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Exploring the Heartland of America: North Platte Nebraska

Tom Wilmer

Travel Correspondent, Tom Wilmer reports from the Heartland of America, where he explores cool things to do and see in North Platte, Nebraska. In my opinion, the heartland of America is Nebraska and the heart of the heartland is the town of North Platte. 

Visits include Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park with Superintendent Jason Tonsfelt. David Fudge, NEBRSAKAland Days’ Executive Director shares a taste of the annual event that includes live music big-stage performances, and the legendary Buffalo Bill Rodeo, proclaimed as America’s oldest rodeo.

Fort Cody Trading Post in North Platte, is the state’s largest souvenir store, and it’s one of America’s last fee-standing, family-owned roadside attractions. Fort Cody owner, Chuck Henline, reminisces about his multi-generation family business where a one-headed calf, play tomahawks and kitschy gifts are popular items with the kids.

Tom Wilmer produces on-air content for Issues & Ideas airing over KCBX and is producer and host of the six-time Lowell Thomas award-winning NPR podcast Journeys of Discovery with Tom Wilmer. Recorded live on-location across America and around the world, the podcasts feature the arts, culture, music, nature, history, science, wine & spirits, brewpubs, and the culinary arts--everything from baseball to exploring South Pacific atolls to interviewing the real Santa Claus in the Arctic.