Union Pacific Museum Charity Auction 2026

*Please note that registration is now open, but active bidding will not begin until March 2, 2026*

Proceeds benefit the Union Pacific Museum Association

The Union Pacific Railroad Museum is thrilled to offer rail fans another rare opportunity to ride in the cab of the world’s largest operating steam locomotive – Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014.

Only 2 spots inside the locomotive will be placed up for auction beginning March 2, 2026, with all proceeds benefiting the Union Pacific Museum Association, a 501 (c) 3.

The lucky winners will ride April 17, 2026, as part of Big Boy’s western tour, eastbound into Ogden, Utah, across the famous Lucin Cutoff over the Great Salt Lake.

The cutoff, an initiative of E.H. Harriman to increase efficiency and eliminate the steep grade up to Promontory Summit, crossed directly over the Great Salt Lake and required 15 miles of engineered embankments, 23 miles of trestle and cost $8 million when completed in November 1903. Union Pacific updated and re-engineered the crucial causeway in 2016. https://www.up.com/news/people/causeway-6-14-2016

The ride will be approximately two hours in duration and riders must be at least 18 years of age or older and able to comply with all requirements listed below.

Please plan on arriving in Salt Lake City, Utah, on April 16th and leaving no sooner than April 18th to make the most of this adventure! The locomotive will be on public display in Ogden, Utah, on Saturday April 18 and Sunday, April 19. More display details are here at: www.upsteam.com

Each spot will be auctioned separately. The auction will run for 3 weeks, starting March 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. CT and ending March 19, 2026, during a live auction closing beginning at 7:00 p.m. CT. Interested bidders will be able to register and view auction details on February 20, 2026. All bidders must be fully registered through Rail & Road Auctions before being able to submit bids beginning on March 2nd .

The two successful bidders will be provided with detailed itineraries by the Union Pacific Museum after the close of the auction.

All auction winners/riders must:

Be at least 18 years of age at the time of the ride and show proof of age.
Arrange for their own travel and lodging into and out of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Arrive 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time to be given a safety briefing prior to boarding at the designated location.
Board the steam engine without assistance via a vertical ladder on the side of the engine from tracks – not a platform.
Stand for a portion, if not the entirety of the trip, inside the cab.
Withstand the high temperature inside the steam engine cab (temperature can reach 140 degrees or higher).
Dress in appropriate, comfortable clothing for the ride in the cab. NOTE: Non-skid, closed-toe shoes and long pants are required. (Safety vest, protective eye wear and hearing protection will be provided by Union Pacific).
Understand that only winning bidders will be contacted with details of the trip, including where they will board and depart.
Sign a waiver of liability from Union Pacific as well as a photo and video release
Must comply with all Museum and Union Pacific staff directions. Failure to comply will result in being removed from the property with no refund.
Auction winners are permitted to take photography and video in the cab; however, live streaming of any kind is strictly prohibited. Riders are also expressly prohibited from sharing any operational information they may hear or observe.
Understand that Union Pacific reserves the right to alter, modify, cancel or reschedule this opportunity.

This opportunity is provided at Union Pacific’s sole discretion and while they will strive to adhere to the planned itinerary, circumstances beyond the railroad’s control may necessitate changes to ensure the safety and satisfaction of all participants as well as the operation of the railroad.

If the opportunity is canceled, your winning bid amount will be refunded, less any expenses incurred, if any, by Rail & Road Auctions and the Union Pacific Museum.

The Union Pacific Museum Association is a non-profit organization whose mission is to share American History through the lens of the railroad; connecting generations who have been impacted by Union Pacific. The association provides funding for all permanent and special exhibits, advertising, educational programming and three staff members at the museum. https://www.uprrmuseum.org

Rail & Road Auctions began in 2019 with a vision from industry professionals to offer a more focused auction experience for transportation collectors. Driven by a passion for transportation rather than profit, we have grown to become the largest volume railroad auction company in the United States. Each item that passes through our doors is treasured not just for its value, but for its historical significance. Whether it’s Railroad, Automotive, Nautical, or Aviation collectibles, we recognize and honor their unique place in time and the memories they hold from eras long gone.