As many in our community are already aware, Union Pacific’s famed Big Boy No. 4014 — the world’s largest operating steam locomotive — will journey to the East Coast this summer for the first time. The trip is part of a historic coast-to-coast tour celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Big Boy will pass through Mentor on Monday, June 8, 2026, departing Euclid around 2:00 PM en route to Conneaut. For those wishing to see the train at this scheduled stop, please visit the City of Euclid’s Facebook page.
Please note: The train will not stop in Lake County.
The Lake County Historical Society is hosting a Big Boy Day event from 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM at their campus located at 415 Riverside Drive in Painesville Township. The event offers a great — and safe — viewing area on their lawn with food and refreshments available for purchase. Overflow parking will be available at Riverside High School, with Laketran providing shuttle service. Registration is encouraged. Learn more at https://www.lakehistorycenter.org/.
For those hoping to catch a glimpse of the locomotive in Mentor, safety is our top priority.
- Stay at least 25 feet back from all railroad tracks (this includes drones).
- Railroad tracks, trestles, yards, and rights-of-way are private property — do not trespass.
- No parking allowed along the Heisley Road overpass.
- Motorists should watch for pedestrians walking along the roads near crossings.
Proper planning will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. To view the full route and schedule, visit: https://www.up.com/about-us/history/steam/schedule