NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Visit North Platte has awarded more than $76,000 in grants to improve two community facilities.
This funding is part of a long-running effort to support tourism and quality of life in Lincoln County.
The Visit North Platte Board of Directors approved the funding during its monthly meeting Aug. 27. The grants are financed entirely through lodging tax revenue collected on overnight stays in the county.
Since the program began 17 years ago, Visit North Platte has committed about $5.9 million in Improvement Fund grants to nonprofit organizations that provide visitor services. Officials said the investments not only enhance experiences for travelers but also benefit local residents.
This year’s awards include $29,554 to the Lincoln County Historical Museum to replace the roof on the Fredricksen House. The 1900 Sears Kit home is a popular attraction at the museum, which has seen annual visitation grow from 7,500 to more than 24,000 under curator Jim Griffin. Museum officials said the new wooden shingles will preserve the house for decades.
The second award, $46,669, will go to the City of North Platte to upgrade softball fields at Cody Park’s Carpenter Complex. The city is currently reconditioning ball fields across the community, including those at Centennial Park and the Dowhower Complex. Leaders say the improvements will increase safety, reduce weather delays and make North Platte more competitive in attracting regional tournaments that bring in visiting teams and families.
Lisa Burke, executive director of Visit North Platte, said the projects align with the organization’s mission to promote Lincoln County and ensure tourism dollars support long-term improvements. “Tourism is vital to our community, and these funds allow us to reinvest in the places and experiences that make visitors want to return,” Burke said.
The next round of Improvement Fund grant applications will open Jan. 1, 2026. Letters of intent are due April 1, with final applications due July 31.
Visit North Platte’s activities are supported solely by a 4% lodging tax, split evenly between promotion and improvement funds. No property or sales taxes are used for the program.
Lisa Burke, executive director of Visit North Platte, said the projects align with the organization’s mission to promote Lincoln County and ensure tourism dollars support long-term improvements. “Tourism is vital to our community, and these funds allow us to reinvest in the places and experiences that make visitors want to return,” Burke said.
The next round of Improvement Fund grant applications will open Jan. 1, 2026. Letters of intent are due April 1, with final applications due July 31.