The Golden Spike Tower is a private non-profit organizations, offering guests a bird’s eye view of the World’s Largest Classification Yard.
The idea of the Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center was first conceived in the mid-1990s as Union Pacific’s viewing platform was falling into disrepair. Community leaders thought it a good idea to erect a tower that would allow visitors to get a birds-eye view of Bailey Yard. The Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center opened on June 26, 2008. Take a ride up the elevator to the 7th floor open air observation deck to experience the sights and sounds of the rail yard, Or the 8th floor for enclosed viewing.The Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center features a courtyard proudly flying the 23 flags representing each state Union Pacific Railroad serves. The Brick Pavilion honors members of our community, employees of Union Pacific and others with commemorative bricks embossed with the name of the person for which the brick was purchased.
On the grounds of the Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center is a vintage dining car currently being renovated. When completed, the car will take you back to the romance of passenger trains with both the look and feel of a real railroad dining car with all the amenities.
Truly a once in a lifetime experience: The Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center – more trains than you can keep track of!
Lobby
The lobby of the Golden State features our “Hall of Fame” that tells about influential people that helped to build Bailey Yard. You will also see different equipment exhibits along with our gift shop. They lobby also displays a model train that travels above guest.
Gift Shop
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your rail enthusiast, we definitely have it. We have everything from T-shirts, hats, puzzles, kids toys, Christmas ornaments, coffee mugs, magnets, postcards and tons more. Stop in, and take a look at our gift shop.
7th Floor
During your visit to the 7th-floor open-air observation deck, you will experience a number of different sounds coming from Bailey Yard. During the visit to the 7th floor, you will hear locomotive powering up and down as they enter or leave the diesel shop, locomotive horns blowing and a loud screeching sound as railcars sliding down the classification hump.
8th Floor
The 8th floor of the Golden Spike Tower is fully enclosed with a 360° view of Bailey Yard. From the vantage point of the Golden Spikes 8th-floor, you’ll get a birds-eye view of the World’s Largest Classification Yard as you watch them take trains apart and rebuilding new trains.
While on the 8th-floor, retired railroad employees will explain what is taking place in Bailey Yard and tell stories and experiences of their time working for the Union Pacific Railroad.
You can also interact with informational kiosks that have a number of kids activities for all ages, and tons of interesting facts about the Pacific Railroad, the equipment they use and Bailey yard. You will also see maps of Bailey Yard and many other exhibits on the 8th floor.
Brick Pavilion
The Brick Pavilion honors members of our community, employees of Union Pacific and others with commemorative bricks embossed with the name of the person for which the brick was purchased.
Flag Courtyard
The Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center features a courtyard proudly flying the 23 flags representing each state Union Pacific Railroad serves.