Big Boy Reunion - June 17-30, 2026

Steamtown National Historic Site Tickets

This Timed Entry Reservation is for access to Steamtown National Historic Site while the No. 4014 Big Boy is on view from June 17 - June 30.

Advance Reservations are required for entry to Steamtown National Historic Site throughout No. 4014's Visit. There will be no walkup reservations available at the site and all reservations must be made online in advance of your visit.

You may enter the site up to 30 minutes prior to your reservation time, or after your scheduled reservation time. Steamtown will be closing each day at 5 p.m. and all visitors must depart the park by that time.

See below for information on parking and access to the site. Also check https://www.nps.gov/stea/planyourvisit/big-boy-reunion-at-steamtown-2026.htm for updated information.

Steamtown National Historic Site is hosting a visit from Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014, the largest operating steam locomotive in the country, as it makes its way from coast to coast to honor America's 250th birthday. Don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to see No. 4014 reunited with Steamtown's own Big Boy No. 4012! It'll be the only place to see two Big Boys lined up side by side and for two weeks in June Steamtown National Historic Site will be the center of the railfan universe!

Following its public display days on June 15 & 16, No. 4014 will be at Steamtown from June 17 through June 30 while Union Pacific completes servicing and a boiler wash on the locomotive. Both Big Boys will remain on view during that time, though viewing of No. 4014 may be more distant than the up-close opportunity on the public display days. Steamtown's History Museum, Technology Museum, Roundhouse, and Visitor Center will also be open for all visitors.

Steamtown will be offering its regular yard train rides on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays while No. 4014 is at the park (June 19-21 & June 26-28). Longer excursions will also be offered on June 20, 21, 27 & 28. See Short Train Ride Reservations or Excursion Train Rides Ticket Links for information and ticketing. Holders of tickets for yard train rides or excursions do not need to purchase a separate entry ticket to see No. 4014. Train ride tickets will allow entry to the site up to one hour prior to the train ride departure time, and train riders may view No. 4014 before or after their train ride.

Select a date to see a list of times

Need to Know

• Pedestrian Site Entry

  Visitors parking in the downtown area will enter the park via a signed route from the Lackawanna Avenue side of the park. Please check https://www.nps.gov/stea/planyourvisit/big-boy-reunion-at-steamtown-2026.htm for specific information on pedestrian entrances before you leave for the park on your reservation day. Follow all signage and have either a printed copy of your reservation or a digital version on your cell phone ready prior to reaching the gate. A large number of visitors are expected throughout No. 4014's stay and visitors should be prepared to wait for entry and should be equipped for the weather as there may be significant waiting outside exposed to the elements.

• Handicap-Accessible Parking (Placards Required)

  A limited number of Handicap-Accessible Parking for placarded vehicles will be available in designated areas of the Steamtown National Historic Site parking lot. Vehicles should enter via the 350 Cliff Street park entrance and have their placards clearly visible. Follow signage to the Handicap-Accessible parking area in the main parking lot. The routes from the parking area to Big Boy No. 4014 and throughout the park's museum facilities are accessible for wheelchairs.

• General Parking

  A large number of visitors are expected for this event, and there will be greatly increased traffic in and around Scranton throughout the duration of No. 4014's visit. Visitors should prepare for possible delays and plan ahead to park and arrive at the park at the reservation time.

  A limited number of parking spots will be available within Steamtown National Historic Site's parking lot with access through the main park entrance at 350 Cliff Street, Scranton. Parking will be first come, first served.

  Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of public transportation. Buses with the County of Lackawanna Transit System (COLTS) and the Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA) drop passengers off at the Lackawanna Transit Center, directly adjacent to the park.

  Paid parking will be available through downtown Scranton parking garages, including the parking facility at the Steamtown Mall right next to the park. Scranton also has limited metered street parking (though maximum parking stays may not be enough to experience the event fully). Shuttle buses for other satellite parking areas may be available. Please check Scranton Parking for more information.

  Rideshares may stop at designated drop-off points along Lackawanna Avenue near the Steamtown Mall, a short walk from Steamtown National Historic Site.

• Amenities, Safety and Other Information

  Visitor Flow- Visitors will queue in a line to get up close to No. 4014 for viewing and photos. The line will walk past Steamtown's No. 4012 Big Boy, then past and around No. 4014. Distance to No. 4014 may vary based on the servicing being done on the locomotive by Union Pacific and any safety or logistics considerations. There may be a significant wait in this line and the area is uncovered and exposed to the weather.

  Rest Rooms- A bank of port-a-potties will be located at the edge of the parking lot near the queueing area. Full restroom facilities will also be available in the Visitor Center, History Museum, and Technology Museum.

  Water- Visitors are welcome to bring their own water bottles, though they must be kept sealed while inside any of the park museum buildings. The park has a water bottle filling station inside the visitor center. (Note: per the Superintendent's Compendium, consuming or possessing an open container of alcohol is not allowed anywhere in park buildings or on park grounds).

  Big Boy Merchandise- The America's National Parks Park Store will be open at the Oil House building right next to the information booth. The store offers a wide array of rail-themed merchandise and will have a special selection of apparel, stickers, signs, and other products featuring the Big Boy Reunion.

  Safety- Visitors are always advised to be observant of their surroundings and be especially aware of any tripping hazards. Steamtown is an active working railyard with many different types of walking surfaces, and many switches, rails and other potential tripping hazards. Locomotives and other rolling stock may have pieces that protrude that may be sharp or hot to the touch from sun exposure. Visitors are advised to use care (for themselves and any children in their charge) when around any railroad equipment.

  For more information and any additional updates, please check https://www.nps.gov/stea/planyourvisit/big-boy-reunion-at-steamtown-2026.htm.

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