Today, North Platte is served only by freight trains, but during World War II the city was known for the North Platte Canteen, a volunteer organization serving food to millions of traveling soldiers.

North Platte was established in 1866 when the Union Pacific Railroad was extended to that point.

[7][8] North Platte was the western terminus of the Union Pacific Railway from December 1866 until the next section to Ogallala was opened the following year.

[9] Even though Congress had authorized the building of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1862, it had been extended only as far as Fremont, Nebraska by the end of the 1865 construction season.

[12][13] This led to the formation of white mobs combing the city, and ordering black residents to leave North Platte.

Fearing mob violence, most of North Platte's black residents fled.

[14] The North Platte Canteen was one of the largest volunteer efforts of World War II, originating in 1941.

[15][16] Tens of thousands of volunteers from North Platte and surrounding towns met the troop trains passing through North Platte, offering coffee, sandwiches, dessert, and hospitality to nearly seven million servicemen.

[19] North Platte experiences a dry continental climate similar to that of the Nebraska High Plains, classified as hot-summer humid continental (Köppen Dwa, Trewartha Dcao), and, with an annual average precipitation of 21.08 inches (535 mm), barely avoids semi-arid classification; it is part of USDA Hardiness zone 5a.

[21] The average window for freezing temperatures is September 30 thru May 13,[21] allowing a growing season of 139 days.

The 2020 United States census[26] counted 23,390 people, 10,188 households, and 6,061 families in North Platte.

Lincoln County Historical Museum contains a display detailing the history of the North Platte Canteen.

It also contains a Prairie Village with local landmark homes and other buildings, including a Pony Express station and pioneer church among many others.

[32] A independent professional baseball team, the North Platte 80s, began play in 2024 in the Pecos League.

The Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center is an eight-story building which overlooks the expansive classification yard and engine facilities.

[37] Intercity bus service to the city is provided by Burlington Trailways and Express Arrow.

[38][39] North Platte is served by 2 major cross country US Highways and Interstate 80.

US 30 intersects with US 83 downtown and follows the north side of the Platte/South Platte River from east to west.