If you’re a fan of American history, railroads, or just massive machines, you’ll be thrilled to know that Union Pacific recently announced its Heartland of America Tour. If you want to catch a glimpse of Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 as it chugs through the heartland of America on its 2024 tour, you’re in luck. The tour begins on August 28, 2024, and continues throughout the fall.
This legendary steam locomotive is the largest ever built. It’s making a grand journey across several states, with scheduled stops for the public to admire its power and grandeur.
A bit of history
Big Boy No. 4014 was one of 25 locomotives built between 1941 and 1944. Its purpose? To haul heavy freight over the steep grades of the Wasatch Mountains in Utah and Wyoming. The Big Boys weighed in at more than 1.2 million pounds, with a 6,000-horsepower steam engine. Each measured nearly 133 feet long, far outpacing other locomotives of its time. Big Boy was designed to pull a 3,600-ton train load over difficult mountain passes.
After serving for years, these giant locomotives were retired by 1961. Big Boy No. 4014 was restored to operating condition by Union Pacific in 2019. No. 4014 is the only Big Boy still in operation today.
The Heartland of America Tour
During the summer, Union Pacific’s treasured steam locomotive traveled from Wyoming to California—its “Westward Bound Tour.” Now Big Boy No. 4014 will begin a second tour—the “Heartland of America Tour.” This tour begins on August 28, departing from Cheyenne, Wyoming. From there, the powerful engine will steam its way across the middle of America.
It’s a journey that’s sure to be a spectacle. The tour will roll through the central United States, giving thousands of people a chance to see this piece of history in action.
Scheduled stops
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the notable stops along the way:
- Cheyenne, WY
- Denver, CO
- Kansas City, MO
- St. Louis, MO
- Little Rock, AR
- Memphis, TN
- Chicago, IL
- Des Moines, IA
- Omaha, NE
Note: The specific dates for these stops may vary, so it’s a good idea to check Union Pacific’s official website for the most up-to-date schedule as the tour progresses.
What to expect
At each stop, there will be an opportunity to see Big Boy up close, with some locations offering special events like guided tours, photo opportunities, and possibly even a chance to see the locomotive in motion.
The sheer size and power of Big Boy No. 4014 is something that has to be seen to be believed. The sound of the whistle, the steam billowing from the stack, and the massive wheels turning—it’s an experience that transports you back to a time when steam ruled the rails. Simply amazing!
Safety
Union Pacific wants visitors to remember and follow these safety rules as well as others that may be posted at the various stops along the tour:
- Stay back at least 25 feet from all railroad tracks, including when using drones.
- Remember that railroad tracks, trestles, yards, and rights of way are private property—do not trespass.
- Never assume tracks are abandoned or inactive—ALWAYS expect a train.
- Be a safe and considerate driver—do not pace the train.
A map of the journey
To help you track Big Boy No. 4014’s progress across the country, here’s a map highlighting the main stops on the tour. This visual guide will help you see where the locomotive will be and plan your visit accordingly.
Worth a trip
Fall is a beautiful time to RV throughout the Midwest, and this year you can add Big Boy No. 4014 to your RVing itinerary. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime sight to see and definitely worth a trip!
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Thumbs up! We saw Big Boy (and other restored train gear) at the train museum in Duluth, Minnesota a few years ago. The number of seemingly unlabeled valves inside the engineer’s station is incredible. As is the size of the stairway erected just to get high enough to peek inside.
I am SO mad I missed seeing “Big Boy” when it came to Reno this year. I even thought about chasing it out east on I-80 to beat it to a crossing somewhere – but I blew that as well. I’ll be dead and gone by the time it comes this way again. Drat!
Gail – The map does not show any stops in Tn…..
Mike is right, no stops in Memphis. I just checked the website (https://www.up.com/heritage/steam/schedule/index.htm) and it has no stops planned in Tennessee at all. 🙁 Thanks for the heads-up, Mike! 🙂 Have a great week and safe travels! 🙂
I saw the Big Boy when it toured the West a couple years ago. What a beautiful sight!
I saw it in Nebraska some years ago. Absolutely amazing. Green Bay National Railway museum has one on display and you’re free to wander around in it. It will be attended by a diesel locomotive for operating signals and traffic gates, etc. They didn’t have electronics back in the day.
Wish it got East of Chicago. I would travel to see a Big Boy in person.
I guess Houston and Ft. Worth are not notable stops.
We were really lucky to see it as we were heading east near Coalville, Utah on the 4th of July. We had to ask on our Facebook page if anyone knew what it was. There were people lined up along the railroad tracks and standing on overpasses for miles watching and waving as it passed on its Westward Bound Tour.
Dragged my little brother to Boise some years ago to visit the Choo-choo.
Just placing my hand on it as it sat there idling, I could feel the POWER!
Worth visiting if you get the chance.
Thank you, Gail! 🙂 Boy! That is one very large locomotive! Thank you for the information. We might head far west and catch the Mamphis visit, depending on when it is. Thanks again, have a great week, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