpot competitions and hosts the annual Pony Express Rodeo every July 3 and 4. Check out Gothenburg at www.gothenburgdelivers.com. 2013 EVENTS: June 4 - BRAN 32 in Gothenburg - BRAN Riders (Bike Ride Across Nebraska) will be staying over night in Gothenburg! For more information or to volunteer to help serve a meal, contact Anne at the Chamber 308.537.3505 June 5 - Tractor Relay - This will mark the second year
LASSO ESPRESSO •I-80 EXIT 211• Latte • Mochas • Chai Tea Smoothies • Malts • Floats Muffins • Scones Sandwiches • Unique Gifts
308-537-2525 • GOTHENBURG, NE 22 The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013
that this tractor relay will stop in Gothenburg. The relay tractors will make a pit stop at the Pony Express Station. The public is invited to come look at and take pictures of this unique relay with various different types and ages of tractors. For more information, call 308.537.3505. June 1 - Fireman’s Ball - Kick up your heels and have a great time! Fire Hall at 10th & Ave F June 19 - Pony Express Re-Ride - The Pony Express Rider will be flying past the Midway Station between 9:50 a.m. & 10:10 a.m. Come and have some coffee while you wait to see this piece of history. July 3rd & 4th - Pony Express Rodeo - Rodeo both nights. Mutton busting for kids with steer wrestling, bronc riding and calf roping for adults. Fireworks display on July 4th at dusk. Other sponsored events on July 4th include: funwalk and barbecue. Rodeo Arena at 27th & Lake Ave. Fireworks at Lake Helen Recreation Area, 22nd & Lake Ave. July 11 - September 26 - Farmers’ Market - 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm - Every Thursday until September 26th. Shop for fresh fruits and vegetables every Thursday evening downtown. The location of the Farmer’s Market is on 10th Street between Lake Avenue and Avenue F. July 12th - Relay for Life - Watch area Newspapers for more information. TBD - School Appreciation Breakfast - 7:30 a.m. Gothenburg Chamber of Commerce Retail Committee and local businesses join together to serve breakfast to Gothenburg School District 20 Staff to thank them for all of their hard work and dedication. August 23 - 9th Annual Beef, Wine & More! - 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at the NSG Building - Get a taste of
wines and beer made in Nebraska and sample some of our finest beef & pork. For more information, call 308-537-3505 September 19-21 - 99th Annual Harvest Festival Thursday: “Dogs on Parade”, Friday: Kid’s Parade, Saturday: Parade, Food Vendors, Arts & Crafts, Kid’s Games, Entertainment, Collections Display, and much, much more. October 31 - Munchkin Masquarade Trick or Treaters Invade the Downtown Businesses the many businesses that participate in the promotion. Downtown. December 5 - Holiday Magic on Main Street 5-7 p.m. Entertainment, Prize Drawings, Santa Arrives, Firetruck & Hayrack Rides. Downtown Gothenburg TBA - Shining Light Celebration - Over 10,000 lights welcome you as you drive through the magical wonderland of sparkling displays visited annually by young and old alike. Visit Santa, enjoy a hayrack ride and warm up with some apple cider. KOA Campground, I-80 & Hwy. 47.
The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013 23
24 The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013
HASTINGS
MUSEUM BY HASTINGS MUSEUM With 11 permanent exhibits, a giant screen 3D theatre, star-filled planetarium, and traveling exhibits and artwork, Hastings Museum in Hastings, Nebraska is your place to experience life up close. Dozens of animal species set in their natural habitats allow you a close look at some amazing creatures. Imagine the lives of those who lived on the Nebraska plains and take a look back at the creatures that roamed this area and swam in the Cretaceous Sea some 100 million years ago. You'll discover the history of Kool-Aid and how a local inventor took it worldwide. Explore firearms used on the plains and better understand their importance to people who lived in the region. Imagine the world that was and is and where it might be going. Throw back the curtain and take a look at Hastings Museum and Life Up Close. THIS SUMMER AT THE MUSEUM IN THE DARK, a national traveling exhibit, opens June 1. Sometimes scary, but always intriguing, darkness beckons exploration. Darkness has caused plants and animals to adapt to numerous ecosystems like dense forests, dark caves, the deep sea, and underneath the ground.
