North Platte, NE

To Union Pacific fans this is probably the most important location on the whole system. Famous for the North Platte Canteen, set up to feed tens of thousands of troops heading to war during World War II. Nowadays it is on a very busy main line, home to the large Diesel Shop the location of the Bailey Yard. This yard is the largest rail yard in the world, and during my first visit, its size was truly appreciated as we drove for what seemed miles around part of the site. It hosts a busy hump yard, classifying thousands of cars every week. The nearby Golden Spike Tower tells the story of the city and its railroads, and allows you amazing views of the whole complex and the Cody Park Railroad Museum is home to some of the UP's most famous locomotives, including a Challenger and Big Boy.