Dwight Prepares to Welcome Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 for Historic Friday Stop
The Country Mansion, located within a two-minute walk from the designated viewing area, will host a before-and-after gathering as part of the community’s broader welcome
DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. The Village of Dwight is preparing to welcome Union Pacific’s legendary Big Boy No. 4014 on Friday, July 17, as residents, railroad enthusiasts and visitors gather for the historic steam locomotive’s scheduled stop.
Located just half a block or about a two-minute walk from the designated viewing area, The Country Mansion will host All Aboard at The Mansion, a before-and-after gathering offering limited parking, food truck, full bar service, live music, and air-conditioned seating throughout the day.
“The Village is doing the important work of coordinating the official stop, public safety and visitor experience, and we are pleased to support that effort,” said Carson Woods of The Country Mansion. “With The Mansion located within a two-minute walk from the viewing area, we can give visitors a convenient place to park, gather before the train arrives and return afterward for food & drinks, music and hospitality.”
Parking at The Country Mansion will open at 9 a.m. and remain available on a first-come, first-served basis until the lot reaches capacity. Guests will be able to enjoy full bar service in the historic Front Bar and in the air-conditioned Garden Room. The Garden Room will also provide comfortable indoor seating and a weather-ready gathering space in case of rain.
It’s Forkin’ Good Food Truck will serve from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. while Jerry Downs, A Taste of Silhouettes, will perform live from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the patio and return to the stage after the departure of Big Boy and play until 4:00 p.m.
“Big Boy may only be stopping in Dwight briefly, but visitors will have the opportunity to make a full day of it,” Woods said. “We hope people will arrive early, enjoy the excitement surrounding the stop and remain afterward for an afternoon of food, music and small-town hospitality.”
Big Boy No. 4014 is the world’s largest operating steam locomotive and the only operating Big Boy remaining. Its visit offers Dwight an opportunity to showcase the community’s railroad heritage, historic character and small-town hospitality to visitors from throughout the region.
The Mansion’s participation also reflects Dwight’s longstanding connection to rail travel. During the era of the nationally known Keeley Institute, visitors arrived in Dwight by train from across the country, helping establish the community’s national reputation. The scheduled arrival of Big Boy No. 4014 provides another opportunity to welcome visitors and share Dwight’s history with a new generation.
Big Boy 4014 will be visible from The Country Mansion, although guests seeking a closer view should allow time to walk to the designated viewing area and should follow all Village, law-enforcement, and railroad safety directions.Visitors should rely on official Village of Dwight and Union Pacific communications for the final train schedule, viewing information, pedestrian routes, traffic instructions and any operational changes.
All Aboard at The Mansion Schedule
9:00 a.m. — Paid parking opens
9:30 a.m. — Full bar service begins in the historic Front Bar and air-conditioned Garden Room
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. — It’s Forkin’ Good Food Truck
10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. — Live music by Jerry Downs
Early afternoon — Big Boy No. 4014 scheduled stop in Dwight
2:00–4:00 p.m. — Live music by Jerry Downs
The Garden Room will remain open throughout the event for air-conditioned seating and as an indoor gathering space in case of rain.
Gather before. Celebrate after. Meet You at The Mansion.
About The Country Mansion
The Country Mansion is a historic hospitality and event venue in Dwight, Illinois. Housed in the historic John R. Oughton House, the property is closely tied to Dwight’s history and the legacy of the internationally known Keeley Institute. Today, The Country Mansion hosts weddings, celebrations, live entertainment, and community gatherings in distinctive indoor and outdoor spaces.
