World's Largest Steam Locomotive Tours Utah

Big Boy 4014 locomotive draws crowds and evokes nostalgia during cross-country heritage tour.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:36am

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A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting a massive, streamlined steam locomotive in the foreground, set against a sweeping, airbrushed landscape in shades of blue and orange. The image captures the power and grandeur of the Big Boy 4014 locomotive as it tours Utah, evoking the state's railroad history and the nation's industrial past.The return of the legendary Big Boy 4014 steam locomotive to the rails sparks a sense of wonder and nostalgia for Utah's railroad heritage.Murray Today

The world's largest operating steam locomotive, Big Boy 4014, is touring Utah, offering residents a rare opportunity to witness a piece of American railway history. Restored by Union Pacific, the locomotive is part of a heritage program and a cross-country tour commemorating America's 250th anniversary.

Why it matters

Big Boy 4014 is a symbol of America's industrial might and the vital role railroads played in the country's development. The locomotive's tour through Utah allows residents to connect with the state's own railroad history and the larger story of how trains powered the nation's growth.

The details

Originally built in 1941, Big Boy 4014 was designed to haul massive loads across steep mountain terrain between Utah and Wyoming during World War II. After sitting in a museum for decades, Union Pacific Railroad restored the locomotive and is now bringing it back on the rails as part of a heritage program and cross-country tour to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.

  • Big Boy 4014 is scheduled to stop at Salt Lake City's Central Station at 3 p.m. on April 3, 2026.
  • The locomotive is due back for another stop at the Ogden Union Station on April 18, 2026.

The players

Union Pacific Railroad

The American Class I railroad that restored Big Boy 4014 and is operating the locomotive on a cross-country heritage tour.

Big Boy 4014

The world's largest operating steam locomotive, originally built in 1941 to haul heavy loads across the Rocky Mountains.

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What they’re saying

“It's never really lost on you what it is. We care for it.”

— Dickens, Union Pacific employee

“It's almost an emotional experience. You can feel the energy. When it rolls in, it's beautiful.”

— Dickens, Union Pacific employee

“Railroads helped America, and when you see this, it brings you back to what it was built for.”

— Dickens, Union Pacific employee

What’s next

Big Boy 4014 is scheduled to make several more stops in Utah as part of its cross-country heritage tour, drawing crowds and evoking nostalgia for the state's railroad history.

The takeaway

The tour of Big Boy 4014 through Utah allows residents to connect with the state's industrial past and the vital role railroads played in powering America's growth. The locomotive's restoration and public display serve as a reminder of the country's engineering prowess and the enduring appeal of steam-powered transportation.