Cody Park
4.6(1.7K)google
4.9(7)yelp
Family
Overview
Cody Park is a beautifully landscaped, deeply nostalgic riverside public park situated perfectly along the historic banks of the North Platte River. Named proudly to honor Buffalo Bill Cody, who formerly staged his world-famous Wild West Shows nearby, the park features a permanent, historic display of vintage railroad locomotives, including a massive Union Pacific steam train that visitors can climb inside. Families can enjoy a beautifully carved historic 1913 carousel, an active public deer sanctuary, and extensive picnic shelters.
Practical Info
MonOpen 24 hours
TueOpen 24 hours
WedOpen 24 hours
ThuOpen 24 hours
FriOpen 24 hours
SatOpen 24 hours
SunOpen 24 hours
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeSplendid on summer weekends from late May to early September. Bring the family between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM when the park's outdoor railroad museum—featuring a massive, climb-aboard Challenger steam locomotive—is fully open and the antique carousel is running.
Getting ThereLocated right on the North Platte River corridor at 1400 N Jeffers St. Drivers can head north directly along US Highway 83 (Jeffers St). Immediately after crossing the river bridge, the sweeping park entrance and its large free parking lots sit on the right.
Travel Tips
- The seasonal railroad museum features massive Union Pacific steam locomotives; climbing historic cab steel ladders requires two-hand contact and absolute parental supervision.
- The vintage early-1900s carousel restricts riders to small-denomination cash fares and bans unsealed concession foodstuffs or sugary drinks on the wooden platform.
- Bordering the river floodplain with minimal forest canopy, the site faces volatile summer hail hazards; audible siren activations mandate immediate evacuation into hardtop cabins.
Reviews
Positive
- A stunning, full-featured free civic park! It houses a massive Union Pacific steam locomotive (UP 3977) that visitors can actually climb and explore for free.
- It features a charming, free petting zoo where kids can feed deer, peacocks, goats, and wildfowl, rendering exceptional family fun.
- Facilities are extensive and neatly groomed, boasting a vintage wooden carousel, clean flush restrooms, mature shaded woods, and ample picnic tables.
- Completely free to enter (minus cents for the carousel) with a massive public parking lot, filled with a peaceful neighborhood vibe, a perfect road trip pitstop.
Heads up
- Being heavily popular with locals, the play zones and petting zoo get severely congested on summer weekend afternoons, with long lines for ice cream.
- Some decades-old rail exhibits and outdoor wood benches lack modern refurbishment, showing slight peeling paint and wear in peripheral corners.
- With large populations of waterfowl and petting animals, high summer temperatures cause noticeable animal odors around enclosures, and bugs are active.
- The park layout is very long and narrow along the river; trail signs are sparse across long stretches, making it easy for out-of-towners to take wrong turns.