Golden Spike National Historical Park offers a variety of ranger-led field trips for educational groups of all ages. The story of the transcontinental railroad is a story of many different peoples and groups throughout the United States and the world. The park not only contains the last spike site, but the historic railroad grade, and many wonders of history. There is much to discover at Golden Spike National Historical Park. Our educational programs are tied to Common Core and Utah Learning Standards. We work closely with educators to develop impactful programming through experiences and activities.
All programs require pre-registration. Ranger-led programs are offered year-round and must be scheduled at least 30 days in advance. Availability is not guaranteed. Field trip offerings are based on seasonal resource availability.
To request a program, please contact the education program coordinator, and fillout an educational reservation request form and email it to gosp_education@nps.gov. A digital version of the form also may be filled out and submitted through the park website through this link.
Field Trip Guidelines
All academic field trips must have a field trip reservation form filled out prior to visiting the park.
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Educational fee waivers are not granted on holidays, during special events, or on weekends. We are unable to accept any school groups May 5th-11th, 2024.
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October – April we are unable to accept school groups Tuesdays-Wednesdays due to seasonal visitor center closure. Group sizes are limited seasonally due to staffing availability.
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2024/2025 School Group Reservations will open July 28th, 2024.
Park Program Offerings
Locomotive Demonstration and Student Led Living History Demonstration: (May-September)
Students can watch live steam locomotive demonstrations and lead living history demonstrations of the May 10th, 1869, ceremony. Students are also provided the opportunity to view exhibits, watch the park movie, and engage with park staff as they discover the diverse history of Golden Spike National Historical Park.
Winter Engine House Tour and Ranger Program: (Oct-April)
In the winter months, locomotives undergo maintenance at the Engine House, providing a unique opportunity for students to see Jupiter and N.O 119 in a different setting. Park Rangers will guide students through history at the visitor center with a program and provide the opportunity for students to explore exhibits and watch the park movie.Occupancy of the engine house is limited to 30 students at a time so large groups may be split up.
Self-Guided Big Fill Loop Trail: (Year-Round)
Students alongside their chaperones can walk along the historic railroad grade of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific. The Big Fill Loop trail showcases unique construction techniques used in the building of the transcontinental railroad. Information markers provide opportunities for students to identify areas of historical significance along the route. An education coordinator can provide stop information to teachers prior to their field trip.
Customized Field Trip Experiences (Year-Round):
Work directly with a ranger to develop a program that meets your educational objectives. A variety of opportunities are available discuss with an education coordinator your school group's specific needs.
Visitor Center Amenities
Restrooms, water, and covered picnic tables are available at the Visitor Center.
The Western National Park Association bookstore and gift shop is open daily.
