Golden Spike National Historical Park

Golden Spike National Historical Park marks where the Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroads met in 1869, completing America’s first transcontinental railroad. Experience history with steam locomotives, interpretive trails, and exhibits celebrating this engineering triumph.

MUST-DO CHECKLIST

• Watch the Locomotive Demonstrations – See replica steam engines Jupiter and No. 119 reenact the historic meeting of the rails, complete with ranger-led interpretive programs.
• Take the Engine House Tour – Go behind-the-scenes during winter months to see how the locomotives are maintained and learn about 19th-century rail technology.
• Hike the Big Fill Loop Trail – Walk 1.5 miles along the original railroad grades and view fills, cuts, and traces of the monumental rail construction effort.
• Drive the Historic Railroad Grades – Follow two auto tours that trace the original rail lines, with interpretive stops showcasing where the Central Pacific laid 10 miles in one day.
• Visit the Last Spike Site – Stand at the exact location where the final “golden spike” was driven, marking the moment the nation was finally connected coast to coast.

Recommended Reading: The American Railway offers a beautifully reproduced 1893 classic featuring 200+ illustrations of locomotives, engineers, brakemen, and rail tycoons. It’s a fascinating look at how 19th-century railroads were built, managed, and operated.

Photo Credit: Lloyd Kimball/Unsplash