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West Chicago, Illinois – Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, is making its first visit to the East Coast as part of America’s 250th birthday celebration.
The locomotive arrived in Illinois this week as part of Union Pacific’s America 250 tour, a multi-state trip that will take the historic engine through Indiana, Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania before arriving in Philadelphia ahead of Fourth of July celebrations.
Rail enthusiasts stood on the tracks in Sterling, Illinois on Tuesday to watch the locomotive pass by during one of several whistle-stops planned on the route.
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Spectators gather in Sterling, Illinois to watch Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 during its America 250 tour on June 3, 2026. (Oliviana Calmes)
“I’ve always loved trains. It’s the history of it,” one visitor told Fox News.
Others traveled across state borders for the opportunity to see the locomotive in person.
“It’s huge. It’s beautiful,” said Wisconsin resident Brandon Baker.
Big Boy No. 4014 was built in 1941 to haul heavy freight through the mountains of the American West. Union Pacific says that 25 Big Boy locomotives were originally built, but No. 4014 is the only one in operation today.
The locomotive weighs approximately 1.1 million pounds and is over 130 feet long. It was restored to operating condition in 2019 after spending decades on public display.
Visitors were able to see the locomotive up close during a public display event in West Chicago on Wednesday before it headed east.
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Steam rises from Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 during a whistle-stop in Sterling, Illinois, on June 2, 2026. (Oliviana Calmes)
“I took a day off to watch the train because I love it so much,” said Marcia Simler.
The locomotive’s route is part of a broader effort by Union Pacific to celebrate the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. According to the railroad, the America 250 Tour includes more than 50 whistle stops and public demonstration events in 10 states.
Inside the cab, crew members monitor the pressure, water and fire systems that power the giant steam engine. The locomotive continues to operate using steam technology developed more than a century ago, while drawing crowds of modern rail enthusiasts at each stop.
For many visitors, the attraction is equal parts engineering and history.
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Ed Dickes, senior manager of heritage operations for Union Pacific Railroad, inside the cab of Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 during a whistle-stop in Sterling, Illinois, on June 2, 2026. (Oliviana Calmes)
John Bollig said, “I have patriotic feelings burning in me, that’s for sure.”
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Union Pacific says the eastern leg of the tour is being conducted in partnership with Norfolk Southern and marks the first time Big Boy has visited the East Coast.
The tour will continue through Pennsylvania before reaching Philadelphia, where the locomotive will participate in events related to the nation’s sesquicentennial celebration.
