Completion of the world's first transcontinental railroad was celebrated here where the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads met on May 10, 1869. Golden Spike was designated as a national historic site in nonfederal ownership on April 2, 1957, and authorized for federal ownership and administration by an act of Congress on July 30, 1965.

Visit our Expanded Web Pages. Here you will find detailed information on nearly all aspects of Golden Spike National Historic Site and it's history. The expanded web pages are currently in ongoing construction so please be patient and check back often.

VISITATION:

Highest in June, July, and August, lowest in January and February. Between 46,000 and 64,000 annually.

LOCATION:

Box Elder County, Utah, 32 miles west of Brigham City

ADDRESS:

Golden Spike National Historic Site

P.O. Box 897

Brigham City, Utah 84302

TELEPHONE:

(435) 471-2341 FAX
(435) 471-2209
For visitor information use extension 18 or 21

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

Golden Spike is currently on MOUNTAIN DAYLIGHT TIME
Visitor Center hours are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, Memorial Day to Labor Day, and 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, the rest of the year. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Outside attractions are open during daylight hours.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

Summers are generally hot and dry. Winters are generally cold with variable precipitation. Layers of clothing are recommended, especially in spring and fall. Good walking shoes are also recommended. Mosquitoes are common around the visitor center, so repellent is recommended.

DIRECTIONS:

Golden Spike is located 32 miles west of Brigham City via Highways 13 and 83.

TRANSPORTATION:

Park is accessible by car. No public transportation is available.

FEES, COST, RATES:

Seven Day Pass May 1, 1999 through October 11, 1999; $3.50 per adult or a maximum of $7.00 per vehicle. Rest of year; $2.00 per adult or a maximum of $4.00 per vehicle. Children 16 and under are free. Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access passports are accepted. Please call for commercial rates.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Acreage:

Federal: 2,210.73

Nonfederal: 524.55

Total: 2,735.28

Visitor Center/Exhibits:

Exhibits on display include: railroad construction, timekeeping, archaeological artifacts, and photographic displays.

Trails, Roads:

The Promontory Trail Auto Tour and the Big Fill Walk are available.

Programs/Activities:

A variety of films are available to view. Regularly scheduled ranger programs, engine house tours, living history programs, reenactments, and steam locomotive demonstrations are available seasonally. Locomotive demonstrations will be as follows: Memorial Day to Labor Day; 10:30, 11:00, 1:30, 3:30, 4:30, and 5:00. Spring and fall 9:30, 10:00, 11:30, 1:30, 3:30, and 4:00. Golden Spike also has a Junior Engineer program.

Lodging and camping facilities:

No such facilities are available in the park. The nearest are in Brigham City, 32 miles and Tremonton, 25 miles away.

Food/supplies:

Vending machines with candy and soda are available for visitors. No other services such as food or gas are available.

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:

The Southwest Parks and Monuments Association (SPMA) bookstore is located within the visitor center.

Accessibility:

The visitor center and the last spike site are handicap accessible.

Special Needs:

A wheelchair is available for loan upon request.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

Ranger programs, films, the auto tour, and summer steam locomotive demonstrations are recommended.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

Reservations for school groups, scouts, and commercial tours should be made prior to your visit. Advance notice and application for Special Use Permits are required. Filming permits are arranged on an individual basis. For additional information concerning reservations, special use, or filming permits, call (435) 471-2209 ext. 20

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

A minimum of two hours is recommended to visit the park. This is the minimum time needed to attend one ranger program, view one film, and take the Promontory Trail Auto Tour.

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:

• Wednesday, August 25, 1999, National Park Service's 83rd Birthday
• Sunday-Tuesday, December 26-28, 1999, 12th Annual Railroader's Film Festival and Winter Steam Demonstration
• Wednesday, May 10, 2000, 131st Anniversary Celebration of the driving of the golden spike
• Tuesday-Thursday, July 25-27, 2000, 10th Annual 1880's Baseball Tournament
• Saturday, August 12, 2000, 24th Annual Railroader's Festival

VISITOR IMPACTS:

No closings at this time. Call the visitor center at (435) 471-2209 for more information.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

Timpanogos Cave National Monument is two hours to the south, Fossil Butte National Monument is three hours to the east, City of Rocks National Reserve is two hours to the north, and Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are five hours to the north.

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Last Updated: Saturday, August 28, 1999
Contact Bob Hanover for questions about this site
http://www.nps.gov/gosp/