I Saw the Big Boy Steam Locomotive on Its 250th Anniversary Tour—Here’s What It Was Like

The Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 is not only the world’s largest steam locomotive—it is a moving piece of American history. In the 19th century, the railroad transformed the U.S., linking the country together, fueling industrialization, boosting the economy, and even influencing the country's culture.

As the U.S. approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, celebrations are taking place throughout the country. One of these is a coast-to-coast tour by Big Boy No. 4014, and I was lucky enough to experience a few unforgettable hours of the celebration.

What Makes Big Boy the World’s Largest Steam Locomotive

Big Boy No. 4014 is not your average steam locomotive—it is massive. This steam locomotive is 133 feet long and weighs 1.2 million pounds (600 tons). To compare, the average school bus is approximately 40 feet long, meaning Big Boy No. 4014 is longer than three school buses. This massive locomotive was designed to haul heavy equipment for the war in the 1940s, primarily operating between Ogden, Utah, and Cheyenne, Wyoming. Only 25 Big Boys were made for the Union Pacific Railroad, and Big Boy No. 4014 is the only one still in operation today. The remaining seven are on display in various cities around the U.S.

What It’s Like to Experience Big Boy No. 4014 Up Close

When I first saw Big Boy No. 4014 in person, it ignited an immediate sense of patriotism. To celebrate America’s 250th anniversary—the day America received its independence—the locomotive is making a historic coast-to-coast tour, stopping at only a handful of cities, and concluding in Philadelphia for a major July 4 celebration. One of those rare stops took place April 18-19, 2026, at Union Station in Ogden, Utah, where I had the opportunity to bring my family and experience this piece of history up close.

While we weren’t able to ride on Big Boy No. 4014, simply standing next to it was awe-inspiring. Its size is hard to fully understand until you are standing near its massive wheels. In fact, I found myself eye-level with the wheels (I’m 5-foot-4-inches tall) and felt dwarfed by the locomotive's massive size. While standing near Big Boy, the whistle blew, and the sound was so loud that it startled many admirers, even bringing many children to tears. Even as we drove away from the event, the whistle blew again, and we heard it a mile down the road. I’m sure as this massive train moves down the tracks, the entire ground shakes.

Of course, I wasn't the only person fascinated by Big Boy No. 4014. Hundreds of people came out to see this incredible sight. There were young children with wide eyes and even many older adults in wheelchairs and walkers making their way to this breathtaking machine. It is certainly not something you see every day.

Exploring Ogden Union State and Its Museums

Yes, Big Boy No. 4014 was the star of the show, but Union Station is a destination in itself that is worth visiting. This historic train station, located on historic 25th Street in Ogden, is home to several museums including the Utah State Railroad Museum, Browning Firearms Museum, Browning-Kimball Car Museum, and even two art galleries. Throughout Union Station, you’ll find more than 50,000 objects ranging from photographs and clothing to unique pieces of railroad history. Plus, on the outside of Union Station, you’ll find retired train cars of all kinds for you to learn about and walk around.  

Fun fact about Union Station: it’s considered one of the most haunted places in Utah. More than three dozen documented deaths have occurred at this train station, fueling the belief that paranormal activity is common here. Some visitors have reported seeing a lady in white, known as Isabella, walking in the train station. Other paranormal reports include sounds of children playing, as well as footsteps and voices, though no one is visible.

What to Know Before You Go

While Big Boy No. 4014 is no longer parked at Ogden’s Union Station, you can still visit this historic (and haunted!) building and its museums today. Union Station is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on all state and federal holidays. There is a small admission fee that gives you access to all of the museums and exhibits, but does not cover any special museum events.

Seeing the Big Boy No. 4014 in Ogden, Utah

I don’t know if I’ll ever forget standing near the world’s largest steam locomotive, hearing its whistle, and marveling at its grandeur. With the rich railroad history in the U.S., it only makes sense that this incredible machine travels across the country—it instills a sense of patriotism that you don’t experience every day. I traveled to Ogden, Utah, to see Big Boy No. 4014 in person, and I’m so glad I did—it was truly unreal.