Visit the Golden Spike National Historic Site where the Transcontinental Railroad was completed with the driving of a golden spike on May 10, 1869. Promontory Summit has been preserved by the National Park Service much as it existed over 150 years ago and includes a visitors’ center, several miles of preserved right-of-way, and two full-size, operating steam locomotives.
Choices
At the Golden Spike National Historic Site, accurate replicas of the Central Pacific Jupiter and Union Pacific No. 119 are steamed daily from early May through mid-September for demonstrations over two miles of track (sorry, no train rides are offered). The visitor center features films and exhibits. Reenactments of the Last Spike Ceremony, complete with dignitaries in period dress, occur on Saturdays and holidays from May through September. Locomotive Ranger Programs take place daily during the summer months.
When to go
The visitor center is open every day, May 1 until mid-October, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. It’s closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays from mid-October through April. When steam power isn’t running, the locomotives can be viewed during daily scheduled tours of the engine house.
Good to know
The original Promontory line was bypassed in 1904, and in 1942 the rails were removed. The historical park encompasses over 2,700 acres and preserves not only the Last Spike site but the original Transcontinental Railroad right-of-way.
Worth doing
Drive your car over the original 1869 railroad grade. The West Auto Tour spans 7 miles and covers the former Central Pacific rail bed, including the site of a world record 10 miles of track laid in one day. The East Auto Tour is a short, 2-mile section that includes the steepest section of railroad in Utah. For those on foot, the Big Fill Trail takes you on a 1.5-mile round trip over the original CP and UP grades.
Don’t miss
In late December one of the park’s steam locomotives is fired up for the annual Winter Steam Demonstration, during which visitors have the unique opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of a steam locomotive in the cold air.
Getting there
The park is in northern Utah, 30 miles west of Brigham City. Access from either Interstates 15 or 84. Highway 83 takes you to the entrance, which is Golden Spike Drive. Road signs help guide you to the park.
Location: 6200 North 22300, West Promontory, UT
Phone: 435-471-2209
Website: nps.gov/gosp
E-mail: Form on website
