KDSN RADIO News
Union Pacific’s Big Boy Locomotive Returning to Denison This Summer
(DENISON, Iowa) One of the biggest names in railroad history is set to roll back through Denison this summer.
Union Pacific says its famed Big Boy No. 4014, known as the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, will make a whistle-stop in Denison on Sunday, May 31, as part of a historic coast-to-coast tour celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. The eastern leg of the tour begins May 25 from Cheyenne, Wyoming, and will take the locomotive to the East Coast for the first time.
For western Iowa, the Denison stop carries a little extra history. Big Boy No. 4014 last drew major local attention in Denison on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, when former “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno surprised spectators during the locomotive’s Heartland of America tour. Union Pacific hosted Leno in the cab of the locomotive for an episode of “Jay Leno’s Garage,” and Railway Age reported that Leno rode in Big Boy’s cab from Missouri Valley to Denison with Union Pacific’s Steam Team.
This year’s Iowa stops include Denison and Carroll on May 31, followed by Tama and Belle Plaine on June 1, and Grand Mound on June 2. Union Pacific says whistle-stops are generally 15 to 30 minutes long, with specific times and stop locations available through the railroad’s official Big Boy schedule.
The broader tour includes major public display events in cities such as Omaha, West Chicago, Buffalo, Scranton, Philadelphia, Altoona, Fostoria and St. Louis, along with more than 50 whistle-stops across 10 states. Union Pacific says the trip is part of the railroad’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and will also include historic passenger cars and commemorative locomotives.
