Minnesota Streetcar Museum

Disclaimer: I am an (unpaid) volunteer streetcar operator (i.e. driver) for the Minnesota Streetcar Museum. The actual Museum is in Excelsior, but there are two locations that have a streetcar you can ride. If you would like to be transported back in time, I recommend a ride on a streetcar at either Lake Harriet (the "Harriet-Como Line") or in Excelsior. I can speak to the streetcar experience at the location at Lake Harriet, since that's where I volunteer. The ride starts and stops near the lakeside pavilion, at 42nd Street and Queen Avenue South. There is train depot from which you can buy tokens (currently $2.50 for a round trip -- kids under four are free), souvenirs, and some candy. You can use a credit card to pay, but cash is not accepted.There are currently two Streetcars in operation. One was built in 1908 and was used until the Streetcars were discontinued in 1954 in favor of buses. The more "modern" streetcar was built in 1947. The Excelsior location has other models.The best part about driving a streetcar is to see the smiles on the faces of the children. Parents and grandparents delight in sharing this experience with younger people and also enjoy a cool breeze on a hot Minnesota day. This ride is something that routinely surpasses the expectations of riders.Round trip tokens can be purchased at the Depot (called the Linden Hills Station), and they are the original tokens used when the streetcars ran. Drop your token into the faire collector box by the driver and pick a seat. The trolly goes to Lake Bde Maka Ska and back. Feel free to depart at Bde Maka Ska and return later (no extra charge). You will then continue back past the Depot and stop at the "Car Barn" where the streetcars are parked at night). It will then return to the Depot for the end of the ride. A ride is approximately 20 minutes long.

Riding the street car gives you a sense of what it was like to travel around Minneapolis over 100 years ago, it's really awesome these street cars are preserved to tell the history of past eras. I believe it cost only $2 per person and they give you a token that you have to redeem as you board the train. What a wonderful experience that everyone should try. It's a short ride, from lake Harriet to lake Bde Maka Ska(lake Calhoun) and then returns. The station is located just on the side of lake Harriet.

Let me state this:I didn't actually do the museum. Rather, I rode the streetcar on Memorial Day weekend.They had a crew working on the line by Harriet Lake. It ran a short distance to one of the other lakes. I think it was $2 a piece and dogs ride free!We all piled on and it wasn't that full. The conductors and staff were a riot and got a laugh and smile out of everyone. We rode the line to the neighboring lake and then back.Why ride the street car? To get in between lakes without losing your parking spot (it's a premium to find a free one). Also, the kids LOVE it. For adults, well, it's not that exciting as it doesn't ride far at all. I'm used to public transportation.Anyhow, for nostalgia purposes and supporting a non profit museum, I'm all for it!

What a great Halloween activity, I went on the haunted Halloween rode and thought it was great. It is perfect for the family for kids of all ages, the story wasn't scared at all and could be good for any kids, plus it is a great way to support the community and understand its history, I would highly recommend this event/ location

Like the other reviewer, I did not visit the museum, I rode the streetcar. It was a beautiful November afternoon with my two kids and we had a blast. The two-year old is a train nut and was pickled, and his six-year-old sister had a great time too. The staff (volunteers?) working at the place were exceptional, very friendly. I can't wait to come back in the summer, highly recommend.

I used to ride this with my mom I would say at least twice a month, just to go and do something. I was riding by it the other day and said "heck, why not". I found parking and went to buy my fare. I jumped on the yellow streetcar, and off we went. It only goes for about a mile or two buy it just nce took me back to th e old days when I rode it with my mother. Good times Nice thing to do with the kids.

Simply amazing! You can tell that the people who run and care for these trolleys really love what they do! Riding in these preserved treasures brings you back in time. They also host a great Halloween themed scary train in Oct. At $2.00 a piece this is a perfect family outing.

this is a $2 15 min ride in a 100 year old streetcar. a slice of minneapolis history right in my neighborhood. stop to chat with the operation or the man who works in the museum, they have a TON of interesting stories & information to share. can't wait to bring my parents, sisters, nieces & nephews here.

This is a fun, "step back" in time that's made more enjoyable because of the interpreters. Those fellows are knowledgeable and friendly and make the experience something special for passengers of all ages. I've ridden the trolley a number of times and never tire of watching children and adults enjoy the ride. I only wish the ride were a bit longer.

I volunteer at a trolley museum back east as a car restorer, track maintainer and Motorman so I was quite interested in touring the Minnesota Streetcar Museum during a recent trip to the Twin Cities. I was invited for a "Behind the Scenes" tour. Wow... I was impressed by everything I saw. The restored trolleys are in magnificent condition. The ties, rails and overhead wiring are exceptional compared to what I'm accustomed to. I'm envious!I later brought my family back for a trolley ride. They had a wonderful time. If you are interested in trolleys, I highly recommend visiting. And, if you ever get back east, I hope you'll visit the Connecticut Trolley Museum to see where I discovered my interest in streetcars.