Union Pacific’s iconic Big Boy No. 4014 is making a nationwide tour to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, starting with several stops in Kansas on July 23, including Topeka. The locomotive, the largest and most powerful steam engine in operation, embarked on its tour in 2026 and will make over 50 whistle stops in 10 states, featuring events in cities like Philadelphia and new visits in Indiana, Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania.
In Topeka, a watch party will be held at Great Overland Station starting at 10 a.m. with food trucks available. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children. Big Boy’s projected schedule includes stops in Kansas City, Salina, Wilson, Hays, and Sharon Springs, with specific arrival and departure times provided.
Union Pacific emphasizes safety tips for spectators, including maintaining distance from the tracks and being mindful of train speed. Big Boy 4014 was restored by Union Pacific after being retired in 1961 and has made its return to service for commemorative events since 2019. It is the only operational Big Boy of the eight built, with the others on display in various cities across the U.S.
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