Discover Rochester’s compelling history on the Queen City History Tour. Explore the city’s origins, St. Mary's Hospital’s impact, and the community's strength after the 1883 tornado.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, as most of the tour is on the trolley with only brief walks at stops.
Wildlife
History
Rochester’s transformation into a medical hub was largely due to the founding of St. Mary’s Hospital in 1889 by the Sisters of St. Francis.
Conservation
Efforts to preserve Rochester’s green spaces and historical landmarks promote sustainable tourism while protecting local heritage.
Rochester Trolley & Tour Company
Discover Rochester’s compelling history on the Queen City History Tour. Explore the city’s origins, St. Mary's Hospital’s impact, and the community's strength after the 1883 tornado.
Rochester Trolley & Tour Company operates guided trolley and motorcoach tours out of Rochester, Minnesota. The company organizes themed day trips and multi‑day itineraries that showcase regional attractions, history, and entertainment.
Offerings include wine tasting excursions, history and true crime narratives, seasonal holiday trips, scenic rail and museum visits, and theater outings.
Signature experiences feature the Three Rivers Winery Tour with guided tastings and a leisurely lunch at Four Daughters Vineyard, and the True Crime: Rochester trolley tour that explores documented local cases narrated by expert guides. Multi‑day departures include a Duluth Winter Village holiday tour, a weeklong New Year’s Eve in Branson getaway, the Minnesota Rail & History Tour highlighting train museums and Lake Superior scenery, and longer national adventures such as Celebrate America 250 and a nine‑day Timeless Texas itinerary.
Additional experiences bring outdoor and cultural highlights: a visit to Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, where Minnesota’s longest cave is featured, a Guthrie Theater Cabaret outing with premium seating and a post‑show Q&A, and a convenient day at the Minnesota State Fair.
Transportation, guided narration, scheduled tastings, museum visits, and curated itineraries are central to each trip. Departure and return logistics originate in Rochester, allowing travelers to relax without driving. Rochester Trolley & Tour Company focuses on small‑group travel logistics and themed storytelling that connect passengers with regional destinations and memorable shared experiences.
Trips are suitable for wine lovers, history buffs, theatergoers, families, and groups seeking curated travel experiences departing from Rochester. Advance reservations are recommended for most departures.
Home Base
Rochester, MN
Based in Rochester, Minnesota
Tours Offered
11 tours
Diverse themed day and multi-day trips
Guided & Narrated
Guided experiences
Trolley narration and guided tastings
Day & Multi-day
Day and multi-day
Options from single-day to weeklong
Reserve a seat for a day trip or multi-day adventure—check schedules and availability now.
Wear comfortable shoes
Although much of the tour is on the trolley, expect some walking at stops and outdoor exhibits.
Bring a water bottle
Stay hydrated during warm weather as some stops are outdoors with limited shade.
Arrive early
Arriving 10-15 minutes early ensures a smooth check-in and the best seating on the trolley.
Check weather forecast
Tours run rain or shine, so dress appropriately for outdoor comfort.
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides support for short walking segments during stops.
Water bottle
Keeps you hydrated, especially during warm weather.
summer
Weather-appropriate jacket
Protects against spring showers and cool breezes.
spring
Camera or smartphone
Capture memorable sights and historical sites throughout the tour.