Golden Spike National Historic Site

The site is in a very remote part of the state, on the north shore of the Great Salt Lake. It's almost an hour from area hotels to the site.

Completion of the world's first transcontinental railroad was celebrated here by driving the last spike, said to be made of gold - 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.

Displays, dioramas and a movie explain the importance of the connection of the continent by the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads - essentially changing a 5 month long trip by wagon and oxcart - to five days by iron horse. There's also a gift shop and restrooms on the property.

The replica trains are only brought out on various dates of the year - but coming to the Site to see the history of this remarkable event, is magic in itself.

Open daily during summer 9 PM - 5:30 PM. Call for more information.

Free Admission.

Highway 83 Promontory Summit
Exit 368
(435) 471-2209

• www.nps.gov/gosp