Attention all Illinois train enthusiasts: The Union Pacific Big Boy is coming to town.
Late last month, Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 launched its “Heartland of America” tour, offering train enthusiasts in 10 states the chance to see the classic steam locomotive in real life.
The tour kicked off in Wyoming before heading to Nebraska and Iowa over Labor Day weekend. On Friday, the train will make its first stop in Illinois. Below is a full schedule of dates and locations in the state:
- September 6 – Sterling1:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. CT, 111 W. 2nd St.
- September 9 – Rochelle8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. CT, Rochelle Railroad Park, 124 N. 9th St.
- September 9 – It’s closed5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. CT, North St. Crossing
- September 10 – Nokomis12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. (Central Time), Maple St. Crossing
After its visit to Illinois, the steam locomotive will travel to Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma and more. The full Heartland America tour schedule is available here.
All participants must stay 25 feet from the tracks when viewing the locomotive, and must never take photos or videos while standing on the track or ballast and must never climb on the locomotive or related equipment, officials said.
According to authorities, Big Boy No. 4014 is one of 25 trains built in the 1940s to tackle the steep grades of Utah’s Wasatch Mountains during World War II. It is one of eight to survive and the only one still in service today.
