Kemper Railfan Park

09/07/2026

09/07/2026

One this day in 1944 Nickel Plate Road No. 757 emerged from the Lima Locomotive Works.

No. 757 was one of 80 technologically advanced, dual service superpowered steam locomotives built for the New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad and is one of six preserved examples. The 757’s home terminal was Bellevue, Ohio where it and its sister engines were charged with operating fast freight trains and the occasional passenger train across the system.

Their stellar record of reliability and speed gave rise to the Nickel Plate High Speed Service tagline. Trains Magazine would proclaim them as, “The engines that saved a railroad.”

Ever since its arrival at the MR&NKP Museum in 2019, the locomotive has been undergoing a multi-phase cosmetic restoration to ensure its continued preservation for future generations to enjoy.

https://madrivermuseum.org/nickel-plate-road-757/

It’s worth noting five out of the six preserved Nickel Plate Road Berkshires, 755, 757, 759, 763 and 765, all turn 82 years old this year. The sixth, 779, will turn 77 years old.

07/09/2026

Union Pacific Railroad Big Boy No. 4014 returns to Bellevue, Ohio on the afternoon of Monday, July 13th. We look forward to once again welcoming everyone back to town to see the show!

The best and safest place to watch the world’s largest steam locomotive roll west through town on the original Nickel Plate Road mainline, now Norfolk Southern, is our Kemper Rail Park located at 32 Monroe Street, Bellevue, Ohio.

https://madrivermuseum.org/kemper-rail-park/

We have no exact time on when the Big Boy will arrive as modern steam locomotive moves are subject to unannounced last minute changes at any time. What we can tell you is the posted Official Schedule reads as this -

Departs Conneaut, Ohio - 9 am
Arrives Rocky River, Ohio - 1 pm
Departs Rocky River, Ohio - 1:30 pm
Final Destination of Fostoria, Ohio - No official set time given.

Official Schedule - https://www.up.com/about-us/history/steam/schedule

The Museum will be open from 11 am to 4 pm that day for visitors who wish to wait around to see Big Boy. We have Big Boy shirts plus other fun railroad memorabilia in stock at Trackside Gifts!

https://madrivermuseum.org/visit/

Please keep in mind the safety of yourself and others while trackside. Please keep back at least 25 feet from the tracks at all times.

07/02/2026

This week has been particularly warm, yet the trains continue to pass through Railfan Park. We invite you to take advantage of the local amenities by purchasing snacks or drinks from nearby restaurants, which can be enjoyed under the shelter to escape the heat. The park is equipped with picnic tables and waste receptacles, making it an ideal location to spend the day with us.

06/08/2026

06/06/2026

You have asked about Union Pacific Railroad’s Big Boy No. 4014, the largest operating steam locomotive in the world, and we have the answers.

The massive locomotive will travel both east and west along the old Nickel Plate Road mainline, now part of Norfolk Southern, through Ohio. That means it will come through Bellevue past our Kemper Rail Park twice!

Follow the link to our complete guide on how to safely see the Big Boy in Bellevue - https://madrivermuseum.org/kemper-rail-park/

Historically, the City of Bellevue was considered to be the Heart of the Nickel Plate as all east and westbound trains on the railroad passed through town. The Kemper Rail Park is located where the Nickel Plate Road, Wheeling & Lake Erie, New York Central and Pennsylvania Railroad companies all crossed each other. Today it remains a vital railroad interchange point with tracks going in all directions of the compass.

Should you want to make a day of it the Museum will of course be open during the Big Boy’s time in Bellevue. At the Museum you can get up close and personal either all of our historic locomotives, rolling stock and so much more.

Plus you won’t want to miss the MR&NKP Museum 50th Anniversary Celebration on June 20th. There will be caboose rides!

https://madrivermuseum.org

06/02/2026

Norfolk Southern L11 passing Monday Evening 6/1/2026 around 8:21 P.M.

05/31/2026

Nickel Plate Road 765 rolling past the railfan park this evening, captured from a distance; apologies for the camera angle. We will secure a better position for next weekend when the UP 4014 Big Boy Locomotive passes the park next Saturday afternoon. Stay tuned for updates.