Bill Harris Iron Horse Park

Bill Harris Iron Horse Park is a miniature park located in the heart of the Haymarket district in downtown Lincoln, Nebraska. This unique urban space combines historical elements with modern recreational features, offering visitors a glimpse into Lincoln's railway heritage.

The park's centerpiece is an original steam locomotive and car, preserved as a tribute to the city's railroad history. This CB&Q Locomotive 710, built in 1901 in the Burlington Shops of Havelock, serves as both a historical artifact and an interactive feature for park visitors. The locomotive, which initially served passenger trains before being repurposed for short-haul freight in the 1920s, was gifted to the City of Lincoln in 1955 and eventually found its permanent home in Iron Horse Park.

Adjacent to the locomotive, visitors will find a decorative fountain styled after trackside water towers that once quenched the thirst of steam engines. This feature adds a touch of authenticity to the park's railroad theme while providing a pleasant visual and auditory element to the space.

The park also features a brick mural titled "Iron Horse Legacy," sculpted by local artist Jay Tschetter. This artistic installation, carved and fired at Lincoln's Yankee Hill Brickyard, serves to beautify the space and further commemorate the area's railway connections.

While compact in size, Iron Horse Park offers several amenities designed for visitor enjoyment. The space includes seating areas, allowing people to relax and take in the historical atmosphere. For younger visitors, there is a climbing structure, providing a playful contrast to the park's historical elements.

Bill Harris Iron Horse Park serves as a unique blend of history, art, and recreation, offering a distinct experience in the bustling Haymarket area of Lincoln.