Union Pacific locomotive landmark

Kenefick Park

About 0.9 road mile away

Kenefick Park is a free Union Pacific locomotive display about 0.9 road mile from Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium.

The place

About Kenefick Park

Kenefick Park displays Union Pacific Centennial diesel-electric No. 6900 and Big Boy steam locomotive No. 4023 at the southwest edge of Lauritzen Gardens.

The park includes plazas, seating, a grand staircase, stone walls, interpretive signs, sculpture and walkways about Union Pacific's role in Omaha and the West.

Admission to Kenefick Park is free. It shares Lauritzen Gardens hours and parking but has its own rail-landmark identity and no relation to Omaha Zoo Railroad operations.

All selected photographs date from 2008 or 2010 and do not prove today's locomotive condition, signage, landscaping, route or accessibility.

What stands out

Stand beside Big Boy No. 4023

See a full-size Union Pacific steam locomotive on static display.

Compare Centennial No. 6900

View the large diesel-electric display beside the Big Boy.

Read the Omaha rail story

Use the park's interpretive signs, plazas and sculpture for context.

Use the published ramp approach

Start at the south parking tier and locate the west-end ramp rather than relying on dated photographs.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in an Omaha Zoo Railroad trip

Kenefick Park ranks first about 1,490 driving meters, roughly 0.9 mile or 2-3 minutes, from the zoo anchor. It is a static rail display, not a second ride.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • HoursMonday-Tuesday 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Wednesday-Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. during the current twilight schedule; otherwise use the live garden hours.
  • AdmissionKenefick Park is free; do not apply paid garden admission to the locomotive display.
  • ParkingFree Lauritzen parking; the garden publishes capacity for approximately 550 cars.
  • ApproachAccess is easiest from the south parking tier, with stairs in the middle and the ramp entrance at the west end.
  • HolidaysClosed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day; Christmas Eve closes at 2 p.m. and New Year's Eve at 5 p.m.
  • LocomotivesBig Boy No. 4023 and Centennial No. 6900 are static displays, not operating rides.
  • Access limitThe official page identifies a sidewalk/ramp but does not publish grades, surfaces, wheelchair loan availability at the park, restroom access or a complete barrier-free route.

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Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

Is Kenefick Park free?

Yes. The official page says admission to Kenefick Park is free.

When is it open?

It shares Lauritzen Gardens hours. The current visit page lists Monday-Tuesday 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Wednesday-Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; check live hours as the twilight schedule changes seasonally.

Where do I park?

Use the free Lauritzen Gardens lot at 100 Bancroft Street. The park approach is easiest from the south tier.

Is there a ramp?

Yes. The official page identifies a sidewalk/ramp from the southwest or west end of the parking lot, but it does not publish a complete accessible-route inventory.

Which locomotives are displayed?

Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4023 and Centennial diesel-electric No. 6900.

Do the locomotives operate?

No current operation is advertised. Treat both as static displays, not rides.

Is Kenefick Park part of the zoo railroad?

No. It is a separate Lauritzen Gardens rail landmark near the zoo.

Do the photos show today's access?

No. The images date from 2008 and 2010 and do not establish current paths, barriers, parking, landscaping or locomotive condition.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-17. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.