Location: Southern Central Nebraska along the Platte River Length: 87 miles (140 km) Time To Allow: 2 hours Description/Highlights/Points of Interest The Platte River Scenic Trails gains its name from the many east-west trails that crossed, or currently cross through this area. Since the 1800s, the Great Platte River Road, as the valley of the Platte River is affectionately known, has carried millions of people along this important transportation route. The convergence of the Oregon and Mormon Trails, Pony Express routes, Union Pacific railway, and the Lincoln Highway bring import and history to this area. As you travel down this byway you'll cross over the 100th Meridian, the official line where the hot and humid east cedes to the arid and dry west. In other words, "where the West begins." Other site of interest along this byway include the home of Buffalo Bill Cody, the world's largest railroad freight yard-the Union Pacific Bailey Yards, and a restored Pony Express station. Suggested Itinerary The Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles in Lexington is a new museum with over 60 completely restored and operational military vehicles spanning more than 60 years. The museum encompasses a small lake and several acres of land. See Bradley fighting vehicles, a rare Snow Tractor, tanks, half-tracks, jeeps, "weasels", ambulances, trucks and one of the world's few remaining Downed Airman Retriever. Construction of a new visitors center was completed in 1998 and the building now houses a gift shop and educational displays. Seven miles (11 km) south of Lexington on U.S. 283 is the Johnson Lake State Recreation Area Johnson Lake State Recreation Area, which annually draws thousands of tourists annually who enjoy excellent fishing, swimming, boating and skiing. During the spring and fall, the lake is a resting place for thousands of ducks and geese migrating along the nation's central flyway. Sandhill cranes can also be seen along this stretch of the Platte River Valley. This area is also a winter nesting site for an estimated 250 bald eagles. A park entry permit is required. In Cozad, Nebraska, visit the Robert Henri Museum and Historical Walkway. Located at 218 E.8th Street in the historic Hendee Hotel, this notable site is the restored boyhood home of the famous artist Robert Henri. Exhibits include a Pony Express station, 100-year-old church, pioneer schoolhouse, the Hendee Hotel and a historical walkway. Gothenburg is home to two Pony Express Stations, one in town and another outside town. The Midway, on its original ranch site south of Gothenburg, is open to the public on request during the summer. The Sam Machette Station in Ehmen Park was used as an early trading post/ranch house southwest of Gothenburg. The station was moved from its original site and rebuilt in the park in 1931. On 10 August 1992, Gothenburg was designated by the Nebraska Legislature as the Pony Express Capital of Nebraska. Visitors can post mail in the mailbag with a Pony Express seal. The Fort McPherson National Cemetery, established in 1873, is one of Maxwell's most famous landmarks. It is the only national cemetery in Nebraska and serves as a burial site for veterans from across the United States and its possessions. Veterans of the Indian Wars, the Civil War, the Spanish American War, World War I, World War II and the Korean Conflict are buried here. It is also the final resting place for Army and Indian scouts. Take Highway 83 north to Highway 30, then west two miles (3.2 km), north on Buffalo Bill Ave to Buffalo Bill State Historical Park in North Platte. An early resident of Lincoln County, Col. William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody called North Platte home from 1879 to 1913 after ending his career as an army scout and buffalo hunter. During the 1880s, he used North Platte as the setting of his Wild West shows at this home, Scout's Rest Ranch. The home, barn and other outbuildings are much the same as they were when the showman headquartered his Wild West Show in North Platte. The mansion is full of memorabilia of Cody's earlier career as an army scout, Indian fighter and showman. In the horse barn, visitors can view a 30-minute film, developed by Thomas Edison, of Buffalo Bill's original Wild West Show film. A park entry permit is required. Located on Hwy. 83 in north North Platte. Cody Park welcomes you with the Wild West Memorial, a tribute to the old west in the days of Buffalo Bill Cody. A life-size bronze statue of Buffalo Bill Cody is surrounded by forty-eight flags, which represent the states in which Cody performed during his lifetime. For outdoor enthusiasts, Lake Maloney State Recreation Area in North Platte offers camping, fishing, boating, picnicking and other outdoor fun year round. A park entry permit is required. While in North Platte, witness current railroad history in the making when you visit Union Pacific's Bailey Yard. Today this mammoth railroad yard is the largest freight yard in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Covering 2850 acres (1140 hectares) with 260 miles (416 km) of track, the Union Pacific Railroad is the number one employer in North Platte with approximately 2350 employees. These employees handle an average of 108 to 130 trains and some 8500 freight cars every day. Spectacular by day or night, visitors can get a panoramic view of this facility at the visitor's observation deck. Located 25 miles (40 km) south of North Platte is the Dancing Leaf Cultural Learning Center in Wellfleet. One thousand years ago in southwest Nebraska there lived small groups of Native Americans known as the Upper Republican Culture. These people lived in earthen lodges and farmed along Medicine Creek, and are thought to be ancestors to the Pawnee. The Center offers a unique blend of educational and recreational opportunities that captures a feeling of closeness to nature and to the cultures which once called the region home. An earthen lodge from 800 to 1300 years ago has been reconstructed in the beautiful Medicine Creek Valley. A 90-minute tour introduces visitors to local archeological information and artifacts about the Native American cultures once present in this valley. For more information about this Byway, contact: North Platte Chamber of Commerce