Since prehistoric times, humans have sought to understand the function of darkness, and have invented ways to change it. Guests explore and solve some of these mysteries with hands-on exhibits, computer interactives, detailed walk-through dioramas, and fiberglass models. There are surprises around every corner. Come immerse yourself in the world of darkness. IN THE DARK is on display until September 15. Opening in Hastings Museum Theatre June 4: Kenya 3D, Animal Kingdom. Embark on an epic journey in the most spectacular wildlife sanctuary on earth. Discover the region's famous fauna in their natural habitat, including the Big Fivelions, leopards, elephants, black rhinos, and Cape buffalo as well as hippos, cheetahs, and giraffes. Explore the most remote corners of Kenya, from the Rift Valley's breathtaking flamingo lakes to the Masai Mara, where the annual Great Migration of the wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles takes place. Through stunning, never-before-seen 3D photography shot exclusively in the wild, experience a truly unique adventure in the very heart of Africa. Kenya 3D is showing at the Hastings Museum Theatre through October.
The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013 25
NORTH PLATTE AREA
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
MAY May 3 and 4 - Honky Tonk BBQ Festival. Craft show, live entertainment. Admission is free all weekend. For more information please go to www.honkytonkbbq.com. Location: Platte River Mall South End of the parking lot. May 4 - Lincoln County Raceway. Gates open at 5:00pm, Race starts at 7:00pm. IMCA - Modified, Stock Cars, Hobby Stock, Sports Mod and Sports Compact. Regular Admission $10 Adults, $5 Kids 6-12, 5 & under free. 5015 W. Highway 30, North Platte. 308-532-1204. May 5 - Spring Fling. Enjoy a day of crafts, quilts, and antique show, all in All in beautiful Cody Park, 10:00am to 4:00pm. For more information please call Marilee at the North Platte Rec Center at 308-535-6772. Location: Cody Park at 1402 North Jeffers Street, North Platte, NE May 10 - Open Mic Night at A to Z Books - An evening of heartfelt prose, poetry, music and fun for all! Twice a month, the second Friday and the last Saturday at 7:30pm-10:30pm. Donations of $1-10 are appreciated but not necessary. Jam session follows. Location: 507 N Jeffers North Platte NE 69101; Phone: 308-534-0140 May 10 & 11 - Herb Market hosted by Creativity Unlimited Arts Council at the Prairie Arts Center, 5th and Jeffers, North Platte. May 12 - Platte River Fitness Series Happy Trails Challenge 5K and 15K. Location is the North Platte Recreation Center, 1300 McDonald Road, North Platte. www.platteriverfitness.com for PRFS Participation guidelines, race information and to enter events. May 18 - Lincoln County Raceway. Gates open at 5:00pm, Race starts at 7:00pm. IMCA - Modified, Stock Cars, Hobby Stock, Sports Mod and Sports Compact. Regular Admission $10 Adults, $5 Kids 6-12, 5 & under free. 5015 W. Highway 30, North Platte. 308-532-1204. May 18 - Woofstock. A fundraiser for Paws-itive Partners Humane Society, will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Memorial Park on East Fourth in North Platte. Bring the family, including the family dog (on a leash!) for games, contests and food. 308-650-7297 May 25 - Lincoln County Raceway. Gates open at 5:00pm, Race starts at 7:00pm. IMCA - Modified, Stock Cars, Hobby Stock, Sports Mod and Sports Compact.
