Cody Park Railroad Museum
Hands on display of historic railroad artifacts.

On display at the Cody Park Railroad Museum is the Union Pacific's Challenger 3977, one of the largest steam locomotives ever built. It was one of 105 Challenger class steam locomotives built by the American Locomotive Company of New York. There are two remaining "3900" class locomotives. One is operated by the Union Pacific steam department and resides in Cheyenne Wyoming, and the other is on display in North Platte - the home of Union Pacific's Bailey Yard, the largest railroad yard in the world.

Also on display in the Cody Park Railroad Museum is Union Pacific DD40AX, #6922. Built by the Electro-Motor division of General Motors, all 47 of these locomotives were owned by Union Pacific. At the time, they were billed as "The World's Most Powerful Land Vehicle." Together these two locomotives have a combined horsepower of over 12,000! The locomotives were designated with the "6900" series in honor of the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869.

Rounding out the exhibit is a baggage car, mail car, caboose, and the restored Hershey, Nebraska depot. All are filled with Union Pacific memorabilia, historical and educational displays. Other displays include a semaphore type block signal, telephone and telegraph equipment, baggage truck, order board and water spout.

Cody Park
1400 North Jeffers North Platte NE 69101
Hours: May 1 through September open every day 10am to 6pm
Admission: Free

Map to Cody Park Railroad Museum

CODY PARK

A true treasure, Cody Park provides an inexpensive day out for the entire family year round. Summer provides the family with a carnival rides for the children and North Platte's favorite ice cream at the concession stand. During the winter months the wildlife and Christmas displays provide more opportunities visit this beautiful park.

The wildlife is abundant at Cody Park with geese, ducks, peacocks, elk, deer, mini-donkeys, llamas, and more. Children love to feed the animals. The covered pavilion supports entertainment and family gatherings with picnic tables.

The park also provides camping area with hookups and beautiful shade along the south bank of the North Platte River. Along with 3 playground areas with very nice equipment, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, a fishing pond, a nature trail, and of course the animals. The park also includes a swimming pool and children's wading pool for the entire family to enjoy in the summer.

Union Pacific Railroad installed steam locomotive UP 3977 in the railroad museum area of Cody Park in 1968. This locomotive, after being removed from service at the end of the steam era, was used in snow meter service for a short period. It was then stored in North Platte until 1968 moved to the park display.

Accompanying the 3977 Unit is a baggage car (also acquired in 1968), mail car, caboose, orderboard water crane, baggage truck, and semaphore block signal. In 1985, Unit 6922 was retired and donated to the City of North Platte by the Union Pacific Railroad. It was installed in the park in August of the same year. Also on display is the railroad Depot from Hershey, Nebraska.

After dark working headlights, running lights, and marker lights of the locomotives as well as block signals and depot platform lights are visible. The museum is Free of Charge and open May 1 - End of September, Every Day, 10a.m.-8p.m.