(Photo provided, courtesy Union Pacific Railroad)
Region railfans are getting ready for Big Boy’s return. The world’s largest operating steam locomotive, Union Pacific’s famed Big Boy, traveled through northwest Indiana last month on its way to the East Coast as part of a historic coast-to-coast tour to mark America’s 250th anniversary. Before reaching its planned whistle-stop in Argos, in Marshall County, June 5, 2026, the train rolled through Lake, Porter, and La Porte counties, with numerous Region residents anticipating the appearance. The return trip has a whistle stop scheduled in Knox in Starke County on July 16, 2026, Here is a link to the full schedule (subject to change) at Union Pacific Railroad’s website – and here’s a link to see where the locomotive currently is — https://www.up.com/about-us/history/steam/track . The eastern leg of the tour is operating on the Norfolk Southern network, marking a historic collaboration between the two railroads.
