Place

North Platte River Crossing

California National Historic Trail, Fort Laramie National Historic Site, Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, Oregon National Historic Trail, Pony Express National Historic Trail

A historic wood bridge with steel supports spans the width of the shallow, muddy North Platte River — North Platte River Crossing Site Overview

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Picnic Table, Trailhead

A map of Passport and Places to Go locations for National Historic Trails.

North Platte River Crossing was one of numerous crossings used by trappers, traders, American Indians, and emigrants to reach Fort Laramie. In order to enter the fort, two rivers had to be crossed- the Laramie River and the North Platte River. Over the years, at least nine different sites were used to cross the Laramie and at least four different sites were used to cross the North Platte. These sites offered various ways to cross the rivers including fording, taking a ferry, or using a bridge. The only one of these crossings that is still easily found is the third crossing of the North Platte. At this location, the iron girder bridge that was built in 1876 still stands. The crossing is now a part of Fort Laramie National Historic Site.