Heritage
October 9, 2025
It Takes a Village: Big Boy Steam Tour Team Earns Recognition
Union Pacific's Big Boy Steam Tour Team brought history to life in 2024 with the Big Boy's Westward Bound and Heartland of America tours.
More than 500,000 people came to view the locomotive up close throughout its 84-day journey. Media coverage and social engagement reached into the billions, extending the impact far beyond those who saw it in person.
The team's dedication and craftsmanship kept the 80-year-old engine running safely and reliably. Their efforts inspired pride among employees, families and communities across the network – earning the Big Boy Steam Tour Team the railroad’s first-ever Spirit of Union Pacific Award. This award, which recognizes a commitment to teamwork and inspiring others, was one of nine presented at Union Pacific’s inaugural CEO Excellence Awards.
Want to know where the Big Boy is headed next? Join the Official Union Pacific Steam Club to be the first to know about plans for 2026!