Via a July 9 News Release

On Thursday, July 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Union Pacific’s historic Big Boy steam locomotive No. 4014 will stop at Union Depot to commemorate the transcontinental railroad’s 150th anniversary. Appearing with No. 4014 will be “Experience the Union Pacific Rail Car,” a multi-media walk-through exhibition that provides a glimpse into the past while telling the story of modern-day railroading. At this free event, visitors can enjoy food trucks, model train sets, local rail vendors and family activities.

Twenty-five Big Boys were built for Union Pacific in the 1940s. Of the eight still in existence, No. 4014 is the only operating Big Boy and is the world’s largest steam locomotive. Following the railroad’s anniversary celebration in May at Promontory Summit, the newly restored No. 4014 returns to the rails for its “Great Race Across the Midwest” after leaving Cheyenne, Wyoming on July 8.

Union Depot is one of the few stops along Big Boy’s “Great Race” at which visitors can take photos in close proximity to the front of the engine, as it will be located on a non-active track. Visitors can also step up to see into the locomotive in a Dynamic Display and view the Promontory Experience Car. Union Pacific’s Steam Team will be on hand to answer questions. Metro Transit is offering free passes for rides to Union Depot for the event.

About Union Depot:

Union Depot is a regional multi-modal transportation hub and event venue in the heart of the Twin Cities. One of America’s great rail stations since its completion in 1926, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, beautifully restored in 2012, and certified LEED® Gold in 2014. Union Depot offers a full complement of transportation services—including Amtrak®, Jefferson Lines, Metro Transit, Greyhound, Megabus and Hertz—as well as parking and bike storage. Owned by Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority and operated by JLL, it’s an ideal setting for weddings, large events, meetings and more. Visit uniondepot.org for more information.