This Nearly 1 Million Pound Train Is Coming to Illinois

One of the largest steam engines ever built is getting ready to come to Illinois, and if you're in the northern part of the state, you're in luck.

That's because the nearly one million pound behemoth, called Big Boy No. 4014, is part of a nationwide tour ahead of America's 250th anniversary celebration.

READ MORE: Did You Know Rockford Had a Chicago Train Route?

Big Boy 4014 Steam Engine Coming to Illinois

This is the first time Big Boy No. 4014 has crossed the Mississippi eastbound and into the Ohio Valley since being built in Schenectady, New York.

When Big Boy came rolling through Illinois a few years ago, there were massive crowds just to see the legendary train, one that enthusiasts and spectators will travel from far and wide to see.

Two "whistle stops" are planned in Illinois:

• June 2 in Sterling and Rochelle

With one major public display on June 3 in West Chicago, it will be on display at the Union Pacific Training Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

READ MORE: 18 Reasons Why Rockford Peeps DO & DON'T Want Metra Train Service

Why Big Boy 4014 Draws Huge Crowds

One of my kids loved trains going up. If you have someone in your family who is big into either Thomas the Train or something similar, do yourself a favor and check out Big Boy, as it is the only one still operating today.

Check out the full Big Boy train stop schedule HERE.