Union Pacific’s Largest Steam Locomotive, Big Boy, Set to Journey Through Kansas City this Fall

Union Pacific’s ‘Big Boy’ to Roll Through Kansas City this Fall

Kansas City, Mo. — Excitement is building as Union Pacific’s legendary ‘Big Boy’ No. 4014, the world’s largest steam locomotive, prepares to make its way to Kansas City as part of the fall leg of its “Heartland of America Tour”. This remarkable train will be stopping in several locations across Kansas and Missouri, giving fans and railroad enthusiasts a chance to witness history in motion.

Tour Highlights

Starting at the end of August, Big Boy will kick off its journey in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and continue through ten states over the span of eight weeks, including a series of special stops in Kansas and Missouri. The tour will see the locomotive traverse scenic landscapes and meet eager fans along the way.

Essential Stop Information

Here’s a snapshot of Big Boy’s anticipated schedule in Kansas and Missouri:

• Tuesday, Oct. 15:
  • 9 a.m.: Depart Coffeyville, Kan. to Kansas City, Mo.
  • 2:15 p.m.: Arrive Osawatomie, Kan. (West Pacific Avenue Crossing)
  • 6:45 p.m.: Arrive Kansas City, Mo. (Union Station – 30 W. Pershing Road)
• Wednesday, Oct. 16: Viewing only at Kansas City, Mo. (Union Station)
• Thursday, Oct. 17:
  • 9 a.m.: Depart Kansas City, Mo. to Salina, Kan.
  • 12:15 p.m.: Arrive Topeka, Kan. (Great Overland Station)
• Friday, Oct. 18: Viewing only at Salina, Kan. (Salina Depot)
• Saturday, Oct. 19:
  • 9 a.m.: Depart Salina, Kan. to Hays, Kan.
  • 11 a.m.: Arrive Wilson, Kan. (Avenue East Crossing)
• Sunday, Oct. 20:
  • 9 a.m.: Depart Hays, Kan. to Sharon Springs, Kan.
  • 12:30 p.m.: Depart Grainfield, Kan. (Main Street Crossing)
• Monday, Oct. 21: Depart Sharon Springs, Kan. to Denver, Colo.

Experience the Ride

While public rides on the Big Boy aren’t generally available, there is a unique opportunity to bid on one of four cab rides from now until Aug. 19. The auction proceeds will benefit both the Union Pacific Railroad Museum and the Union Pacific Friend-to-Friend Network, a charitable program aimed at assisting railroad families in need.

Fun Facts about Big Boy

Big Boy is truly a marvel of engineering and history. Built during World War II, it is one of only eight surviving steam locomotives of its kind, and the only one currently in operation. Each viewing will be a reminder of the golden age of steam trains that captured the imagination of many.

Safety First

If you’re planning to catch a glimpse of this historic train, Union Pacific urges fans to maintain a safe distance of 25 feet from the tracks for photography, and emphasizes the importance of never standing on the tracks or locomotive equipment for safety reasons.

Stay Informed

For real-time updates on the Big Boy’s location, fans can visit upsteam.com, where a tracking map will be available for those eager to see when the iconic locomotive will be passing by their location.

This fall, make sure to mark your calendars to witness the magnificent Big Boy roll through Kansas City, an experience that promises to be one for the books!