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Golden Spike National Historical Park

Designation: National Historical Park

Location: Utah

Visit Official Park Website

šŸ“˜ Park Overview

One of the greatest technological achievements of the 19th century is the completion of the first transcontinental railroad across the United States. Visitors to the park can see the location of the Last Spike Site, 1869 railroad construction features, walk or drive on the original railroad grade, and get an up close view of Victorian era replica locomotives.

🌤 Weather Information

Golden Spike National Historical Park is located in a high desert environment in the Promontory Mountains near the north end of the Great Salt Lake. The temperatures can reach over 100 degrees in the summer and dip into single digits in the winter, with much of the park blanketed in snow. Visitors are recommended to check forecasts before coming to our site and come prepared for changing weather conditions.

šŸš— Directions

Golden Spike National Historical Park is 32 miles west of Brigham City, Utah. NB travelers on I-15: use exit 365 and drive west on Utah 13 and 83 through Corinne (follow brown directional signs) to Golden Spike Drive. Turn left and follow signs to the visitor center (8 miles). SB travelers on I-84: use Howell exit 26 and drive south on Utah 83 (follow brown directional signs) to Golden Spike Drive. Turn right and follow signs to the visitor center (8 miles). Lat/Long 41.617410,-112.550986

Images

Two replica victorian age steam locomotives face each other on the original railroad grade

Connect with the history by viewing the site's replica steam locomotives in action

Credit: NPS Photo

The Golden Spike National Historical Park's Visitor Center colorful stone entrance

Golden Spike's Visitor Center is the best the best place to start your exploration of this unique piece of American History.

Credit: NPS Photo

Winter View of Golden Spike Entrance Sign

Winter View of Golden Spike Entrance Sign

Credit: Courtesy of NPS

The Big Fill is a 400 foot long 80 foot high mound of packed earth that bridged a ravine

Visitors can explore fifteen miles of the historic grade that was prepared for track by the two railroad companies

Credit: NPS Photo

The Golden Spike

Photo of actual Golden Spike courtesy of Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University

Credit: Cantor Arts Center of Stanford University

Two locomotives the 119 and Jupiter facing each other on a track.

Each day the locomotives are moved to the last spike site to recreate the marriage of the rails.

Credit: Photographer at GOSP

Winter View on the Big Fill Trail

Sunner winter day on the Big Fill Loop Trail.

Credit: Courtesy NPS

Recreation of May 10th Champagne Photo

Recreation of famous Champagne photo during annual May 10th Commemoration.

Credit: NPS

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
All Day
Monday
All Day
Tuesday
All Day
Wednesday
All Day
Thursday
All Day
Friday
All Day
Saturday
All Day

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle
The per vehicle fee covers all occupants in a single private vehicle. The fee will allow visitors access to all resources open to the public, including auto tours, walking trails, films, exhibit areas, ranger guided programs, and other seasonal activities. If visitors have any of the America the Beautiful Inter-agency passes, these will cover the pass holder and anyone that is in their personal vehicle.
$20.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
The motorcycle fee admits the driver and one passenger. The fee will allow visitors access to all resources open to the public, including auto tours, walking trails, films, exhibit area, ranger guided programs, other seasonal activities. If visitors have any of the America the Beautiful Inter-agency passes, these will cover the pass holder and the passenger of the motorcycle.
$15.00
Entrance - Per Person
Admits one individual with no car. This pass is typically used for bicyclists, and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free. The fee will allow visitor access to all resources open to the public, including auto tours, walking trails, films, exhibit area, ranger guided programs, other seasonal activities. If visitors have any of the America the Beautiful Inter-agency passes, these will cover the pass holder.
$10.00

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park
Golden Spike National Historical Park Annual Pass This annual pass covers entrance fees at Golden Spike National Historical Park for the pass holder and occupants within a single non-commercial vehicle or the pass holder and one passenger on a motorcycle.
$35.00

3-Day Weather Forecast

Tuesday, Jun 16

Sunny

Sunny

High: 91.8°F | Low: 56.8°F

Humidity: 19%

Wind: 18.3 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 11.1

Sunrise: 05:54 AM

Sunset: 09:06 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (6%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 59.4°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Wednesday, Jun 17

Sunny

Sunny

High: 87.6°F | Low: 57.3°F

Humidity: 23%

Wind: 23 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 11

Sunrise: 05:54 AM

Sunset: 09:06 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (11%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 56.2°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Thursday, Jun 18

Sunny

Sunny

High: 84.9°F | Low: 49.3°F

Humidity: 22%

Wind: 7.2 mph

Rain Chance: 1%

UV Index: 10.8

Sunrise: 05:55 AM

Sunset: 09:06 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (19%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 52.2°F

Cloud Cover: 1%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Park Events

CLOSED-New Year's Day

In celebration of the Federal Holiday, Golden Spike National Historical Park Visitor Center and Engine House will be closed.

Location: Visitor center

Date: Jan 1, 2015 12:00am to Jan 1, 2015 12:00am

Paid Event

CLOSED-Christmas

In commemoration of the Federal Holiday, Golden Spike National Historical Park Visitor Center and Engine House will be closed.