Regular Admission $10 Adults, $5 Kids 6-12, 5 & under free. 5015 W. Highway 30, North Platte. 308-532-1204. May 25 - Open Mic Night at A to Z Books - An evening of heartfelt prose, poetry, music and fun for all! Twice a month, the second Friday and the last Saturday at 7:30pm-10:30pm. Donations of $1-10 are appreciated but not necessary. Jam session follows. Location: 507 N Jeffers North Platte NE 69101; Phone: 308-534-0140 JUNE June 1 - Lincoln County Raceway. Gates open at 5:00pm, Race starts at 7:00pm. IMCA - Modified, Stock Cars, Hobby Stock, Sports Mod and Sports Compact. Regular Admission $10 Adults, $5 Kids 6-12, 5 & under free. 5015 W. Highway 30, North Platte. 308-532-1204. June 1 - Movies in the Park - Wreck It Ralph. Family friendly presentation of popular motion pictures. Free of charge. Bring lawn chairs, blanket and snacks. Cody Park Softball Fields, North Highway 83 in North Platte. For more information contact the Recreation Center at 308-535-6772. June 6 - 8 - Miss Nebraska Pageant. For more information visit www.missnebraska.org. June 6 - NEBRASKAland DAYS Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, 8:00 am. Harvest Christian Fellowship, 1501 S. Dewey June 6 - First Thursdays, 6:00 pm. First Thursday of each month merchants will be open late for your shopping convenience. Stop by the Chamber of Commerce office 502 S Dewey Street, North Platte, NE and pick up a punch card. June 7 & 8 - Nebraska Cattlemen's Ball. The 2013 Cattlemen's Ball will be held at the beautiful Hanging H Ranch near Sutherland, Nebraska. June 8 - Lincoln County Raceway. Gates open at 5:00pm, Race starts at 7:00pm. IMCA - Modified, Stock Cars, Hobby Stock, Sports Mod and Sports Compact. Regular Admission $10 Adults, $5 Kids 6-12, 5 & under free. 5015 W. Highway 30, North Platte. 308-532-1204. June 8 - Maranatha Camp Triathlon. The race is a half mile open water swim, twelve mile bike and three mile run in and around Lake Maranatha. Maranatha Camp, 16800 E. Maranatha Road, Maxwell. 308-582-4513. June 8 - Children's Miracle Network Miss
26 The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013
Nebraska Golf Scramble, 8:30 a.m. Lake Maloney Golf Course. June 8 - NEBRASKAland DAYS Opening Ceremony, 4:30 p.m., Wild West Arena, 2400 N. Buffalo Bill Ave. June 8 - Wild West Microfest, 5:30 p.m. Wild West Arena, 2400 N. Buffalo Bill Ave. Sampling 15 different microbrews. June 8 - Midwest Championship Fighting, Wild West Arena, 2400 N. Buffalo Bill Ave., NEBRASKAland DAYS in conjunction with Midwest Championship Fighting is proud to present MCF7 "Wild Wild West� June 8 & 9 - Heritage Festival at Lincoln County Historical Museum. Features antique farm implements and practices, as well as many of the practices used in making a home by the first pioneers or the area. For more information go to www.lincolncountymuseum.org. 2403 N. Buffalo Bill Ave, North Platte, NE June 9 - 16 NEBRASKAland DAYS Competitive Art Show, Platte River Mall, 1000 S. Dewey, Mall hours. June 9 - NEBRASKAland DAYS Field Mass, 8:15 a.m., NPCC North Campus, 1101 Halligan Dr June 9 - 13 - Frontier Revue, North Platte Community Playhouse, 301 E. 5th Street. The Frontier Revue is a theatrical production during the NEBRASKAland DAYS celebration that depicts actual events and characters from Nebraska's frontier heritage Sunday June 9 matinee at 2pm, June 10-13 8pm. June 9 to 12 - Miss Rodeo Nebraska pageant - various locations throughout North Platte. For more information visit www.missrodeonebraska.org June 10 - Kids Costume Parade, 10:00 a.m., Westfield Shopping Center, 1800 West A St. June 10 - Family Night, 6:00 p.m., Wild West Arena, 2400 N. Buffalo Bill Ave. June 11 - Prime Rib Sandwich Feed, 4:30 p.m., Downtown North Platte, 6th & Bailey. Follow the delicious meal with the Frontier Revue. June 11 - Buffalo Bill Wild West Challenge 8:00 p.m., Lincoln County Raceway, 5015 W. Highway 30. A special night of Stock Car Racing at the Lincoln County Raceway June 12 - Laser Tag, 6:00 p.m. Wild West Arena, 2400 N. Buffalo Bill Ave. June 12 - Lincoln County Raceway. Gates open at 5:00pm, Race starts at 7:00pm.
