A Union Pacific Streamliner locomotive will traverse the state during a three-day “Whistle Stop Tour,” a rare event harkening back to the early 19th century.
To ensure the trip remains on schedule and the tour reaches as many Nebraskans as possible, public train tours and tickets are not available.
Learn more about Union Pacific’s Streamliner Locomotives.
Friday, Aug 4
Columbus Rally Information
1211 12th Street
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. CDT
Columbus will host a rally from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT, featuring the band VoiceHouse, food trucks, historical displays, giveaways and activities for children (face painting, balloon animals, bounce house). Sponsors of the event include the City of Columbus, Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, and Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau. Legendary football coach Tom Osborne and former astronaut Clayton Anderson will make an appearance at the rally. Visit www.facebook.com/ColNEChamber for information and updates.
Local Media Contact: KC Belitz, 402-564-2769 or kcbelitz@megavision.com
North Platte Rally Information
250 East Front Street
4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. CDT
North Platte will host a rally from 4-6:30 p.m. CDT. Event organizers plan to showcase the “North Platte Canteen” spirit by having the North Platte Area Chamber of Commerce serve guests free food, including grilled hot dogs, chips, root beer floats, birthday cake and water. KX104 will broadcast live from the event. Special features also include a photo booth with “Lil’ Spike” from the Golden Spike Tower and special discounts downtown for those who present a flag or pennant from the rally (which will be distributed on-site). Former astronaut Clayton Anderson will make an appearance at the Rally. Sponsors include NebraskaLand National Bank, KX104, Golden Spike Tower, City of North Platte, North Platte Area Chamber of Commerce and North Platte Downtown Association. Visit http://goldenspiketower.com/ne150-express/ for more information and updates.
Local Media Contact: Kirsten Parker, 308-532-9920 or kparker@goldenspiketower.com
Saturday, Aug 5
Ogallala Rally Information
100 Railroad Street
7:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. MDT
Ogallala’s rally, which runs from 7-9:30 a.m. MDT, will feature the Keith County Veterans of Foreign Wars Color Guard as well as the Front Street Frontier Revue Dancers and ladies from volunteer America in period dress. The Optimists Club will serve free cinnamon rolls and coffee. Sponsors include the City of Ogallala and Ogallala/Keith County Chamber of Commerce. Visitwww.facebook.com/OgallalaChamber/ or www.visitogallala.com for more information and updates.
Local Media Contact: Penny Metheny, 308-284-4066 or penny@explorekeithcounty.com
Sidney Rally Information
998 Hickory Street
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. MDT
The community of Sidney, also celebrating its Sesquicentennial in 2017, will provide a preview of its big celebration planned for Aug. 18-20 during its rally from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. MDT. Music will be provided by LeAnn Kampfe, accompanied by Christopher Dyson, and Bryan Jones. Sidney’s Cruise ‘N Class Car Club will grill free brats and hot dogs for the first 250 people. Sponsors include the City of Sidney and Cabela’s. Visit www.facebook.com/CityOfSidney/ or www.cityofsidney.org for more information and updates.
Local Media Contact: Ed Sadler, 308-254-4444 or esadler@cityofsidney.org
Gering Rally Information
2090 Depot Drive
4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. MDT
Gering’s rally, set for 4-7:30 p.m. MDT, will feature bluegrass music by Green Valley Homesteaders and an all-American barbeque dinner of hot dogs, chips, dessert and drink for $1.50 per person. Historians in period dress will share the stories of pioneers from the Oregon Trail. Sponsors include the City of Gering, Gering Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, and Gering KENO Committee. Visitwww.visitgering.com or www.gering.org for more information and updates.
Local Media Contact: Karla Nieden-Streeks, 308-436-6866 or karla@visitgering.com
Sunday, Aug 6
Kearney Rally Information
110 West Railroad Street
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CDT
Kearney’s rally from 9 a.m. to noon will feature the Kearney Police Department Honor Guard, music, and activities for kids courtesy of the Kearney Area Children’s Museum. Free donuts will be served for breakfast prior to the rally. The Food Truck and Tropical Sno will be on hand to serve lunch. Rally attendees can show their fans and pennants (which will be distributed at the rally) to get reduced-price admission to the Trails and Rails Museum and the Great Platte River Road Archway on Sunday afternoon. Sponsors include the City of Kearney, Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, First National Bank and Kearney Area Children’s Museum. Visit www.facebook.com/cityofkearneynebraska/ or www.cityofkearney.org for more information and updates.
Local Media Contact: Jayne Meyer, 308-440-0632 or cjm@frontiernet.net
Grand Island Rally Information
280 East Front Street
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CDT
Grand Island’s Rally from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT will feature performances by the Grand Island Senior High Cheerleaders, Grand Island Northwest High School Band and United Veterans Honor Guard. Food trucks will be on hand to serve lunch and downtown restaurants will offer discounts to rally attendees who present their flag and/or pennants (which will be distributed at the event). There will also be a classic antique car show. Sponsors include the City of Grand Island, Arrive Railside, Grand Island Chamber of Commerce and Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer. Visitwww.gichamber.com for more information and updates.
Local Media Contact: Deanna Frankforter, 308-390-2726 or sdfrank@mac.com
Friday, Aug 4
Train Schedule
9:45 a.m. CDT – Depart Omaha
11:50 a.m. CDT – Arrive Columbus
12:50 p.m. CDT – Depart Columbus for North Platte
5:15 p.m. CDT – Arrive North Platte
Saturday, Aug 5
Train Schedule
8:00 a.m. CDT – Depart North Platte
8:30 a.m. MDT – Arrive Ogallala
9:30 a.m. MDT – Depart Ogallala for Sidney
11:55 a.m. MDT– Arrive Sidney
12:55 p.m. MDT – Depart Sidney
6:20 p.m. MDT – Arrive Gering
7:20 p.m. MDT – Depart Gering for North Platte
Sunday, Aug 6
Train Schedule
8:00 a.m. CDT – Depart North Platte
10:00 a.m. CDT – Arrive Kearney
11:00 a.m. CDT – Depart Kearney for Grand Island
11:55 a.m. CDT– Arrive Grand Island
12:55 p.m. CDT – Depart Grand Island for Omaha
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