Big Boy Rolling Through Joliet: City Reveals All The Details You Need To Know To Witness History Being Made

JOLIET, IL — One of the greatest events for Joliet in all of 2026 is only two days away. On Wednesday, the Joliet City Facebook page revealed that people can watch the Union Pacific Railroad's Big Boy steam locomotive on Friday from the viewing platform at Union Station, 50 East Jefferson Street.

The platform is open to the public and can be reached from two public stairwells. The locomotive is set to pass through Joliet mid to late morning, though timing is subject to change, Joliet emphasized.

"While you're here, grab a meal, shop local or visit the Joliet Railroad Museum at Union Station to make the most of your trip downtown," Joliet officials implored.

According to this week's story in the Lockport Patch,Big Boy No. 4014, Union Pacific’s 1.2 million-pound steam locomotive, will make its way through Lockport and Joliet on Friday. The locomotive has been drawing large crowds along railroad lines during its historic coast-to-coast tour this summer.

The world's largest operating steam locomotive has been on its tour to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, according to Union Pacific. The locomotive traveled through the Chicago area last month on its way East, and has now found its way back to Illinois before it heads to Missouri and then West.

According to Big Boy's schedule, it will depart from South Holland at 9 a.m. on Friday, heading toward Dwight. Arrival time at Dwight is set for 1:15 p.m.