The Bailey Yard is the largest railroad classification yard in the world, owned and operated by Union Pacific, and it sits right on the edge of North Platte. The Golden Spike Tower is a purpose-built eight-storey observation structure that gives the public a panoramic view directly over the yard.
From the top deck you look out over a sea of parallel tracks stretching to the horizon, with freight trains being broken apart and reassembled around the clock. Interpretive panels explain how a classification yard works — how the hump and computer-controlled switches route individual cars to the right outbound train — and there is a ground-level museum floor with Union Pacific history exhibits. The tower is open daily during summer; hours are shorter in winter. It is the most compelling industrial sight between Chicago and Denver.