NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Visit North Platte has awarded $25,000 in promotional grant funding to support the Buffalo Bill Last Farewell Project, a public art initiative honoring both Buffalo Bill Cody and the legacy of local sculptor Ted Long.
The grant was approved through Visit North Platte's Promotional Grant Program, which is designed to support projects and events that attract visitors to Lincoln County and strengthen the local economy through tourism.
The Buffalo Bill Last Farewell Project is working to raise a total of $250,000 to create a life-size replica of Ted Long's "Buffalo Bill's Last Farewell" sculpture. The project fulfills Long's vision of seeing the piece recreated at full scale while celebrating Buffalo Bill's lasting connection to North Platte. Donations are currently being accepted through Western Nebraska Bank and the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation.
Visit North Platte's promotional grants, along with the organization's marketing and operating expenses, are funded entirely through lodging tax revenue generated by overnight stays at hotels and other lodging properties throughout Lincoln County.
The organization is now accepting applications for its next round of grant funding. Projects and events taking place during January, February, and March 2027 are eligible to apply by the October 1 deadline. Applications will be reviewed during the Visit North Platte Board of Directors meeting on October 28.
Organizations interested in applying for funding are encouraged to contact the Visit North Platte Visitors Bureau at 308-532-4729 to discuss their project with staff before submitting an application.
Visit North Platte operates under an agreement with the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners to administer the Nebraska Visitors Development Act. Officials say the lodging tax-funded grant program helps bring more visitors to Lincoln County, supporting local businesses and contributing to the area's economic growth.