There’s a new vintage ride making weekend rounds across the city. Launched earlier this month, Minneapolis Trolley Tours offers service every Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to midnight. For $15, riders can hop on/hop off the historically restored trolley car from one of nine locations throughout Minneapolis.
Ticket holders have trolley access for the entire evening, and can get on or off at any of its nine stops that, at present, traverse through Loring Park, downtown and into Northeast.
Currently the trolley operates one weekend route, and the entire loop takes about an hour, depending on traffic.
Online reservations are requested to manage the passenger flow. The trolley seats 30, but can accommodate up to 40 with standing room. When it’s operating, users can monitor the trolley route in real-time through the trolley tracker app, available on the company website.
The new business venture is a vision-come-to-life for John and Norman Kulba. Inspired by recent travels, the couple pondered how they might showcase Minneapolis’ own rich history.
“Last winter we traveled to Key West, Fla., and up the East Coast, stopping at historic tours along the way,” said Norman. “Everywhere we go, we spend the first day taking an array of tours to get a good feel for the city. We love history and architecture, and there’s no better setting than a trolley to see the sights. Once we got home we started thinking, ‘What would a Minneapolis tour look like?’.”
But first, where to get a trolley?
“We found it on a website for decommissioned art vehicles,” said Norman, who began renovations of the old New Orleans trolley with John and others in February. To maintain the historical integrity of the trolley, they researched interior and exterior details, then painstakingly incorporated appropriate paint, stain and textile choices in the makeover. (For images of the trolley renovation, visit Minneapolis Trolley Tours on Facebook.)
As managers of 300 Clifton, an historical bed and breakfast on the National Historic Register, the Kulbas are accustomed to offering hospitality, and translate that welcoming spirit to the trolley.
Rides are friendly, casual and engaging, offering interesting tidbits to visitors and locals alike.
Besides a driver, each trolley tour includes a narrator to showcase historical facts and neighborhood anecdotes along the way. On a recent Friday evening, co-owner John Kulba effortlessly spun historical highlights about each district — from railroads and lumber milling, to architecture and entertainment.
At the front of the trolley, a video screens attractions and restaurants located within a two-block area of each stop. Food and beverages are allowed onboard, and some neighborhood eateries have partnered with Minneapolis Trolley Tours to offer rider specials.
The Kulbas plan to expand the number of tour options this summer. “Not only is this a new business, it’s a new type of business,” Norman said. “We’ll be tweaking things as we go, and with the diverse selection of activities in Minneapolis, the opportunities for programming are endless.”
The company’s website currently highlights two upcoming tours. Every Wednesday in June is a candlelight Ghost Tour: From Gallows to Graveyards (8:30-11 p.m.) and an Historic Homes Around the Lakes tour is expected soon.
A special weekday brewery tour is also in the works (dogs welcome onboard), and guests can expect trolley tours during Pride, July 4th and Holidazzle events. The Kulbas want to add new partners and tours to the mix.
The philosophy behind the Minneapolis Trolley Tours is simple. “We want to make getting from here to there an experience,” said Norman. “This is an easy, accessible and safe way to see Minneapolis, whether you’re a local or from out of town.”
To learn more, visit Minneapolis Trolley Tours at www.minneapolistrolleytours.com or email info@minneapolistrolleytours.com.
The lavishly restored trolley includes a Tiffany-style light fixtureJohn Kulba narrates the trolley tours, which offer hop-on, hop-off service on various tours of the city, including Northeast. (Photos by Nancy Sartor)
