Big Boy Steam Engine 4004

A massive steel giant standing still in Cheyenne's Holliday Park, this is one of the most powerful and largest locomotives ever built. This is the Big Boy 4004 Steam Engine—a legendary representative of the Union Pacific coal-fired locomotive series, built in 1941 to conquer the most challenging mountain routes in the USA.

This engineering masterpiece is breathtaking in its scale: it spans roughly 40 meters in length, and its combined weight with the tender exceeds 500 tons. Its unique 4-8-8-4 wheel arrangement allowed this "Big Boy" to pull thousands of tons of cargo, generating immense power that continues to command respect from experts and awe from tourists today.

Today, Engine No. 4004 stands as an important historical monument of the railroad era. It has undergone a thorough cosmetic restoration and now looks exactly as it did on the day of its first run. This site is a must-visit for anyone who wants to touch the history of the great American railroads and see firsthand a symbol of 20th-century industrial might.

For visit details or more information about the exhibit, you can contact the city's Parks and Recreation Department. Keep in mind that this site is outdoors and part of a public park, making it accessible to everyone at any time.

Below are the official contact details for communication and navigation:

The main reason thousands of people visit is the chance to examine the intricate design of this legendary locomotive in detail. You can stand right next to its massive driving wheels, which are 173 centimeters in diameter, and appreciate the incredible scale of the boiler. Nearby information plaques provide detailed accounts of the technical specifications and the illustrious service history of this steel giant.

For photography enthusiasts, this site offers endless opportunities. The locomotive's gargantuan size creates a stunning contrast against the park's greenery, perfect for unique shots. The scale is best captured by taking photos next to the front of the engine or its massive tender, which once held tons of coal and thousands of gallons of water.

A visit to Engine No. 4004 pairs perfectly with family time in Holliday Park. While adults explore railroad history, children can play on the well-equipped nearby playgrounds. This peaceful and cozy spot is ideal for taking a moment to imagine this monster thundering through the mountains of Wyoming with a deafening whistle and clouds of steam.

Finding your way to this monumental exhibit in Cheyenne is quite easy, as it is located in a popular public spot—Holliday Park. The locomotive is situated at the intersection of 17th Street and Morrie Avenue, making it a prominent landmark for anyone strolling through the eastern part of the city center.

If you are arriving by car, it is most convenient to take the I-80 or I-25 highways, which lead directly into the city. Free parking is provided near the park, which is very convenient for those on a road trip through Wyoming. The drive from Cheyenne Regional Airport takes no more than 10 minutes.

For those who prefer public transport, the Cheyenne Transit System operates buses that stop within walking distance of the park. You can also take a taxi from the city center—the ride takes just a few minutes—while those who enjoy walking can reach the site from the historic center in about 15–20 minutes.

Development of the Big Boy series began in 1941 at the request of the Union Pacific Railroad, specifically for hauling heavy freight over steep mountain passes between Ogden and Cheyenne. During that era, the USA required unprecedented power for logistics, and the ALCO plant in New York produced 25 of these machines. Steam engine number 4004 belongs to the first series of these giants, which became the pinnacle of steam locomotive engineering.

The locomotive saw active service on the most challenging stretches, such as Sherman Hill, where it demonstrated incredible traction by moving trains weighing up to 3,600 tons. The legendary engine made its final run on October 31, 1958, traveling from Cheyenne to Laramie, after which the era of steam power began to give way completely to diesel technology.

In 1963, Union Pacific donated this locomotive to the city, and moving it to the park was a true engineering feat—it required laying temporary tracks directly across city streets. Today, it is one of only eight surviving examples in the world. In 2017, a major cosmetic restoration was carried out, during which specialists removed asbestos, updated the boiler cladding, and returned the locomotive to its original coal-black shine.

Typically, visitors need about 30 to 45 minutes to closely examine this impressive monument to engineering. This is plenty of time to walk around the locomotive from all sides, read the information stands, and take striking photos against the giant wheels.

If you are traveling with children or are a dedicated railroad enthusiast, plan to spend about 1–1.5 hours here. Holliday Park itself is a pleasant place for a stroll or a small picnic, allowing you to admire the power of the steel giant in a peaceful setting.

Since the locomotive is located within an outdoor public park, it is accessible 24 hours a day. You can plan your visit for any time that suits you, whether it's early morning for the best photos or late in the evening.

The official schedule for the site confirms its accessibility:

• Monday — Sunday: Open 24 hours

A stroll around the park's surroundings will allow you to immerse yourself even deeper into the historic atmosphere and railroad heritage that Cheyenne is so proud of. Exploring the city center will reveal many architectural monuments and cultural sites, all within walking distance or just a few minutes' drive.

Be sure to check out the majestic government buildings and themed museums that tell the story of the Wild West era and the development of America's transportation arteries.