BOX ELDER COUNTY, Utah, Dec. 23, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Golden Spike National Historical Park is inviting the public to this year’s Winter Steam Festival, Saturday through Dec. 30, “to watch as the power of steam brings the past into the present.”
This year, the Union Pacific Locomotive No. 119 will take center stage during steam demonstrations, says a statement issued by the National Park Service.
“Visitors will have the unique opportunity to see, hear, and feel the power of this Victorian-era replica locomotive as it travels along the historic Transcontinental Railroad grade. Step back in time and experience the sights and sounds of an era that transformed the nation.”
The Union Pacific Locomotive No. 119, upon which the replica is based, was built in 1868. In that year, the first presidential election after the Civil War was held, and Ulysses S. Grant won. Wyoming became a U. S. Territory, and The element later named as helium is first detected in the spectrum of the Sun’s chromosphere (source: Wikipedia).
Back to the festival….
“The Winter Steam Festival is a time to reflect on how our shared history brought people and places closer together,” the NPS news release says.
“During the holiday season — both then and now — families came together, sometimes overcoming incredible distances. Join us at Golden Spike to celebrate this connection and create new memories to share with future generations.”
Daily Festival Locomotive Steam Demonstrations:
- 10 a.m. – No. 119 Locomotive arrives
- 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. — Locomotive demonstration runs
- 4:30 p.m. — No. 119 Locomotive departs
Special Presentations:
- Saturday at noon and 2 p.m. — Captivating Tales of Terrace’s Utah –Christopher W. Merritt (Utah SHPO)
- Sunday at noon — National Parks, Tourism, and the Golden Age of Railroad Travel-Dr. Jonathan Fairchild (Park Historian)
- Dec. 30, Monday, at noon — It’s Snow Problem-John Kuehnert (Park Guide)
Other activities include locomotive cab tours, hand car, and motor car rides.
Visitor Center winter hours: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Thursday-Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday). All outdoor attractions are accessible seven days a week, including the Last Spike Site, the Big Fill Trail, East Auto Tour, as well as the Visitor Center picnic areas and restrooms.
The park entrance fee is $20 per vehicle; federal public lands Interagency Passes are accepted.
Activities are subject to change based on weather conditions and mechanical operations.
For the most up to date information please call the visitor center at 435-471-2209 ext. 429 between the hours of 9a.m. and 5 p.m., Thursday through Monday. Updates will also be posted on the park’s Facebook page.
Golden Spike National Historical Park is located 32 miles west of Brigham City via state highways 13 and 83.
