Bailey Yard

The World's Largest Rail Yard

The Golden Spike Tower in North Platte, Nebraska, rises 8 stories above Union Pacific's Bailey Yard - the world's largest train yard.

Bailey Yard History - Golden Spike Tower, North Platte, NE

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Historic Bailey Yard

Union Pacific's Bailey Yard is named for former U.P. president Edd H. Bailey. It's where east meets west on the Union Pacific line, and where 10,000 cars are handled each day on 2,850 acres of land stretching out eight miles.

Of the 10,000 rail cars, 3,000 are sorted daily in the eastward and westward yards. These yards are nicknamed "hump yards" because they utilize a mound (hump) ranging in height from 20-34 feet. An average of four cars per minute are sent gently down the humps where they're united with trains going to one of dozens of destinations.

Repair Facilities

Locomotive repair is handled in North Platte at one of Union Pacific's largest repair shops. This shop encompasses the same area as three football fields. From major engine repairs to the smoothing of wheels, the shop crew can handle 300 locomotives each day, processing more than 8,500 engines per month.

The "One Spot" car shop services 50 rail cars per day and replaces 10,000 pairs of wheels annually. The shop can repair up to 20 cars per hour, 24 hours a day.

All told, 14 million gallons of fuel are pumped each month at Bailey Yard to keep the trains moving.

Command Center

All train movement throughout Bailey Yard is handled through the on-site command center with the latest computerized control systems. The Bailey Yard command center is tied to the Harriman Dispatching Center in Omaha, which controls hundreds of intercity trains daily throughout the company's 23-state rail system.

Find out more about Bailey Yard and Union Pacific Railroad by visiting our links page on this website.

The book Bailey Yard And the story of a railroad town was compiled by the staff of the Golden Spike Tower about Union Pacific's history in North Platte and the present day yard. The book tells the story of how the Union Pacific Railroad formed the town that North Platte is today, and how important it is not only to North Platte, but to the entire Union Pacific system.

Fall Festivities

Rail Fest 2010 coming September 17-19: More trains pass through North Platte, NE than anywhere on the planet. Come see them all from the top of the Golden Spike Tower. Tour buses from Cody Park stop at the Tower on the hour. Also available are shuttle buses directly from Cody Park to the Tower and back. Come and enjoy: "More trains than you can keep track of!"

It's aMAZEing: Corn maze open September 17-October 31st: Designed in the shape of a steam engine with a 'Short Track' (easier to get through) and the "Long Haul" (for those who like a challenge) is fun for all ages.

Hours: Fridays, 4:30-8:00 (last tickets sold at 6:00)

Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 am-8:00pm (last tickets sold at 6:00

Monday through Thursday, advance group reservations only

Celebrate Fall Festivities by booking our 8th floor or Great Hall after hours to celebrate your own special events.