Two of the greatest locomotives ever to power Union Pacific Railroad sit at the southwest point of the Lauritzen Gardens property, highly visible to passersby on Interstate 80 and welcoming motorists to Nebraska. On grand display are Centennial No. 6900 - the largest and most powerful diesel-electric locomotive ever built - and Big Boy No. 4023 - the world's largest steam locomotive.
Featuring several plazas, seating areas, a grand staircase, "canyon" stone walls, interpretive signage, sculpture and walkways, the park documents Union Pacific Railroad's role in the development of Omaha and the West.
The park bears the name of former Union Pacific Chairman and CEO John C. Kenefick, and is landscaped with native plants and grasses maintained by Lauritzen Gardens horticulture staff.
Kenefick Park is open to the public with no admission charged. Free parking is available at Lauritzen Gardens, and a sidewalk/ramp (accessible from the southwest end of the parking lot) and stairway lead visitors from the parking lot to the park.
Kenefick Park shares the same hours of operation as Lauritzen Gardens - open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. From mid-May through mid-September, Kenefick Park and Lauritzen Gardens remain open until 8 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday evenings for Garden Twilight. Call (402) 346-4002 for more information.
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