NORTH PLATTE AREA
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
IMCA - Modified, Stock Cars, Hobby Stock, Sports Mod, Burger King 9 for 9 Sports Mod. Regular Admission $10 Adults, $5 Kids 6-12, 5 & under free. 5015 W. Highway 30, North Platte. 308-532-1204. June 12 - 15 - Buffalo Bill Rodeo. Americas First Rodeo! For more information go to www.nebraskalndday.com Location: Wild West Arena, 2400 N. Buffalo Bill Ave. North Platte, NE June 13 - Golden Games. North Platte Rec. Center, 1300 McDonald Road. June 13 - BBQ Pork Sandwich Feed, 4:30 p.m Moose Lodge, 1315 E. 4th Street June 14 - Flapjack Feed, 7:00 a.m. Cody Park, 1400 N. Jeffers June 13 -Paul Siebert at NRoute Entertainment Fort Cody Summer Music Series held at the Fort Cody Trading Post at 221 Halligan Drive. Inclement weather location at the Riverside Terrace at the Quality Inn and Suites. Concerts are from 6 - 9pm with a local opener from 6:00 to 6:45 and the headliner taking the stage at 7pm. June 14 - Antique Car Display and Parade, 9:00 a.m. Memorial Park, E. 4th St. Parade continues through downtown North Platte. June 14 - Sandcastle Building/Money Scramble, 10:30 a.m., Parkade Plaza, 200 E. 6th St. June 14 - Lunch with the Wild Bunch, 11:00 a.m. Shooters, 2221 E. 4th St. June 14 - Open Mic Night at A to Z Books - An evening of heartfelt prose, poetry, music and fun for all! Twice a month, the second Friday and the last Saturday at 7:30pm-10:30pm. Donations of $1-10 are appreciated but not necessary. Jam session follows. Location: 507 N Jeffers North Platte NE 69101; Phone: 308-534-0140 June 15 - Platte River Fitness Series NEBRASKAland DAYS Road Run 5K and 10K, Event begins at the Wild West Arena, 2400 N. Buffalo Bill Ave., North Platte. www.platteriverfitness.com for PRFS Participation guidelines, race information and to enter events. June 15 - Eagles Pork Breakfast, 7:00 a.m., Platte River Mall, 1000 S. Dewey June 15 & 16 - Woodcarver Show and Sale, 9:00 - 5:00, Quality Inn and Suites, 2102 S. Jeffers June 15 - NEBRASKAland DAYS on Parade, 1:00pm. Downtown North Platte. June 16 - Sandhills Chili Cookoff, 8:00 a.m., Wild West Pavilion, 2400 N. Buffalo Bill Ave. Cooking begins at 8:00 a.m. And
the public will be served 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Tickets available at the gate June 16 - Junior Rodeo, 9:00 a.m., Wild West Arena, 2400 N. Buffalo Bill Ave. June 16 - Cowboy Church and Gospel Concert, 1:30 p.m., Lincoln County Fairgrounds, 5105 W. Hwy 30. Cowboy Church at 1:30pm, Round Run Sermon 2:30pm, Cowboy Gospel Concert with Stephan Spaulding, 4:30pm. June 16 - Team Sorting, 7:00 p.m., Wild West Arena, 2400 N. Buffalo Bill Ave. June 18 - Kids Fun Festival, 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Wild West Arena, 2400 N. Buffalo Bill Ave. June 18 - Mutton' Bustin', 6:00 p.m., Wild West Arena, 2400 N. Buffalo Bill Ave. Mandatory weigh in at 6:00 p.m., competition begins at 7:00 p.m. This event is limited to the first 100 riders. June 18 - Demolition Derby, 7:00 p.m., Lincoln County Raceway, 5015 W. Highway 30 June 19 - Laser Tag, 6:00 p.m., Wild West Arena, 2400 N. Buffalo Bill Ave. June 19 - KX104 Texaco Country Showdown, 7:00 p.m., Wild