Golden Spike National Historical Park
Designation: National Historical Park
Location: Utah
📘 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.
🚗 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
Connect with the history by viewing the site's replica steam locomotives in action
Credit: NPS Photo
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
Credit: Courtesy of NPS
Visitors can explore fifteen miles of the historic grade that was prepared for track by the two railroad companies
Credit: NPS Photo
Photo of actual Golden Spike courtesy of Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University
Credit: Cantor Arts Center of Stanford University
Each day the locomotives are moved to the last spike site to recreate the marriage of the rails.
Credit: Photographer at GOSP
Sunner winter day on the Big Fill Loop Trail.
Credit: Courtesy NPS
Recreation of famous Champagne photo during annual May 10th Commemoration.
Credit: NPS
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
Entrance Passes
3-Day Weather Forecast
Saturday, Mar 7
Partly Cloudy
High: 42.6°F | Low: 31.3°F
Humidity: 72%
Wind: 8.5 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 2
Sunrise: 06:55 AM
Sunset: 06:27 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (87%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 29.3°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Sunday, Mar 8
Overcast
High: 48°F | Low: 31.6°F
Humidity: 75%
Wind: 14.1 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1
Sunrise: 06:53 AM
Sunset: 06:28 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (80%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 32.3°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Monday, Mar 9
Mist
High: 56.1°F | Low: 25.9°F
Humidity: 75%
Wind: 12.3 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1
Sunrise: 07:51 AM
Sunset: 07:30 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (72%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 35.2°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
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
Winter Steam Festival (27, 28, 29 & 30)
10:00 am Jupiter Locomotive Arrives
11:30 am Locomotive Demonstration Run
1:00 pm Locomotive Demonstration Run
3:00 pm Locomotive Demonstration Run
4:30 pm Locomotive Demonstration Run
Special Presentations December 27th at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pmChristopher W. Merritt (Utah SHPO)
Captivating Tales of Terrace's Utah
December 28th at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pmDr. Jonathan Fairchild (Park Historican)
National Park, Tourism, and the Golden Age or Railroad Travel
December 29th at 2:00 pmDr. Jonathan Fairchild (Park Historian)
National Park, Tourism, and the Golden Age of Railroad Travel
December 30th at 2:00 pmJohn Kuhnert (Park Guide)
Its Snow Problem
Other activities include locomotive cab tours, hand car rides, and motor car rides throughout the day.
Location: Visitor Center at Golden Spike National Historical Park
Date: Dec 27, 2025 12:00am to Dec 30, 2025 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.
Location: Visitor Center and park grounds
Date: May 10, 2026 12:00am to May 10, 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.
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.
Schedule of Events:
9:00 am Visitor Center Opens
9:30 am Locomotive Ranger Program
11:00am Golden Spike Ceremony Reenactment
1:00 pm Locomotive Ranger Program
1:15 pm Golden Spike Ceremony Reenactment
2:00 pm Special Presentation by Park Historian Jonathan Fairchild
3:00 pm Locomotive Ranger Program
4:30 pm Locomotive Ranger Program
5:00 pm Visitor Center Closes
Special Activities occur throughout the day until 4:00 pm.
The park entrance fee is $20.00 per vehicle; federal public lands Interagency Passes are accepted.
Date: Sep 5, 2026 12:00am to Sep 5, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
CLOSED-Thanksgiving
In commemoration of the Federal Holiday, Golden Spike Visitor Center and Engine House will be closed. However, all outdoor features including the East Auto Tour, Big Fill Trail, historic Last Spike Site, and the visitor center restrooms and picnic areas will be accessible.
Location: Visitor Center and Engine House Closed
Date: Nov 26, 2026 12:00am to Nov 26, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
6200 North 22300 West
Promontory, Utah, UT 84307
🏤 Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 897
Brigham City, UT 84302
📞 Voice Phone: 4354712209
📞 Fax Phone: 4354712341
✉️ Email: gosp_interpretation@nps.gov