Relax, ride, and discover local art!
Spend a relaxed day on a vintage trolley through Polk County visiting seven artist studios, enjoying hands-on demos, and sampling local food—no driving, no planning. This curated Open Doors tour pairs landscape and craft for an efficient, social cultural outing from Balsam Lake.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
6–6.5 hours
Fitness Level
Low; suitable for most visitors who can stand briefly and walk short distances between studio doors
Wildlife
History
The Open Doors Art Tour highlights regional artists across Polk County, connecting studio traditions with a seasonal touring schedule listed at opendoorsarttour.com.
Conservation
Support local makers to keep craft businesses viable; travel by trolley reduces vehicle trips and helps limit roadside parking impact.
Balsam Lake Trolley
Relax, ride, and discover local art!
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.
Tours Offered
3
Walking, scenic trolley, brewery tour
Location
Polk County, WI
Polk County, Wisconsin tours
Trip Length
2–3 miles
Happy Trails walking distance
Local Breweries
Amery Ale Works, Trap Rock
Stops on the brewery tour
Choose a walking tour, a classic trolley ride through autumn color, or a brewery tour that stops at Amery Ale Works and Trap Rock Brewing Company — book via The Adventure Collective.
Arrive Early for Check-in
Check in 30 minutes before departure at Balsam Lake Lodge & Restaurant to secure boarding; the trolley begins boarding 15 minutes prior to departure.
Bring a Reusable Bag
Studios often sell original art and crafts—carry a reusable tote for purchases and packed items to protect fragile pieces.
Layer Up for Variable Weather
Wisconsin weather shifts quickly; bring a lightweight jacket for cool mornings and breezy stops between studios.
Plan Accessibility Needs Ahead
The trolley is not handicap accessible; contact operators in advance to discuss mobility concerns and alternative arrangements.
Comfortable walking shoes
Short walks at studios and gravel driveways make supportive shoes a must.
Layered jacket
Keeps you comfortable during cool mornings and breezy afternoons on the trolley.
fall
Camera or smartphone
Capture artist demos, studio details, and the Polk County landscapes between stops.
Reusable tote or small crate
Handy for carrying purchases and protecting fragile artwork during the ride.