West Arena, 2400 N. Buffalo Bill Ave. June 20 - Jami Lynn & Dylan James at the NRoute Entertainment Fort Cody Summer Music Series held at the Fort Cody Trading Post at 221 Halligan Drive. Inclement weather location at the Riverside Terrace at the Quality Inn and Suites. Concerts are from 6 - 9pm with a local opener from 6:00 to 6:45 and the headliner taking the stage at 7pm. June 21 & 22 - NEBRASKAland DAYS U.S. Cellular Summer Jam Concert series featuring Kid Rock, Lee Brice, Thomas Rhett, Sick Puppies and Halestorm. Wild West Arena, 2400 N. Buffalo Bill Ave. For ticket information visit www.nebraskalanddays.com. June 22 - Open Mic Night at A to Z Books - An evening of heartfelt prose, poetry, music and fun for all! Twice a month, the second Friday and the last Saturday at 7:30pm-10:30pm. Donations of $1-10 are appreciated but not necessary. Jam session follows. Location: 507 N Jeffers North Platte NE 69101; Phone: 308-534-0140 June 25 - Family Fishing Night (NGPC sponsored), 6:00 p.m. at Birdwood I-80 Lake (Fire Lake), S Homestead Rd. Directions from North Platte Interchange 1/2S, 3 1/2W (Walker Rd), 1N across overpass (S Homestead Rd) and turn West
into parking area. Fishing gear, bait and advice provided. June 25 - Steve Weeks at North Platte Community Playhouse, 7:00 p.m., 301 E 5th Street June 27 - Reggie Shaw at the NRoute Entertainment Fort Cody Summer Music Series held at the Fort Cody Trading Post at 221 Halligan Drive. Inclement weather location at the Riverside Terrace at the Quality Inn and Suites. Concerts are from 6 - 9pm with a local opener from 6:00 to 6:45 and the headliner taking the stage at 7pm. JULY Every Saturday - Farmers Market. Come browse the locally home grown veggies and other goods at the North Platte Farmer Market in the Alco Parking Lot Saturday from 7:30am - 1:30pm. Also at the Garden Glove Outdoor Market, 1800 E. 12th. July 3 & 4 - Sutherland 4th of July Celebration & Rodeo. A hometown 4th of July celebration, with kid's games, parade, and rodeo both evenings. Special celebrations commemorating 75 years of rodeo planned. For more information go to www.villageofsutherland.com Location: Through out Sutherland July 4 - Platte River Fitness Series Sutherland Firecracker 5K. Race starts at the Sutherland High School Football Field, North County Road, Sutherland, NE. www.platteriverfitness.com for PRFS Participation guidelines, race information and to enter events. July 4 - Anvil Blowing at Lincoln County Historical Museum, 2403 N. Buffalo Bill Ave. 308-534-5640 July 4 - Optimists Annual Fireworks Show, Lincoln County Fairgrounds, 5015 Rodeo Road, North Platte July 4 - Camp Maranatha Independence Day Celebration. 2-7 p.m. Waterfront is Open ; 2-7:30 p.m. Sweetshop is Open; 6-7:30 p.m. BBQ Line is Open; 8 p.m. Evening Entertainment; 10 p.m. Fireworks Show. 16800 E. Maranatha Road, Maxwell. 308-582-4513. July 4 - CeCe Otto at the NRoute Entertainment Fort Cody Summer Music Series held at the Fort Cody Trading Post at 221 Halligan Drive. Inclement weather location at the Riverside Terrace at the Quality Inn and Suites. Concerts are from 6 - 9pm with a local opener from 6:00 to 6:45 and the headliner taking the stage at 7pm.
