Kenefick Park
Kenefick Park at Lauritzen Gardens, located at 600 Abbott Drive is a must see for anyone visiting Omaha. Here you will discover part of the history of the Union Pacific Railroad, and the role that Omaha played in that history.
Two of the greatest locomotives to ever power the Union Pacific Railroad are at the southwest point of the Lauritzen Gardens property. These locomotives are highly visible to traffic on Interstate 80, welcoming motorists to Nebraska. The locomotives on display are the Centennial No. 6900, which is the largest and most powerful diesel electric locomotive ever built, and Big Boy No. 4023, which is the world’s largest steam locomotive.
This park, which features several plazas, seating areas, a grand staircase, canyon stone walls, sculpture, walkways, and interpretive signage, documents the Union Pacific Railroad’s role in the development of the west, specifically Omaha. The park is named after the former Union Pacific Chairman and CEO, John C. Kenefick and will be landscaped with native plants and grasses. The landscape is maintained by the Lauritzen Gardens horticulture staff. Kenefick park is open to the public with no admission fees charged. There is free parking available at Lauritzen Gardens, and a sidewalk and a stairway lead visitors from the parking lot to the park. The hours of operation at Kenefick Park are the same as those of Lauritzen Gardens.
Make sure that you take the time to absorb and appreciate the history displayed here, a history that helped to shape the history of this nation.
