Engineering

About Engineering

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  Become a Natchez Trace Junior Ranger

  Natchez Trace Parkway

  Explore, Learn, Protect Do you care about exploring, learning about, and protecting the Natchez Trace? If yes, become a Junior Ranger! There are many ways to be a Junior Ranger badge at Natchez Trace Parkway, and this fun activity book is a great place to start. This booklet includes activities like mazes, coloring, drawings, and more to help you learn about the Natchez Trace. Discover all the park has to offer, from ecosystems to wildlife to American Indian culture to the southeast United States. Become a Junior Ranger Download both parts of the book or see below for other ways to get your book. Download Natchez Trace Parkway Junior Ranger Booklet Part 1 Download Natchez Trace Parkway Junior Ranger Booklet Part 2 We have Junior Ranger activity books waiting for you at our four visitors centers on the Natchez Trace Parkway. You can also receive a digital copy by contacting the park ahead of time via email or by calling 1-800-305-7417. To earn a badge with a Junior Ranger book, complete the fun-filled activities and return your completed book to a ranger at a visitor center desk, take the Junior Ranger pledge, and earn your badge! Don't have enough time to finish the book while you are in the park? No problem! Send your book back to the park when you complete it. A ranger will check your work and mail the book back to you with a badge and signed certificate. Mailing Address: Natchez Trace Parkway Attn: Junior Ranger Program 2680 Natchez Trace Parkway Tupelo, MS 38804

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  Watch Crossroads of a Revolution

  Ninety Six National Historic Site

  Stop by the visitor center to see "Crossroads of a Revolution." This 22-minute orientation film tells the story of Ninety Six. From its forming at the crossroads along trade routes linking the Cherokee territory to Charleston, SC. Ninety Six in the 1700s was a land of hope and opportunity, of conflict and revenge, and a land of fronteir justice. Ninety Six played a significant role in the struggle for Ameircan independence from British rule. It was the site of the first southern land battle of the Revolutionary War in 1775, and the scene of the longest field siege in 1781. The video is availbe for viewing on request during the visitor center hours.

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  Hike the Big Fill Loop Trail

  Golden Spike National Historical Park

  *See-Audio Tour in the "Self-Guided Tours" green tile on the main page* The Big Fill Loop Trail is a one mile and a half round-trip walking trail. Visitors walk on original Central Pacific grade and return on the Union Pacific grade. The trail showcases the Central Pacific's Big Fill and the abutments that once supported the Union Pacific's Big Trestle. Walk through cuts, over fills, and see drill marks where workers blasted rock away. Keep in mind, all of this was accomplished by simple tools, sweat, and an amazing amount of endurance. Things you should know before you go... The Big Fill Trail follows the old railroad paths where tracks once ran. You’ll start on the Central Pacific route and return on the Union Pacific route. The trail is a 1.5-mile loop and usually takes 1–1.5 hours to walk. Bring plenty of water. Summer temperatures often reach the 90s and can go over 100°F. There is no shade, so wear sunscreen and weather-appropriate clothing. Watch your footing because the trail can be uneven. Stay on the marked trail to protect plants, wildlife, and historic areas. Do not disturb wildlife. If bad weather approaches, return to your vehicle or find shelter right away. Do not remove anything from the park. Leave artifacts and interesting items where they are, and report damage or important finds to a ranger. An Epic Story The Big Fill Trail shows the incredible hard work and engineering skills of the railroad workers who built it. The land here was extremely rough, making this one of the hardest sections both the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads had to construct. As you walk the trail, remember that everything was built completely by hand. The 1–1.5 hour walk you take today took workers about three months to build. The trail is only a small part of the larger story of the transcontinental railroad, which stretched 1,776 miles from Omaha, Nebraska, to Sacramento, California. It remains one of the greatest engineering achievements in American history. (The numbers below correspond with points of interest markers along the trail. Companion booklets are available for purchase in the park store, located in our Visitor Center.) 1. Steep Grade and the Orange Special Legend Directly across from where you step onto the railroad grade is a plaque referencing the so-called “Orange Special” wreck. While no direct historical evidence confirms that this wrec…

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  Locomotive Ranger Program

  Golden Spike National Historical Park

  Locomotive Ranger Programs are given throughout the summer starting May 1st and ending by mid-October. The locomotives undergo periodic maintenance during the summer, please refer to our Boiler Wash Schedule to see if one of the locomotives will not be available to the public. Daily Run Schedule: 10:00 AM Arrival of the Jupiter 10:30 AM Arrival of the No.119 1:00 PM Demonstration run with both locomotives 3:55 PM Departure of the No.119 4:30 PM Departure of the Jupiter 2026 Boiler Wash Schedule: Boiler Wash Days

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  Evening on the Summit

  Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

  Evening on the Summit programs are select Tuesday evenings throughout the summer months! Programs begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Visitor Center auditorium. Programs are free and no reservations are required! 2026 program dates June 23- Hollidaysburg Canal Personalities. Hollidaysburg Canal Personalities. Who was Whiskey John ? Have you ever heard of Limestone Yank ? How about John the Agitator ? Or Short & Tall Charlie ? Learn about some of the more charismatic and dynamic personalities of the Canal-Era time in Hollidaysburg. This program is presented by Jim Snyder, president of the Blair County Genealogical Society. This program is presented by Jim Snyder, president of the Blair County Genealogical Society. July 21- Gallitzin Tunnels. For over 170 years, the Gallitzin Tunnels served a critical role in the nation's transportation history. Learn about why they are there, how they were built, their operations and the communities that surrounded them. This program is presented by park volunteer Brandon Sliko. August 18- A Giant in Those Days: The Life of John White Geary. This program explores the life of John White Geary, the Allegheny Portage Railroad's most successful superintendent, and his impact on America at large. This program is presented by park ranger Steven Lonergan.

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