The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013 27
NORTH PLATTE AREA
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
July 6 - Lincoln County Raceway. Gates open at 5:00pm, Race starts at 7:00pm. IMCA - Modified, Stock Cars, Hobby Stock, Sports Mod and Sports Compact. Regular Admission $10 Adults, $5 Kids 6-12, 5 & under free. 5015 W. Highway 30, North Platte. 308-532-1204. July 11 - Doug Rees at the NRoute Entertainment Fort Cody Summer Music Series held at the Fort Cody Trading Post at 221 Halligan Drive. Inclement weather location at the Riverside Terrace at the Quality Inn and Suites. Concerts are from 6 - 9pm with a local opener from 6:00pm to 6:45pm and the headliner taking the stage at 7pm. July 12 - Open Mic Night at A to Z Books - An evening of heartfelt prose, poetry, music and fun for all! Twice a month, the second Friday and the last Saturday at 7:30pm-10:30pm. Donations of $1-10 are appreciated but not necessary. Jam session follows. Location: 507 N Jeffers North Platte NE 69101; Phone: 308-534-0140 July 12 - Movies in the Park - Hotel Transylvania - family friendly presentation of popular motion pictures. Free of charge. Bring lawn chairs, blanket and snacks. Cody Park near softball fields, North Highway 83 in North Platte. For more information contact the Recreation Center at 308-535-6772. July 13 - Lincoln County Raceway. Gates open at 5:00pm, Race starts at 7:00pm. Lightning Sprints, IMCA - Modified, Stock Cars, Hobby Stock, Sports Mod and Sports Compact. Regular Admission $10 Adults, $5 Kids 6-12, 5 & under free. 5015 W. Highway 30, North Platte. 308-532-1204. July 13 - Carp-O-Rama, 8:00 a.m., Lake Maloney SRA, N Lake Rd. Instruction on carp fishing will be given and we will serve your catch with all the trimmings, along with many other fun activities. Lake Maloney SRA Directions - 6S of North Platte Interchange on Hwy 83 and 1/2W on N Lake Rd July 14 - Maniohuta 3D Archery Shoot, 9:00 a.m., 204 Pheasant Run Road July 18 - Daniel Christian at the NRoute Entertainment Fort Cody Summer Music Series held at the Fort Cody Trading Post at 221 Halligan Drive. Inclement weather location at the Riverside Terrace at the Quality Inn and Suites. Concerts are from 6 - 9pm with a local opener from 6:00 to 6:45 and the headliner taking the stage at 7pm.
July 19 & 20 - Blues Fest, Lincoln Highway RV Park, 4684 W. Highway 30, North Platte. 308-534-4910. July 24 - 29 - Lincoln County Fair. 5015 W. Highway 30, North Platte. For more information visit www.lincofair.com July 25 - Jefferson Fox at the NRoute Entertainment Fort Cody Summer Music Series held at the Fort Cody Trading Post at 221 Halligan Drive. Inclement weather location at the Riverside Terrace at the Quality Inn and Suites. Concerts are from 6 - 9pm with a local opener from 6:00 to 6:45 and the headliner taking the stage at 7pm. July 27 - Hullabaloo, Lakehouse Bar and Grill, 206 W. North Maloney Road. Featuring the Kris Lager Band. July 27 - Open Mic Night at A to Z Books - An evening of heartfelt prose, poetry, music and fun for all! Twice a month, the second Friday and the last Saturday at 7:30pm-10:30pm. Donations of $1-10 are appreciated but not necessary. Jam session follows. Location: 507 N Jeffers North Platte NE 69101; Phone: 308-534-0140 AUGUST Every Saturday - Farmers Market. Come browse the locally home grown veggies and other goods at the North Platte Farmer Market in the Alco Parking Lot Saturday from 7:30am - 1:30pm. Also at the Garden Glove Outdoor Market, 1800 E. 12th. August 1 - The Littlest Birds at the NRoute Entertainment Fort Cody Summer Music Series held at the Fort Cody Trading Post at 221 Halligan Drive. Inclement weather location at the Riverside Terrace at the Quality Inn and Suites. Concerts are from 6 - 9pm with a local opener from 6:00 to 6:45 and the headliner taking the stage at 7pm. August 2 & 3 - Brady Days. Come to Brady and enjoy the fun filled days, with parade, turtle races, and watermelon seed spitting contest, street dance, BBQ, Kids' games,and more! For more information go to www.villageofbrady.com or call 308-584-3316. Location: Through out Brady. August 3 - Lincoln County Raceway. Gates open at 5:00pm, Race starts at 7:00pm. IMCA - Modified, Stock Cars, Hobby Stock, Sports Mod and Sports Compact. Regular Admission $10 Adults, $5 Kids 6-12, 5 & under free. 5015 W. Highway 30, North Platte. 308-532-1204. August 7 - Family Fishing Night (NGPC), 6:00 p.m. at Birdwood I-80 Lake (Fire
