Road Travel America


Golden Spike National Historic Site Travel Guide

We had long listed a visit to Promontory, Utah as one of our "must see" destinations. In May 2016, we finally visited the Golden Spike National Historic Site on a quiet, blue-sky day.

The crowds were minimal, and we were impressed with the remoteness of the location, and awed by the work that was done to complete the transcontinental railroad at that point.

Golden Spike Visitors Center in UtahGolden Spike Visitors Center

In May 1869, the railheads of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads finally met at Promontory Summit, followed by the ceremonial driving of the Last Spike.

The visitor center offers excellent historical overviews of the site. Periodic runs of the steam engines are also held.

Golden Spike Historic Site Location at Promontory

The site is fairly remote, about 87 miles generally northeast of Salt Lake City. It is located off State Highway 83, which is accessible from I-15 near Brigham City or I-84 near Howell. You can also reach Highway 83 via Highway 102 west of Tremonton. (see area map below)

Photographs from Our Trips to Golden Spike National Historic Site

Entrance to Golden Spike National Historic Site in Utah
Entrance to Golden Spike National Historic Site in Utah

Union Pacific RR Engine 119 at Promontory, Utah
Union Pacific RR Engine 119 at Promontory, Utah

Where the transcontinental railroads met from the east and the west
Where the transcontinental railroads met from the east and the west

 


Golden Spike moument outside the Visitors Center
Golden Spike moument outside the Visitors Center

Golden Spike plaque on the monument: "The last rail is laid, the spike is driven"
Golden Spike plaque on the monument: "The last rail is laid, the spike is driven

Golden Spike sign marking "The Last Cut"
Golden Spike sign marking "The Last Cut"

Lodging Options in the Promontory, Utah Area

Visiting Golden Spike and need lodging?

Hampton Inn Tremonton, Utah

TripAdvisor Reviews

Lodging in Logan, Utah

Lodging in Salt Lake City

 

Interactive Map of the Promontory, Utah Area

 

For More Information

Golden Spike National Historic Site official website at NPS

Golden Spike at Utah Office of Tourism website