THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Travel through the scenic countryside of Polk County, Wisconsin, while sampling craft beers from top local breweries. Balsam Lake Trolley’s Polk County Brewery Tour delivers a unique blend of landscape and local flavor.
Travel through the scenic countryside of Polk County, Wisconsin, while sampling craft beers from top local breweries. Balsam Lake Trolley’s Polk County Brewery Tour delivers a unique blend of landscape and local flavor.
Book with Balsam Lake Trolley
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Balsam Lake Trolley · Balsam Lake, Wisconsin
Polk County, Wisconsin, offers more than sprawling farmland and tranquil lakes—it’s a destination ripe for those who appreciate craft beers paired with scenic rural charm. The Polk County Brewery Tour by Balsam Lake Trolley invites visitors to traverse this largely undiscovered landscape aboard a comfortable, vintage-style trolley, linking three standout local breweries in one engaging afternoon. This 3.75-hour tour weaves through the rolling hills and farmland that characterize the region north of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro area, making it an ideal getaway for craft beer aficionados and casual enthusiasts alike.
The tour highlights three exceptional breweries: Amery Ale Works, Balsam Lake Brewery & Market, and Trap Rock Brewing Company. Each stop presents an opportunity to sample carefully crafted brews—from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and unique seasonal offerings—that reflect Polk County’s emerging reputation in Wisconsin’s craft beer scene. Beyond tastings, the trolley ride itself is a chance to absorb the peaceful rural scenery, marked by open pastures, hardwood forests, and glimpses of native wildlife like white-tailed deer and wild turkeys.
What sets this experience apart is its seamless pairing of outdoor vistas with the local brewing culture, all while emphasizing responsible enjoyment and community connection. Operated by Balsam Lake Trolley, a company rooted in the area, the tour promotes small-business collaboration and supports sustainable tourism practices.
The meeting point at Balsam Lake Lodge & Restaurant offers a convenient hub to start the journey, located just east of Balsam Lake town. With a required minimum age of 21 and ID verification ensuring a safe environment, this tour marries the simple pleasure of quality beer with the laid-back rhythm of Wisconsin’s rural outdoors. Whether you book it as a solo adventure, a friends’ outing, or a couple’s retreat, the Polk County Brewery Tour stands out as an immersive trip for those eager to taste authentic regional brews while soaking in genuine Midwestern landscapes.
easy.
3.5–4 hours.
Minimal physical exertion required; suitable for most adults who can sit comfortably for a few hours.
The tour includes visits to three local breweries with 3 samples of craft beer and the chance to purchase your favorite.
Check-in is at the Balsam Lake Lodge & Restaurant at 264 County Rd I, Balsam Lake, WI.
No, the trolley is not handicap accessible at this time.
Yes, non-drinkers can join but must be 21+ and can enjoy the scenery and company without alcohol consumption.
No, only alcohol purchased during the tour is allowed on the trolley.
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for weekend tours or during peak seasons, as spots fill quickly.
Polk County has a rich brewing tradition that has evolved from small-scale family recipes to modern craft breweries, reflecting Wisconsin’s deep-rooted beer culture.
Balsam Lake Trolley supports sustainable tourism by partnering with local businesses and encouraging responsible enjoyment of natural and cultural resources.
Balsam Lake Trolley operates tours in Polk County, Wisconsin, offering scenic trolley rides and guided walking and brewery excursions. The company’s offerings include the Happy Trails Tour, a 2 to 3-mile walking route through forests, meadows, and lakeshores with convenient drop-off and pick-up services; The Great Escape Scenic Tour, a classic trolley ride showcasing autumn color and Northwoods countryside; and the Polk County Brewery Tour, which visits local breweries such as Amery Ale Works and Trap Rock Brewing Company. Tours appeal to a range of visitors seeking outdoor scenery, seasonal foliage, and regional craft beer. Routes combine natural views with local stops to give riders a clear sense of Polk County’s landscape and community. The trolley format on scenic rides provides panoramic viewing opportunities, while the walking tour allows guests to explore terrain at a relaxed pace. Booking information, schedules, and route details are available through The Adventure Collective listing, where the business is featured. One-way drop-off and pick-up service is provided on the Happy Trails walking tour to simplify logistics for participants. The Great Escape is offered seasonally to highlight fall colors in the area. The brewery tour connects participants with established local breweries and offers tasting opportunities at named stops. Balsam Lake Trolley presents a straightforward set of tour options focused on local scenery, seasonal attractions, and brewery visits. All descriptions above are based on the tours and summaries provided for each trip. Information is current based on provided trip summaries and listing on The Adventure Collective today.
Book with Balsam Lake Trolley