28 The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013
Lake), S Homestead Rd. Birdwood Lake Directions from North Platte Interchange 1/2S, 3 1/2W (Walker Rd), 1N across overpass (S Homestead Rd) and turn West into parking area. Fishing gear, bait and advice provided. August 8 - Word of Mouth at the NRoute Entertainment Fort Cody Summer Music Series held at the Fort Cody Trading Post at 221 Halligan Drive. Inclement weather location at the Riverside Terrace at the Quality Inn and Suites. Concerts are from 6 - 9pm with a local opener from 6:00 to 6:45 and the headliner taking the stage at 7pm. August 9 - Open Mic Night at A to Z Books - An evening of heartfelt prose, poetry, music and fun for all! Twice a month, the second Friday and the last Saturday at 7:30pm-10:30pm. Donations of $1-10 are appreciated but not necessary. Jam session follows. Location: 507 N Jeffers North Platte NE 69101; Phone: 308-534-0140 August 10 - Movies in the Park - The Blind Side - family friendly presentation of popular motion pictures. Free of charge. Bring lawn chairs, blanket and snacks. Cody Park near softball fields, North Highway 83 in North Platte. For more information contact the Recreation Center at 308-535-6772. August 10 - Lincoln County Raceway. Gates open at 5:00pm, Race starts at 7:00pm. IMCA - Modified, Stock Cars, Hobby Stock, Sports Mod and Sports Compact. Regular Admission $10 Adults, $5 Kids 6-12, 5 & under free. 5015 W. Highway 30, North Platte. 308-532-1204. August 17 - Maxwell Heritage Day Join Maxwell for a parade, feed, team races, and draft house pull obstacle course. For more information please call 308-582-4324. Location: Through out Maxwell. August 24 - Hershey Fall Festival Come and enjoy a day of kids games, BBQ and other activities. For more information please call 308-368-5840. Location: Through out Hershey. August 24 - Platte River Fitness Series Hershey Fall Festival Adventure Race 5K. Race begins at the Hershey High School Bus Barn, 400 East 3rd St., Hershey, NE. www.platteriverfitness.com for PRFS Participation guidelines, race information and to enter events. August 24 - Open Mic Night at A to Z Books - An evening of heartfelt prose,
NORTH PLATTE AREA
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
poetry, music and fun for all! Twice a month, the second Friday and the last Saturday at 7:30pm-10:30pm. Donations of $1-10 are appreciated but not necessary. Jam session follows. Location: 507 N Jeffers North Platte NE 69101; Phone: 308-534-0140 SEPTEMBER Every Saturday - Farmers Market. Come browse the locally home grown veggies and other goods at the North Platte Farmer Market in the Alco Parking Lot Saturday from 7:30am - 1:30pm. Also at the Garden Glove Outdoor Market, 1800 E. 12th. September 7 - Colonel Cody's Cruise Show and Shine, downtown North Platte. For more information call Todd Freeburg 308-532-6727 September 3 - Platte River Fitness Series NebraskaLand National Bank Running to Cure Breast Cancer, 5K and 10K. Location is the North Platte Recreation Center, 1300 McDonald Road, North Platte. www.platteriverfitness.com for PRFS Participation guidelines, race information and to enter events. September 7 - Wellfleet Fall Festival "Boots, Chaps and Cowboy Hats", twenty-five miles south of North Platte on Highway 83. For more information visit www.wellfeleetfallfestival.com.
September 8 - Arts in the Park Enjoy a day of homemade crafts in the park. For more information call 308-535-6772. Location: Cody Park at 1402 North Jeffers Street, North Platte, NE September 8 - Maniohuta 3D Archery Shoot, 204 Pheasant Run Road. The Maniohuta Archery Range is located at 204 Pheasant Run Road. For more information contact Bob Kekahbah at Two Feather Archery, 308-539-0839. September 12 - Bob Eubanks & Jamie Farr at Town Hall Lecture Series, 10:30 a.m., North Platte Community Playhouse, 301 E. 5th St. September 13 - Open Mic Night at A to Z Books - An evening of heartfelt prose, poetry, music and fun for all! Twice a month, the second Friday and the last Saturday at 7:30pm-10:30pm. Donations of $1-10 are appreciated but not necessary. Jam session follows. Location: 507 N Jeffers North Platte NE 69101; Phone: 308-534-0140 September 20 - Movies in the Park - The Life of Timothy Green. Family friendly presentation of popular motion pictures. Free of charge. Bring lawn chairs, blanket and snacks. Cody Park Softball Fields, North Highway 83 in North Platte. For more information contact the Recreation Center at 308-535-6772.
