Union Pacific Railroad’s famed Big Boy No. 4014 locomotive will stop in more than three dozen communities during its fall tour across 10 states, including four public display days in Houston, Fort Worth and the Chicago area.

It will pass through Mineola on its way from Big Sandy to Dallas.

As part of the tour, the Union Pacific Railroad Museum will be auctioning off four cab rides on Big Boy No. 4014, with proceeds going to two worthy causes: the Union Pacific Museum Association and Union Pacific’s Friend to Friend Network, a nonprofit that benefits railroad families in times of need, such as medical or natural disaster hardships.

The 2024 Heartland of America Tour kicks off Aug. 28 from Cheyenne, Wyo. During the tour, Big Boy will pass through Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming.

The four display days are scheduled for:

Sept. 8 – Rochelle, Ill. (Chicago metro area)

Oct. 6 – Houston

Oct. 10 & 11 – Fort Worth

Sept. 17 – Big Sandy

Sept. 19 – Mexia

Oct. 4 – Navasota and Hempstead

Oct. 7 – Spring and Navasota

Oct. 8 - Bryan

Oct. 9 – Marlin and West

It should be coming through Wood County by 2 p.m. on Sept. 17.

Twenty-five Big Boys were built during World War II, but only eight survived. No. 4014 is the only one of the eight still in operation and remains the world’s largest operating steam locomotive.

Union Pacific reminds all rail fans to keep safety top of mind and stay 25-feet back from the tracks when taking a picture or viewing the colossal locomotive. That means never take a picture or video standing on the track or the ballast and never climb on the locomotive or equipment.

A steam tracking map showing No. 4014’s location and route will be available at upsteam.com.