Golden Spike Tower and Bailey Yard, 1249 N. Homestead Road, North Platte, Nebraska ~ September 2026

What a fascinating place to visit! This is the world's largest railroad classification rail yard. It has 315 miles of track, a total length of 8 miles, and covers 2850 acres. Over 10,000 rail cars are sorted and sent on to their next destination every 24 hours. 

The town was platted as a railroad town during the construction of the transcontinental railroad and in 1866, the first train rolled through (East met West in 1869).

There is an outdoor observation deck and many indoor displays. You've never seen this many trains in one place 😊

Short Video

The bathroom air freshener 😊

This is one of two gravity-powered "hump" yards.

It was a great stop for us on our travels out west.

Route 66: Neon Sign Park, St. Robert, Missouri ~ October 2026

 

The George M. Reed Roadside Park is the longest continuously open roadside park in Missouri along Route 66. The park was established in 1952 and the original concrete picnic tables are still here. The neon sign project started in 2020 and the city began the restoration of these signs that no longer had a home. The orphaned signs were all originally located in various places on Route 66 and now light up this park at night. It's such a cool spot. Here are the signs along with information on each one.

Modern Cabins

Skyline Garage

Motel St. Louis

The Stanley Cour-Tel is notable for having hosted some of the Mercury astronauts.

D & G Package Store

Alura Motel

AlPac Motel

Check out the jailbird on Tri-State Bonding.

The M-60 tank was in the park before the signs.

Here are the 1950s picnic tables.

Across the street is this Route 66 giant coffee cup.

At the end of the park by the tank, is the Route 66 photo op 😊

More park and George Reed information:

The park is a treasure trove of vintage, roadside Americana and preserved Route 66 history, and is well worth a visit.