What is the purpose of a group tour if not to explore someplace new? Whether your group is looking for an immersive experience or a simple opportunity to kick back and take in the sights, one mode of transportation offers a robust tour sure to satisfy the interests of everyone aboard.
Trolley tours offer a fun, convenient, and engaging way for groups to explore both the Midwest’s bustling cities as well as its charming towns. With accessible seating, guided narration, and carefully curated routes, these tours provide a hassle-free way for your tourgoers to experience top attractions without missing a beat. Your group can hop on and off at key landmarks while simultaneously enjoying a relaxing journey through unmissable historic and cultural districts. Trolleys keep groups connected while uncovering local stories and hidden gems. From vintage charm to modern amenities, Midwest trolley tours blend history, convenience, and adventure—making them an ideal choice for group travelers looking to maximize their experience in a new community.
For groups exploring Minneapolis, Minnesota, look no further than Minneapolis Trolley Tours. Climb aboard a vintage-style trolley for a customized, private excursion that highlights attractions important to your tourgoers. Minneapolis Trolley Tours can accommodate groups of 26 per trolley. Private guided tours include a 1 1/2-hour “Narrated Scenic Tour,” a two-hour “Candlelight Ghost Tour,” a two-hour “True Crime Tour,” and a 1 1/2-hour “Gilded Age Mansion Tour.” Tourgoers are welcome to bring beverages and snacks aboard. Each trolley offers a full sound system, a TV, and an open back end for unobstructed city views.
Credit: Minneapolis Trolley Tours
In the Windy City, climb aboard a Second City Trolley tour to experience Chicago, Illinois, up close and personal. Second City’s trolleys are all fully air conditioned and heated, and some have open decks and balconies that allow your tourgoers to access 360-degree views of the city. Ride packages available for private charters last upwards of three hours and can accommodate up to 40 passengers, depending on the trolley.
Looking to explore Wisconsin’s beautiful capital in style? For the more active members of your group, an alternative option to a traditional trolley tour is a ride aboard Madison’s Trolley Pub. Once aboard, participants pedal their way through the city as they enjoy beverages at this bar on wheels. Suitable for smaller groups of up to 14, the Trolley Pub is perfect for group bonding, sightseeing, brewery hopping, and more. Each ride is steered by a certified Trolley Pub driver/Party Host. And, according to the company, it’s not as physically taxing as it looks. “It’s not too bad!” the website explains. “We have had groups of all 70-plus pedal just fine.”
Indy Trolley, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, offers 24/7 services catered to your group’s needs. Winery and brewery tours, holiday light tours, and traditional sightseeing tours are all available, and each of the three available trolleys offer their own distinct personalities and amenities. The Presidential, a 23-passenger vehicle, features a spacious rear platform (perfect for photo ops), white oak seating, brass railing, “nostalgic” interior lighting, and a climate-controlled interior. The Boyd, which seats 26, offers much of the same and is ideal for brewery tours of the city. The Cardinal, capable of seating 37 tourgoers, is ideal for larger groups and festive holiday light tours.
Trolleys of Dubuque, in Iowa, offers tours for every event. Historical tours, dinner tours, parades and festivals, seasonal tours, private charters, and more are available. The company acquired new vehicles in 2023. Each vehicle can accommodate up to 30 passengers. The trolleys include TVs, heating and air conditioning, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating.
Michigan’s Detroit Trolley takes passengers back in time with a ride aboard a turn-of-the-century trolley car. Old-fashioned uniformed conductors round out the experience. While aboard, groups will explore the myriad attractions Detroit has to offer, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Michigan Science Center, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Belle Isle Park, and more. Or, groups can opt for a barhopping excursion.
At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong way to experience a new city. But, it can be difficult to fit everything into your group’s itinerary. A trolley tour offers the perfect chance for your group to hit all the major highlights in a way that is fun, relaxing, and memorable for years to come.
By Madeline Fuerstenberg
Main Image: Indy Trolley, Indianapolis, Indiana; Credit: Indy Trolley