September 20 - 22 - North Platte Rail Fest. Locomotive simulator, live music, tours of Mid-Plains College Railroad Technology Center, tours of Bailey Yard, and much more. For more information go to www.nprailfest.com or call 308-534-3648. Location: Cody Park, North Platte September 20 & 21 - Wallace Fall Festival Join Wallace for a day of parades, kids games, rodeo tractor pull, free BBQ, street dance and other events. For more information please call Mickey Philips at 308-387-3403. Location: Through out the town or Wallace. September 28 - Platte River Fitness Series UPRR and Bank of the West Potter's Pasture Campfire Trail 5K. Location is Potter's Pasture Mountain Bike Course, 10 miles south of Brady on the Brady-Moorfield Road, Brady, NE. www.platteriverfitness.com for PRFS Participation guidelines, race information and to enter events. September 28 - Open Mic Night at A to Z Books - An evening of heartfelt prose, poetry, music and fun for all! Twice a month, the second Friday and the last Saturday at 7:30pm-10:30pm. Donations of $1-10 are appreciated but not necessary. Jam session follows. Location: 507 N Jeffers, North Platte NE 69101; Phone: 308-534-0140
The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013 29
NORTH PLATTE AREA
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
OCTOBER October 5 - Platte River Fitness Series North Platte Physical Therapists' Chris Jarvis Memorial Autumn River Run 5K and Half-Marathon. Race begins in Cody Park, northeast section near nature trail, North Highway 30, North Platte. www.platteriverfitness.com for PRFS Participation guidelines, race information and to enter events. October 11 - Open Mic Night at A to Z Books - An evening of heartfelt prose, poetry, music and fun for all! Twice a month, the second Friday and the last Saturday at 7:30pm-10:30pm. Donations of $1-10 are appreciated but not necessary. Jam session follows. Location: 507 N Jeffers North Platte NE 69101; Phone: 308-534-0140 October 13 - Pumpkin Festival at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catolic Church, 11:00 a.m., 3301 Echo Drive. October 13 - The Lightning Bugs - North Platte Concert Association, 2:00 p.m., Neville Center for the Performing Arts, 301 E. 5th Street. October 15 - Robert Glennon at Town
Hall Lecture Series, 10:30 a.m., North Platte Community Playhouse, 301 E. 5th Street. October 19 - Midwest Championship Fighting, 6:00 p.m., D & N Event Center, 501 E. Walker Road. October 26 - Open Mic Night at A to Z Books - An evening of heartfelt prose, poetry, music and fun for all! Twice a month, the second Friday and the last Saturday at 7:30pm-10:30pm. Donations of $1-10 are appreciated but not necessary. Jam session follows. Location: 507 N Jeffers North Platte NE 69101; Phone: 308-534-0140 NOVEMBER November 2 & 3 - Cowboy Christmas Gift Show, D & N Event Center, North Platte, NE. For more information call 308-530-4396 DECEMBER Month of December - Cody Park Santa's Workshop and Winter Wonderland - Cody Park is transformed into a Winter Wonderland with automated displays,
30 The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013
special events such as hayrack rides, sleigh rides, Santa and more. December 2 - Ann Chang - North Platte Concert Association, 7:30 p.m., Neville Center for the December 6 - Sutherland Christmas Parade of Lights, 401 Walnut Street, Sutherland, NE December 7 - Platte River Fitness Series Great Plains Regional Medical Center and NebraskaLand National Bank Jingle Bell 5K Fun Run and Walk. Location is the North Platte Recreation Center, 1300 McDonald Road, North Platte. www.platteriverfitness.com for PRFS Participation guidelines, race information and to enter events. The last full weekend before Christmas Christmas At The Codys, Buffalo Bill's home in North Platte is decorated to the hilt with holiday finery and open to the public. Tour the home, enjoy roasted chestnuts, hot cocoa and cider, sleigh rides, Santa and Buffalo Bill’s.
The North Platte Telegraph Official Visitor’s Guide 2013 31