The Union Pacific “Big Boy”: Schedule, History, And More

This article was updated on June 4, 2026, to reflect the latest updates to the Union Pacific Big Boy train schedule.

We love railroad history as much as anyone else, which is why we’ve written so much about railfan favorites like the Horseshoe Curve and the Pennsylvania Railroad. And that’s also why we’re so excited about the Union Pacific Big Boy train and its upcoming coast-to-coast tour.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Big Boy, it’s the biggest steam locomotive ever, and there’s only one left in operation. Seeing it live is a rare, can’t-miss opportunity—and it will soon pass our front porch at The Station Inn!

Steam Engine Train — Seeing the Big Boy pass by The Station Inn would be a big deal—not just because of its place in history, but also simply because it’s a steam locomotive. This photo is from August 13, 2012, and it’s the last time a steam locomotive traversed the main line in front of the Inn. (This is the Nickel Plate 765 coming out of Cresson, where it is about to pass under PA Route 53 on its way to Gallitzin and Altoona.)

Here’s everything you need to know:

Table of Contents
Download Our Big Boy Map
What Is the Big Boy?
Big Boy Train Schedule
See the Union Pacific Big Boy At The Station Inn

Download Our Big Boy Map

We’re so excited about the Big Boy traveling across the country, we developed a detailed map of its schedule through our region.

This is a low-res preview of our detailed map. Complete the form below to download your free copy!

What Is the Big Boy?

The Big Boy is the largest and most powerful steam locomotive in the world, weighing more than 1.2 million pounds, spanning 133 feet, and producing nearly 7,000 horsepower with the ability to travel up to 80 miles per hour.

The Big Boys were so large, they were designed with a “hinge” to help them safely navigate curves in the tracks while traveling between Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Ogden, Utah.

Twenty-five Big Boys were manufactured by the American Locomotive Company from 1941–1944, largely to support the U.S. war effort, and they operated until 1962.

Most of the Big Boy were decommissioned, and only eight of them still exist today; most are on display inside various museums. </center>

The most famous Big Boy today is run by Union Pacific. The company rebuilt No. 4014 in 2019—just in time for the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad. Thanks to Union Pacific’s involvement, No. 4014 is now the only Big Boy still in operation.

Big Boy Train Schedule

The Union Pacific Big Boy has scheduled a 2026 coast-to-coast tour in celebration of our country’s 250th birthday. (And, we presume as a goodwill gesture to drum up support for the proposed acquisition of Norfolk Southern by Union Pacific!)

Here are the most noteworthy dates on the Big Boy train schedule (including when it’ll pass by our front porch):

March 29, 2026 – The Big Boy will leave Cheyenne, Wyoming, and head for California.
April 10–11, 2026 – The Big Boy will visit Roseville, California.
April 18–19 – The Big Boy will visit Ogden, Utah.
April 24, 2026 – The Big Boy will return to Cheyenne, Wyoming, marking the end of the first leg of the tour.
May 25, 2026 – The Big Boy will leave Cheyenne, Wyoming, and leave for Kimball, NE.
June 9 – Conneaut, OH to Buffalo, NY on the trip east. The Big Boy will pass through Erie PA in the late morning.
June 13 – Binghamton NY to Nicholson – Tunkhannock Viaduct, then south
June 14 – SOLD OUT round trip on Reading Blue Mountain & Northern
June 15 & 16 – Public Viewing at Steamtown in Scranton, PA. Remains in Scranton for maintenance
July 2 – Jim Thorpe PA to Pottstown, overnight at Abrams July 3
July 4 & 5 – Public display in Philadelphia
July 8 – The Big Boy will reach Altoona, PA—a short drive from our location in Cresson, PA! Public viewings are planned for the 9th and 10th.
July 11 – The Big Boy will visit the Horseshoe Curve (9:30), the Cresson Railroad Park (10:45), and Leetsdale (5:45).
July 29 – The Big Boy will return to Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Two Important Railfan Notes:

1. The Big Boy will be joined by two commemorative locomotives, including the railroad’s newest locomotive, No. 1776–America250, which will feature the emblem of the America250 Semiquincentennial Commission.

2. The Big Boy will not have public access at every location, so check the schedule before you leave. You will, however, be able to photograph the train.

See the Union Pacific Big Boy At The Station Inn

Get ready to see the Big Boy up close from the comfort of our front porch! While our B&B rooms are completely sold out, we do still have a few tickets left for our Big Boy Watch Party!

While you’re here, be sure to check out everything to do in Altoona and Johnstown—two exciting cities for railfans.

Check out our Big Boy Merch

We almost forgot – we decided to do a few commemorative Big Boy items – check our Station Inn Shop!