Location: Visitor Center

Date: Dec 25, 2015 12:00am to Dec 25, 2015 12:00am

Paid Event

National Train Day

Join us at Golden Spike National Historical Park for National Train Day and experience the excitement of living history where America’s first transcontinental railroad united a nation.

Enjoy historic locomotive demonstrations, engaging activities, and a fun-filled celebration of innovation, perseverance, and the railroad’s lasting impact on our country.

Location: Park Grounds

Date: May 9, 2026 12:00am to May 9, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

May 10th Commemorative Ceremony

Join us at Golden Spike National Historical Park this May 10th to commemorate the completion of the nation's first transcontiental railroad. Discover the remarkable stories of those who paved the way, and take time to reflect on how this historic event continues to offer valuable lessons for today.Ā Ā 

Location: Visitor Center and park grounds

Date: May 10, 2026 12:00am to May 10, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Big Fill Trail Guided Hike – Rails to Promontory

Join a park ranger for a guided hike through the landscape where railroad workers helped create one of America’s greatest engineering achievements

Allow approximately 2 hours round trip. This 1.5-mile hike follows the historic railroad grade of the Transcontinental Railroad.

Meet at the Visitor Center flagpole at 9:00 a.m.

Ā 

Location: Meet at the Visitor Center flagpole

Date: Jun 5, 2026 12:00am to Jun 5, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Big Fill Trail Guided Hike – Rails to Promontory

Join a park ranger for a guided hike through the landscape where railroad workers helped create one of America’s greatest engineering achievements

Allow approximately 2 hours round trip. This 1.5-mile hike follows the historic railroad grade of the Transcontinental Railroad.

Meet at the Visitor Center flagpole at 9:00 a.m.

Ā 

Location: Meet at the Visitor Center flagpole

Date: Jun 26, 2026 12:00am to Jun 26, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Big Fill Trail Guided Hike – Rails to Promontory

Join a park ranger for a guided hike through the landscape where railroad workers helped create one of America’s greatest engineering achievements

Allow approximately 2 hours round trip. This 1.5-mile hike follows the historic railroad grade of the Transcontinental Railroad.

Meet at the Visitor Center flagpole at 9:00 a.m.

Ā 

Location: Meet at the Visitor Center flagpole

Date: Jul 10, 2026 12:00am to Jul 10, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Big Fill Trail Guided Hike – Rails to Promontory

Join a park ranger for a guided hike through the landscape where railroad workers helped create one of America’s greatest engineering achievements

Allow approximately 2 hours round trip. This 1.5-mile hike follows the historic railroad grade of the Transcontinental Railroad.

Meet at the Visitor Center flagpole at 9:00 a.m.

Ā 

Location: Meet at the Visitor Center flagpole

Date: Jul 13, 2026 12:00am to Jul 13, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Big Fill Trail Guided Hike – Rails to Promontory

Join a park ranger for a guided hike through the landscape where railroad workers helped create one of America’s greatest engineering achievements

Allow approximately 2 hours round trip. This 1.5-mile hike follows the historic railroad grade of the Transcontinental Railroad.

Meet at the Visitor Center flagpole at 9:00 a.m.

Ā 

Location: Meet at the Visitor Center flagpole

Date: Jul 31, 2026 12:00am to Jul 31, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Railroaders Festival

As summer draws to a close, Golden Spike National Historical Park comes to life in celebration of the railroad's legacy and frontier culture. Join us on September 5th for a day of excitement featuring frontier games, handcar rides, and locomotive demonstrations.Ā 

This beloved annual tradition draws locomotive enthusiasts and families from near and far to explore the park and experience the golden age of railroads in a lively, unforgettable way.Ā 

Schedule of Events:Ā Ā 

9:00 am Visitor Center OpensĀ Ā 

9:30 am Locomotive Ranger ProgramĀ Ā 

11:00am Golden Spike Ceremony ReenactmentĀ Ā 

1:00 pm Locomotive Ranger ProgramĀ 

1:15 pm Golden Spike Ceremony ReenactmentĀ Ā 

2:00 pm Special Presentation by Park Historian Jonathan FairchildĀ Ā 

3:00 pm Locomotive Ranger ProgramĀ Ā 

4:30 pm Locomotive Ranger Program Ā 

5:00 pm Visitor Center ClosesĀ Ā 

Ā 

Special Activities occur throughout the day until 4:00 pm.Ā Ā 

The park entrance fee is $20.00 per vehicle; federal public lands Interagency Passes are accepted.Ā Ā 

Date: Sep 5, 2026 12:00am to Sep 5, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

šŸ“ Physical Address:
6200 North 22300 West
Promontory, Utah, UT 84307

šŸ¤ Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 897
Brigham City, UT 84302

šŸ“ž Voice Phone: 4354712209

šŸ“ž Fax Phone: 4354712341

āœ‰ļø Email: gosp_interpretation@nps.gov

Park Location


šŸ‘ Fun Fact
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