Heritage
February 24, 2026
Big Boy No. 4014 Historic Coast-to-Coast Tour to Make 27 Whistle-Stops During Western Leg
Union Pacific’s legendary Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, is steaming up for the western leg of its coast‑to‑coast tour to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with 27 whistle-stops and four public display days scheduled during its journey across four western states.
The tour honors the crucial role railroads have played in building and unifying America while highlighting more than a century of industry innovation. Since 1862, when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act and created Union Pacific, railroads have connected the nation, driven industrial growth and helped to spark new industries.
Details of the eastern leg of the coast-to-coast tour – including whistle-stops and public display days - will be released at a later date.
Four public display days are planned for this mighty steam locomotive during the western leg of the tour, with two days each in Roseville, California, April 10-11 and Ogden, Utah, April 18-19. In addition to public stops, Union Pacific employees and their families will be invited along the route for special family-day events.
Rail fans and others are urged to order their 2026 Big Boy souvenirs early at Union Pacific’s store, where they can find T-shirts, hats and other merchandise.
As part of the tour, the Union Pacific Museum will be auctioning off two cab rides in the locomotive on April 17 in Utah, with proceeds going to the nonprofit museum. The auction starts Monday, March 2, and ends Thursday, March 19. Interested riders can register and view auction details at thttps://rarauctions.com/upm. There will NOT be any passenger excursions offered on the western leg of the tour.
Big Boy will leave its home base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on March 29, traveling across Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and California, where it will stop near historic Mile 0, the site where Central Pacific Railroad laid the first rail ties for the transcontinental railroad in 1863.
In addition to the public display days, rail fans can see this historic machine in action at whistle-stops in communities along its journey. Whistle-stops are generally 15- to 30- minutes long.
Wyoming
- March 29 – Laramie
- March 29 – Medicine Bow
- March 30 – Wamsutter
- March 31 – Rock Springs
- April 1 – Green River
- April 21 – Green River
- April 23 – Point of Rocks
- April 23 – Wamsutter
- April 24 – Medicine Bow
- April 24 – Laramie
Utah
- April 2 – Morgan
- April 2 – Salt Lake City
- April 20 – Morgan
Nevada
- April 4 – Wells
- April 6 – Carlin
- April 6 – Battle Mountain
- April 7 – Gerlach
- April 14 – Lovelock
- April 15 – Carlin
- April 15 – Elko
- April 17 – Wells
- April 17 – Montello
California
- April 9 – Oroville
- April 9 – Marysville
- April 9 – Lincoln
- April 12 – Colfax
- April 12 – Truckee
Display days offer an up‑close look at this 1.2‑million‑pound marvel, along with the “Experience the Union Pacific” rail car — an immersive walk‑through exhibit that highlights the rich history and lasting impact of American railroading.
Twenty‑five Big Boy locomotives were originally built for Union Pacific to haul heavy freight over Utah’s Wasatch Range during World War II. While eight were preserved after retirement more than six decades ago, Big Boy No. 4014 is the only one still in operation today.
Union Pacific reminds rail fans to stay safe: always remain at least 25 feet from the tracks when viewing or photographing the locomotive. Never take photos or videos while standing on the track or ballast and never climb on the locomotive or any equipment.
A real‑time steam tracking map showing No. 4014’s location and route will be available at UPSteam.com.