Explore Golden Spike National Historical Park
Growing up in Utah, we often studied the ceremonial completion of the transcontinental railroad. That event took place on May 10, 1869, at Promontory Summit in northern Utah as the 119 and the Jupiter met and a golden railroad spike was placed to mark completion. Today, visitors come from all over to Golden Spike National Historical Park to see a re-enactment of that historic day.
Our family has ventured to this site twice. The first time we made the two-hour drive north, our timing was off and we weren’t able to see the engines on the tracks. This summer, I planned our visit a little better and was able to watch the re-enactment.
Here’s a rundown on what to expect and when to visit so you can get the full experience of the ceremony and celebration of America’s transcontinental railroad.
Directions to Golden Spike National Historical Park
The Golden Spike National Historical Park is sort of in the middle of nowhere. But it’s relatively easy to get to, whether you’re coming from the south or the north.
From Salt Lake City – 1.5 hours
Follow I-15 north until you reach Brigham City. Take Exit 365 and head west along Highway 13, which eventually becomes Highway 83. Turn left on 7200 N, following the signs to Golden Spike National Historical Route. The road splits after a bit, so stick to the right at the fork and follow the signs the remainder of the way to the visitor center. There’s one point where you’ll make a left turn at an intersection.
From Twin Falls, Idaho – 2 hours 20 minutes
Follow I-84 south toward Salt Lake City and take Exit 24 to Highway 83 and follow it south. At one point, you’ll have to turn right at Northrup Grumman’s facility, but that is still Highway 83. Follow it past the ATK Rocket Garden until you get to 7200 N, then turn right. The road splits after a bit, so stick to the right at the fork and follow the signs the remainder of the way to the visitor center. There’s one point where you’ll make a left turn at an intersection.
From Idaho Falls, Idaho – 2.5 hours
Take I-15 south and merge onto I-84 headed west (toward Idaho Falls). You’ll only be on I-84 for a moment. Take Exit 40 and follow Highway 102 over the interstate. It’s easy to say “Stay on Highway 102 for a bit”, but I just want to point out that there are a lot of 90-degree turns on that road. But you’ll follow it until you have to turn right or left, then turn right on Highway 83. Turn left on 7200 N, following the signs to Golden Spike National Historical Route. The road splits after a bit, so stick to the right at the fork and follow the signs the remainder of the way to the visitor center. There’s one point where you’ll make a left turn at an intersection.
Fees to Access Golden Spike National Historical Park
I recommend using your America the Beautiful annual parks pass to cover the admission fee to Golden Spike National Historical Park. If you don’t have the pass, you can pick one up for $80 at the visitor center. Otherwise, the cost is $20 for a private vehicle, $15 for a motorcycle or $10 per person. You can make the payment just inside the visitor center.
When to Visit Golden Spike National Historical Park
The visitor center is open seven days a week during the summer months. But if you want to see the historic trains in action, you have to visit between May 1 through mid-October. The two engines – the Jupiter and No. 119 – operate daily between those dates; weather permitting and when they aren’t taking a break to be cleaned.
The best time to visit is between May through mid-October, but Saturdays between Memorial Day and Labor Day offer a reenactment ceremony experience that shouldn’t be missed.
Regardless of when you visit the Park, you’ll need to stop at the visitor center to register and pay the fee (or show your pass). It also gives you a chance to ask about the timing of any activities happening on the day of your visit.
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During the winter months (mid-October through April), the visitor center is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The engines aren’t running during those months, but you can visit the Engine House for some ranger-led discussions about the engines on select days. Between Thursday-Monday, you’ll want to plan on visiting at 10:30 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm for the discussions at the Engine House. On busy holiday weekends, the Engine House is open from 10-4 p.m.
You won’t see the engines in operation, but you can walk beside them and learn about the history of the engines from the rangers.
What to Expect During your Visit
As you make plans to visit the Golden Spike National Historical Park, you’ll want to be aware of this daily schedule (between May 1 and mid-October):
10:00 AM – Arrival of the Jupiter
10:30 AM – Arrival of the No. 119
1:00 PM – Demonstration run with both locomotives
4:00 PM – Departure of No. 119
4:30 PM – Departure of Jupiter
Saturdays between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the prime days to visit. If you arrive at 10 a.m., you can watch the Jupiter arrive. Thirty minutes later, the No. 119 will pull up to its spot, directly in front of the Jupiter. Around 10:45 a.m., a costumed reenactment ceremony will begin so visitors can watch (and a few participate) in the driving of the Golden Spikes, marking the joining of the rails. That’s the best time to visit, as you get to see the trains in action and see the driving of the final spikes. They also have a reenactment at 1:15 p.m. on those same Saturdays.
In addition to the activities outdoors, there’s a museum in the visitor center where you can see artifacts and other items from the 1800s. Sadly, there isn’t an actual Golden Spike on display at the visitor center. It’s located in Palo Alto, California. Why? Leland Stanford’s brother-in-law, David Hewes, had the spike commissioned for the Last Spike ceremony. Since it was privately owned it went back to California to David Hewes. Hewes donated the spike to Stanford University art museum in 1892.
I recommend taking a few minutes to watch the short video running in the theater to learn more about the life and times around the joining of the transcontinental railroad.
Plan on Taking the Driving Tour of Going on a Hike
There are two self-guided driving tours available at Golden Spike National Historical Park. The East Auto Tour is only two miles long and gives you an idea of the work that had to be done to build the Transcontinental Railroad. The West Auto Tour is a little bit longer, at seven miles, and I recommend visiting the Online Guide before you start the tour, since cellphone coverage may be limited.
The guide gives you information about nine specific stops along the route, including some of the cuts, fills, gravel beds, stair cuts and more. You can also look at the amazing feat – 10 miles of track were laid in a single day! It’s crazy to think the Central Pacific Railroad built 10 miles and 56 feet of track on April 28th, 1869. There’s a more detailed Auto Driving Tour guide available in the gift shop at the visitor center.
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Both of the auto tours may be closed due to weather. RVs and vehicles pulling a trailer are not allowed on the Auto Tour.
If you want to get out and explore some areas on foot, check out the Big Fill Trail. It’s a short 1.5-mile roundtrip hike, taking you along the original grades of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific. Along the way, you can see cuts, over fills and drill marks where workers blasted rock away. It’s a great way to get some energy out before making the trek back home or to your next adventure.
The Details
Address: 6200 North 22300 West, Promontory, Utah 84307
Cost: $20 per private vehicle; $15 per motorcycle; $10 per person for cycling/walking in. Purchase an annual national parks pass for $80 and enjoy multiple national parks for 365 days.
How Long: Plan on at least two hours if you want to experience the re-enactment of the driving of the Golden Spike. Plan on more if you want to explore the area around and take a scenic drive.
Hours: Mid-April to mid-October, the visitor center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. From mid-October to mid-April, the visitor center is only open Thursday-Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/gosp/index.htm
Phone: (435) 471-2209 x429
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