Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014 West Chicago display is scheduled for 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM CDT on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, giving Illinois rail fans a rare chance to see the historic steam locomotive during its 2026 coast-to-coast tour.

According to Union Pacific’s official schedule, the locomotive will be displayed at the Union Pacific Training Center, south of the West Chicago Metra stop. Admission is free, and tickets are not required. Visitors are being urged to ride Metra because parking will not be available at the event site.

Big Boy 4014 Illinois Schedule Includes Whistle Stops

Before the West Chicago display, Big Boy No. 4014 is scheduled to make brief Illinois whistle stops in Sterling and Rochelle on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. The locomotive is also set to stop in Springfield and Girard on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

The Sterling stop is listed at B Street Crossing from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM CDT, followed by Rochelle Railroad Park from 3:00 PM to 3:15 PM CDT. The July 18 stops include Springfield from 10:45 AM to 11:15 AM CDT and Girard from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM CDT.

Why Big Boy 4014 Is Touring the Northeast

Union Pacific says Big Boy No. 4014 is traveling coast to coast in 2026 as part of celebrations tied to America’s 250th birthday. The eastern leg began from Cheyenne, Wyoming, on Monday, May 25, 2026, and includes major public displays in Omaha, West Chicago, Buffalo, Scranton, Philadelphia, Altoona, Fostoria and St. Louis.

Big Boy No. 4014 is one of the most recognized operating steam locomotives in the United States. For Illinois viewers, the West Chicago display offers the best full public viewing opportunity, while the whistle stops provide shorter chances to see the train in motion.