More About Big Boy No.4014 Coming Through
CLEVELAND, Ohio — The world’s largest operating steam locomotive is heading to Northeast Ohio.
Union Pacific Railroad’s famed Big Boy No. 4014 will pass through the region in June and again in July as part of a rare coast-to-coast tour marking America’s 250th anniversary, giving the public multiple chances to see the historic locomotive in motion — and up close.
The eastern leg of the tour includes several whistle stops across Northeast Ohio and one public display day within driving distance, part of a broader trip that stretches from Wyoming to the East Coast.
Big Boy No. 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, will pass through Ohio as it heads both east and west as part of the eastern leg of a coast-to-coast tour to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.Courtesy Union Pacific Railroad
For Northeast Ohio, the closest opportunities to see the Big Boy will come during a series of whistle stops — brief appearances where the train slows or stops for about 15 to 30 minutes as it moves along its route.
According to Union Pacific’s published schedule, those whistle stops include:
June 8
Lorain: Near West 11th Street and Reid Avenue (1:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
Euclid: Chardon Road crossing, north of Euclid Avenue (2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.)
July 12
Struthers (in Mahoning County): East of South Bridge Street (11:30 a.m. to noon)
July 13
Rocky River: 19060 Depot St. (12:45 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.)
These short stops are free to attend but offer limited viewing time, and in some cases, the locomotive may be positioned behind barriers or at a distance.
Public display day in Fostoria
For a longer, up-close look, the nearest public display day is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, in Fostoria, about 90 miles southwest of Cleveland.
The Big Boy will be on display from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fostoria Automotive Distribution Center, 3101 North Township Road 47. There will be no public access outside those posted hours, according to Union Pacific.
Why the Big Boy is touring coast to coast
The 2026 tour is part of a nationwide celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary, with the locomotive traveling from the West to the East Coast.
The trip includes more than 50 whistle stops across 10 states and major display events in several cities, culminating in a Fourth of July appearance in Philadelphia.
It also marks a milestone for the locomotive itself — the first time Big Boy No. 4014 will travel to parts of the eastern United States, including Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York.
What is Big Boy No. 4014?
Two men working on Big Boy No. 4014 steam locomotive
Union Pacific employees perform some light maintenance on Big Boy No. 4014 while its parked at the downtown Amtrak station in Houston, Texas, on Oct. 6, 2024.Ryan Cohick | LoneStarLive.com
Big Boy No. 4014 is the largest operating steam locomotive in the world — and one of the most iconic.
Built during World War II, the Big Boy engines were designed to haul heavy freight over the steep grades of the Wasatch Mountains between Utah and Wyoming. In all, 25 were produced, but only eight survive today.
No. 4014 is the only one still in operation.
Union Pacific completed a full restoration of the locomotive in 2019 to mark the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad, returning it to active service for special tours like this one.
The locomotive is massive by any standard — stretching about 132 feet long and weighing roughly 1.2 million pounds. Its articulated design allows it to navigate curves despite its length, and its distinctive 4-8-8-4 wheel arrangement reflects its enormous size and power.
Rare passenger excursion opportunity
As part of the tour, a limited passenger excursion will be offered June 14 in Pennsylvania, with vintage railcars pulled by the Big Boy through the Pocono Mountains.
Tickets are being sold by the Union Pacific Museum as a fundraiser. This is the only ride opportunity during the entire tour.
Safety reminders for viewers
Union Pacific urges anyone planning to watch the train to prioritize safety:
Stay at least 25 feet from railroad tracks at all times — including drones.
Do not trespass on tracks, rail yards or railroad property.
Never assume tracks are inactive — always expect a train.
Do not attempt to pace the train with your vehicle.
Be mindful of uneven terrain and active rail operations at viewing sites.
Overnight stops are not open to the public unless specifically listed, and unauthorized access may be treated as trespassing.
Union Pacific Railroad’s famed Big Boy No. 4014 will pass through the region in June and again in July as part of a rare coast-to-coast tour marking America’s 250th anniversary, giving the public multiple chances to see the historic locomotive in motion — and up close.
The eastern leg of the tour includes several whistle stops across Northeast Ohio and one public display day within driving distance, part of a broader trip that stretches from Wyoming to the East Coast.
Big Boy No. 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, will pass through Ohio as it heads both east and west as part of the eastern leg of a coast-to-coast tour to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.Courtesy Union Pacific Railroad
For Northeast Ohio, the closest opportunities to see the Big Boy will come during a series of whistle stops — brief appearances where the train slows or stops for about 15 to 30 minutes as it moves along its route.
According to Union Pacific’s published schedule, those whistle stops include:
June 8
Lorain: Near West 11th Street and Reid Avenue (1:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
Euclid: Chardon Road crossing, north of Euclid Avenue (2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.)
July 12
Struthers (in Mahoning County): East of South Bridge Street (11:30 a.m. to noon)
July 13
Rocky River: 19060 Depot St. (12:45 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.)
These short stops are free to attend but offer limited viewing time, and in some cases, the locomotive may be positioned behind barriers or at a distance.
Public display day in Fostoria
For a longer, up-close look, the nearest public display day is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, in Fostoria, about 90 miles southwest of Cleveland.
The Big Boy will be on display from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fostoria Automotive Distribution Center, 3101 North Township Road 47. There will be no public access outside those posted hours, according to Union Pacific.
Why the Big Boy is touring coast to coast
The 2026 tour is part of a nationwide celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary, with the locomotive traveling from the West to the East Coast.
The trip includes more than 50 whistle stops across 10 states and major display events in several cities, culminating in a Fourth of July appearance in Philadelphia.
It also marks a milestone for the locomotive itself — the first time Big Boy No. 4014 will travel to parts of the eastern United States, including Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York.
What is Big Boy No. 4014?
Two men working on Big Boy No. 4014 steam locomotive
Union Pacific employees perform some light maintenance on Big Boy No. 4014 while its parked at the downtown Amtrak station in Houston, Texas, on Oct. 6, 2024.Ryan Cohick | LoneStarLive.com
Big Boy No. 4014 is the largest operating steam locomotive in the world — and one of the most iconic.
Built during World War II, the Big Boy engines were designed to haul heavy freight over the steep grades of the Wasatch Mountains between Utah and Wyoming. In all, 25 were produced, but only eight survive today.
No. 4014 is the only one still in operation.
Union Pacific completed a full restoration of the locomotive in 2019 to mark the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad, returning it to active service for special tours like this one.
The locomotive is massive by any standard — stretching about 132 feet long and weighing roughly 1.2 million pounds. Its articulated design allows it to navigate curves despite its length, and its distinctive 4-8-8-4 wheel arrangement reflects its enormous size and power.
Rare passenger excursion opportunity
As part of the tour, a limited passenger excursion will be offered June 14 in Pennsylvania, with vintage railcars pulled by the Big Boy through the Pocono Mountains.
Tickets are being sold by the Union Pacific Museum as a fundraiser. This is the only ride opportunity during the entire tour.
Safety reminders for viewers
Union Pacific urges anyone planning to watch the train to prioritize safety:
Stay at least 25 feet from railroad tracks at all times — including drones.
Do not trespass on tracks, rail yards or railroad property.
Never assume tracks are inactive — always expect a train.
Do not attempt to pace the train with your vehicle.
Be mindful of uneven terrain and active rail operations at viewing sites.
Overnight stops are not open to the public unless specifically listed, and unauthorized access may be treated as trespassing.
Date & Time
June 8, 2026
Additional Dates
This event also occurs on:
07/13/2026, 07/14/2026
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