ALL ABOARD: Union Pacific’s “Big Boy” No. 4014 Embarks on Historic Coast-to-Coast Tour

CHEYENNE, WY — Union Pacific has officially launched its highly anticipated 2026 steam locomotive tour, sending the legendary “Big Boy” No. 4014 on a massive cross-country journey. Moving in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the first-ever coast-to-coast tour is drawing massive crowds of railfans eager to witness the golden age of steam power in action.

After completing a successful western leg through California and Utah earlier this spring, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive departed its home base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to head east. The locomotive is traversing Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania, providing the East Coast with its first-ever glimpse of the historic machine. Major public display events are scheduled throughout the summer, including stops in Omaha, West Chicago, Buffalo, Philadelphia, and a multi-week maintenance stay at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Catching the Tour from Northeast Texas

For locomotive enthusiasts located in Northeast Texas—specifically around the Sulphur Springs (75482) area—the 2026 route will not be making tracks through Texas or the southern states. Instead, the locomotive will utilize a northern return route through the Midwest on its journey back to Wyoming.

For dedicated travelers looking to plan a road trip to see history in motion, the closest stops to zip code 75482 will be during the return leg of the tour through Missouri in late July:

• Kansas City, Missouri (Approx. 455 miles north of Sulphur Springs): Big Boy No. 4014 will be making stops here on July 21 and July 22.
• St. Louis, Missouri (Approx. 585 miles northeast of Sulphur Springs): A major public display event is scheduled for July 19, followed by brief whistle-stops in nearby Pacific and Hermann, Missouri, on July 20.

Union Pacific reminds the public to always prioritize safety when tracking the train. Spectators must stand back at least 25 feet from all railroad tracks, stay off railroad property, and never look at the train through a camera or phone while walking near live rails.

The full, official list of whistle-stops, display hours, and a real-time GPS tracking map can be found on Union Pacific’s Heritage Steam Schedule.