FORDYCE, Ark. – Union Pacific Railroad’s legendary Big Boy No. 4014 steam locomotive is embarking on a highly anticipated “Heartland of America Tour,” with multiple stops planned across Arkansas, including notable visits to Pine Bluff and Kingsland.
Photo courtesy of Union Pacific
The tour, which kicks off on August 28 from Cheyenne, Wyoming, will see Big Boy No. 4014 traveling through ten states over an eight-week period, concluding in late October. The locomotive, which is one of the largest and most powerful steam engines ever built, will make stops in dozens of communities, offering the public a rare chance to witness this piece of living history.
Arkansas Stops Scheduled
On Friday, September 13, Big Boy No. 4014 will arrive in Jonesboro, Arkansas, after departing from Poplar Bluff, Missouri. The locomotive is scheduled to arrive at 1:30 p.m. CT in Piggott, Arkansas, before continuing on to Jonesboro.
The following day, Saturday, September 14, the tour will proceed from Jonesboro to North Little Rock, making stops in Hickory Ridge, Brinkley, and Pine Bluff. The locomotive is expected to arrive at the Pine Bluff Museum Depot at 3:00 p.m. CT and will depart at 3:30 p.m. CT, offering a half-hour window for public viewing.
On Monday, September 16, Big Boy will leave North Little Rock, making its way to Texarkana, Arkansas. Notably, the train will stop in Kingsland, the birthplace of Johnny Cash, arriving at 11:45 a.m. CT and departing at 12:15 p.m. CT. This stop presents a unique opportunity for Arkansas residents to view the locomotive in a setting rich with cultural history.
Safety Guidelines
Union Pacific has issued safety guidelines for those planning to view the Big Boy during its tour. The public is urged to stay at least 25 feet away from all railroad tracks, refrain from trespassing on private railroad property, and always expect an active train on the tracks. Additionally, drivers are advised not to pace the train, ensuring a safe environment for all.
Tour Highlights
In addition to the Arkansas stops, the tour will include public display days in major cities such as Houston and Fort Worth, Texas, and the Chicago metro area. The Union Pacific Railroad Museum will be auctioning off four cab rides on the Big Boy, with proceeds benefiting the Union Pacific Museum Association and Union Pacific’s Friend to Friend Network, a nonprofit organization supporting railroad families in times of need.
As the tour progresses, Union Pacific encourages the public to check for updates on the tour schedule, as times and locations are subject to change.
For more details on the tour and auction, visit Union Pacific’s official website.