12 hours at Golden Spike National Historical Park

Two vintage trains facing each other outdoors with a U.S. flag in the background.

Step back in time at Utah's Golden Spike National Historical Park and learn about the first transcontinental railroad on this educational and fun summer vacation. See historic locomotive replicas, enjoy museum exhibits, and contemplate the complex history of this pivotal time in United States history.

Duration
1 day
Perfect for
History lovers, railroad enthusiasts, and families looking for an educational adventure.
Highlights
Historic reenactments, scenic drives, and hands-on exhibits that bring the railroad's legacy to life.
Morning

Arrive at Golden Spike National Historical Park

Vintage steam locomotive with red and gold detailing on tracks.

Explore

Start at the visitor center, where exhibits and films tell the story of the construction of the first transcontinental railroad and its diverse workers.

Red steam locomotive with "119" on a snowy track, mountains in the background.

Arrival of the locomotives

If visiting from May through October, watch the replicas of steam locomotives Jupiter and No. 119 arrive at the site of the Last Spike.

Drive the East Auto Tour

Take a scenic drive along the original railroad grade, stopping at viewpoints that detail challenges of building the track through the desert.

Midday

Step back in time

Chinese arch framing a snowy mountain landscape under a clear blue sky.

Reflect at the Chinese Arch

Visit this natural rock formation honoring the thousands of Chinese laborers who played a crucial role in constructing the railroad.

Historic steam locomotive with people in period costumes by tracks under blue sky.

Witness a reenactment

If visiting from Memorial Day through Labor Day, watch a living history program of the famous “Last Spike” ceremony, which joined the Central Pacific Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad on May 10, 1869.

Afternoon

Discover more rail history

Car on dirt road through scenic desert landscape at sunset.

The West Auto Tour

Drive this seven-mile section of the historic railroad route, which includes a sign about when railroad workers laid down 10 miles in a day.

Two people walking on a desert trail with mountains in the background.

Visit the Big Fill Loop Trail

Hike this 1.5-mile trail and learn how the railroad was constructed across challenging terrain, using only hand tools.

Sunset on the water

Drive further south to Promontory Point, where the railroad originally met the Great Salt Lake, for stunning sunset views over the mountains.

Children in colorful dresses dancing near a bright vintage train.
Rolling plains and distant mountains under a cloudy sky, bathed in warm sunlight.
Tipi under a cloudy blue sky with distant mountains and train.
Red lion dance costume with greenery background, performed outdoors.
Pink and white wildflowers with green leaves against a red rocky background.
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Steam locomotive with red wheels and brass accents in a train shed.
Optional add-on

Ogden Union Station

Visit this historic station, which houses multiple museums, including the Utah State Railroad Museum and the Spencer and Hope Eccles Railroad Center.

Visit Smart

Visit in summer

Many of Golden Spike National Historical Park's programs are only available during the summer. Call the visitor center ahead of time to get information about locomotive demonstrations and ranger-led talks.

Watch the weather

Summers can be hot and dry; bring plenty of water and sun protection.

Be prepared

This park is remote. Bring water, snacks, and proper equipment.

Leave no trace

Golden Spike National Historical Park lies on the ancestral lands of the Northwestern Shoshone, Ute, Goshute, and Paiute peoples, whose traditional ways of life were disrupted by the coming of the railroad. Be sure to pack out all trash and respect the land.

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