Kenefick Park Omaha – See The World’s Largest Locomotives
Walk around Big Boy 4023 and Centennial 6900 at this hilltop park beside Lauritzen Gardens. Discover Omaha’s railroad roots at no cost.
Jul 15, 2025260 Shares7K Views
Location & History
Kenefick Park is located at 100 Bancroft Street, near the entrance to Lauritzen Gardens in South Omaha. The park covers around 78 acres and is open to the public year-round with free entry. Originally opened in 1988 near Abbott Drive and Union Pacific’s headquarters, the park was moved in 2004 to make room for the CHI Health Center convention complex. In 2005, the park reopened at its current hilltop site above Lauritzen Gardens, where it greets visitors driving into Nebraska on Interstate 80. Its elevated location also offers a clear view of Omaha’s skyline and nearby riverfront.
Name & Dedication
Kenefick Park is named after John C. Kenefick, a former CEO of Union Pacific Railroad. Kenefick began his career as a brakeman and rose through the ranks to lead the company. He retired in 1986 after a long and successful career. Naming the park after him honors both his personal contributions and Union Pacific’s deep roots in Omaha. The park serves as a tribute to the city’s railroad heritage and the people who helped build and manage the railroad system.
Locomotive Displays
The most striking features of Kenefick Park are the two massive locomotives on display. One is Big Boy No. 4023, the largest steam locomotive ever built. It measures over 130 feet long and weighs around 1.2 million pounds. The second is Centennial No. 6900, a diesel-electric engine built in 1969 to celebrate Union Pacific’s 100th anniversary. It is the most powerful diesel locomotive ever produced. These engines are displayed on elevated tracks, allowing visitors to walk around and get close-up views. Informational signs near the locomotives explain their history and technical features.
Park Design & Visitor Features
Kenefick Park is designed with a grand plaza, wide stone steps, and decorative landscaping. A paved path leads visitors from the Lauritzen Gardens parking area to the top of the hill, where the locomotives are displayed. Stone walls, benches, and native plants line the route. Interpretive signs throughout the park tell the story of Union Pacific’s role in building America’s rail system and how Omaha became a major hub. The park’s design blends education, history, and open green space in a way that is both relaxing and informative.
Access & Amenities
The park is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended evening hours during the summer. There is no admission fee, and parking is available at Lauritzen Gardens. The path to the locomotives includes a ramp, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. On weekends and during busy seasons, a tram servicehelps visitors reach the top of the hill. The park is family-friendly and pet-friendly, making it a convenient stop for tourists, school groups, and train fans of all ages.
Significance & Views
Kenefick Park is more than just a place to see trains. It acts as a gateway landmarkfor people entering Omaha from the east, offering panoramic views of the Missouri River, Council Bluffs, and the city’s skyline. The elevated location gives it a unique presence. Its connection with Lauritzen Gardens adds value to Omaha’s tourism appeal, combining history and natural beauty in one stop. It is also one of the few public parks in the U.S. to display real full-size locomotives outdoors.
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