Lincoln, Nebraska, is home to several historical gems, and Iron Horse Park, along with the adjacent CB&Q Locomotive 710, stands as a testament to the city’s rich railway heritage. Situated at 7th and Q Streets, this area has been transformed from a functional railway hub into a vibrant space that blends historical preservation with modern development. Originally, the site of Iron Horse Park was occupied by a Railway Express building. After its demolition, the exposed cinder block wall of the north side of the 1880 depot was transformed into a public art piece. Local sculptor Jay Tschetter created the “Iron Horse Legacy” mural, a striking brick artwork fired at Lincoln’s Yankee Hill Brickyard. The park itself was designed as a tranquil oasis, featuring a climbing structure for children and a decorative fountain, thoughtfully styled after the trackside water towers that once served steam locomotives.
The centerpiece of the park’s historical narrative is the CB&Q Locomotive 710. This magnificent steam engine was constructed in 1901 at the Burlington Shops in Havelock, a town that prospered around these very shops. Locomotive 710 initially pulled passenger trains before being refitted for short-haul freight in the 1920s. As the steam era drew to a close, Burlington refurbished the engine and tender and presented it as a gift to the City of Lincoln in 1955. For many years, it was a prominent feature on a hilltop in Pioneers Park before undergoing another refurbishment in 1991. It was then returned to its current location on Track One, beside the Burlington depot in the Haymarket district. Explore more about Lincoln’s historic depot.
The area surrounding Iron Horse Park has seen significant redevelopment, harmonizing with the historic Haymarket district. North and west of the park, the former Burlington rail yard has been transformed into a modern complex that includes Pinnacle Bank Arena, completed in 2013. This development also features supporting parking structures, a diverse mix of residential and office spaces, and numerous bars and restaurants, contributing to a lively urban atmosphere.
The Railyard, situated north of Iron Horse Park, is a dynamic entertainment and dining hub. This complex, also completed in 2013, is designed around a central courtyard that acts as the heart of Nebraska’s first entertainment district, where establishments share a joint liquor license. The architecture of The Railyard cleverly balances traditional brick facades on its south and east sides, facing the historic Haymarket, with contemporary design elements to the north and west, aligning with the modern arena and redevelopment area. A prominent feature within The Railyard is “The Cube,” a large computerized screen that enhances the space with video artwork and various programming.
Canopy Street, a key feature of the redevelopment, derives its name from the western canopy of the original depot complex, which once sheltered the passenger platform. When the Lincoln Station was built in 1927, plans incorporated salvaged materials from an earlier canopy to create an extensive covered platform. This canopy was meticulously renovated between 2011 and 2013, becoming a central element of the former railyard’s transformation. It now provides a picturesque walkway along Canopy Street and serves as a symbolic link between the Historic Haymarket and the new Arena area. Completing this revitalized district, a new Amtrak Station was constructed at Q Street and Arena Drive in 2012-2013, catering to modern rail travelers.
Iron Horse Park and CB&Q Locomotive 710 are more than just historical markers; they represent a successful integration of past and present, offering visitors a glimpse into Lincoln’s railway history while enjoying a vibrant, modern urban environment. The park and the restored locomotive serve as a constant reminder of the industry that shaped the city and continue to be a cherished landmark for residents and visitors alike.
