What you need to know about the iconic Big Boy locomotive’s visit to West Chicago

The world’s largest operating steam locomotive will anchor a festival atmosphere next week when it rumbles into West Chicago.

Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 is scheduled to arrive Tuesday evening in West Chicago and be on display the following day before departing Thursday morning.

On Wednesday, the 600-ton locomotive will be on public display between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Larry S. Provo Union Pacific Training Center, 335 Spencer St., south of the West Chicago Metra station.

There is no public access beyond Wednesday’s display times, West Chicago officials said.

Union Pacific Railroad spokesperson Robin Tysver cautioned onlookers to give the locomotive a wide berth and “respect our train crew,” she said.

“We do want people to observe 25 feet back from the track,” Tysver said. “You can get a better picture the further you stand back.”

Big Boy No. 4014 was delivered to Union Pacific in 1941 and retired in 1961. It returned to service in 2019.

When it visits West Chicago, it will be accompanied by the commemorative No. 1616 Abraham Lincoln and No. 1776 America 250 locomotives and several historic passenger cars from Union Pacific’s Heritage Fleet, according to railroad officials.

When the procession leaves, it will head to Indiana on its way to Philadelphia for a July 4-5 showing celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

Big Boy will then head back west using a different route before settling July 29 at Cheyenne, Wyoming, where the locomotive is housed.

The coast-to-coast tour started on April 10 in Sacramento, California. The route includes 75 whistle stops in 14 states, Tysver said.

“The Big Boy was very impressive. It’s huge,” said West Chicago Mayor Daniel Bovey, who attended the locomotive’s 2019 appearance that celebrated the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad’s completion.

The 133-foot-long Big Boy No. 4014 drew about 45,000 people to West Chicago during its 2019 visit. A 2024 appearance in Rochelle attracted more than 60,000 people.

“There is a lot of interest in Big Boy, a lot of rail fans out there,” Tysver said. “There’s a lot of people who just want to see it, and hear it.”

People can follow the journey at up.com/heritage/steam/club/.

Twenty-five steam locomotives were originally built for Union Pacific to haul freight in mountainous terrain during World War II. Eight remain, with only Big Boy No. 4014 operating.

“When it blows off steam, it’s very impressive, especially for the kids,” Bovey said.

There will be no parking near the Provo Training Center. As well, the Wilson Avenue Bridge near the training center will be closed to vehicles from 1 p.m. Tuesday until about 10 a.m. Thursday. Pedestrian access will remain open.

Visitors are strongly encouraged to ride Metra, use the Prairie Path system when possible, or use designated parking and shuttle locations due to the expected significant traffic congestion, according to West Chicago officials.

More than 20 parking locations in the city will be available, with larger or more remote lots served by free shuttles or trolleys. Some lots may charge a fee.

A website dedicated to the event, westchicago.org/big-boy/, provides parking and shuttle information for all three days the train will be in West Chicago.

In addition to the train display, West Chicago is planning downtown activities, food options, historical tours, and visitor stops. A full event map is also available on the city website.

Trolleys running on Wednesday will include narration by people dressed in character — “including myself,” Bovey said.