All aboard, history buffs and steam engine aficionados! This weekend, Roseville transforms into a vibrant hub for train enthusiasts as the world’s largest steam locomotive, Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014, chugs its way into town. Visitors can witness this colossal piece of railroad history from July 12 to 13 at Atlantic and Jefferson streets.
The Big Boy's journey, part of the "Westward Bound" tour, has been previously reported by The Sacramento Bee. The tour is a tip of the hat to the rich railroad legacy, with 19 whistle-stops planned across five states. It's not every day you get to casually walk up to a 1.1-million-pound, steam-breathing giant, so you might want to clear to check this out.
Besides the train, there's a full slate of activities at Vernon Street Square from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, including live music from Sac-City Little Big Band, food trucks, old-west reenactments by the Black Flag Gang, and a kids' zone. The "Experience the Union Pacific" rail car will be open for those looking to dive deeply into railroad history via interactive displays and multimedia presentations, as detailed by The Sacramento Bee.
If you're feeling some FOMO about missing the sold-out passenger trip from Roseville to Sparks, Nevada, hosted by the Union Pacific Museum, there's a small silver lining. You can still track the locomotive's schedule and catch 30-minute whistle stops in other cities throughout California. Keep in mind, tickets for these rides quickly sold out, ranging from $800 to $2,000, offering a historic travel experience through Donner Summit, with vintage cars complete with modern comforts.
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