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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.
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.
Book with Balsam Lake Trolley
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Balsam Lake Trolley · Balsam Lake, Wisconsin
On a bright morning in Polk County, Wisconsin, the Signature "Open Doors Art Tour" Experience invites you to step aboard a vintage-style trolley at the Balsam Lake Lodge & Restaurant and spend a relaxed six-hour loop through lakes, farms, and studio doors. The route threads past glacially scoured shorelines and working woodlands to seven hand-picked stops: Tin Cat Studio & The Kenneth Larson Furniture Company, One 10 Gallery, Crosshatch Coffee, Northwest Passage Gallery, Frederic Arts, Cafe Wren, and Bunnycup Winery. Its focus is simple but rare—art-making presented in situ, with hands-on demos, conversations with artists, and local food along the way.
Boarding begins thirty minutes before departure in the lodge lobby at 264 County Rd I, and the trolley eases travelers away from the lakefront toward bright studio spaces and converted barns. Each stop offers a different rhythm: watch a woodworker shape live-edge furniture at Kenneth Larson’s shop; linger over cups and conversation at Crosshatch Coffee; browse mixed-media paintings at One 10 Gallery; and sample small bites at Cafe Wren and Bunnycup Winery. The experience removes the logistics of driving so you can focus on discovery, collecting one-of-a-kind pieces and stories rather than tracking parking and directions.
Because the tour is designed as a social, family-friendly outing, no alcohol is allowed on the trolley itself, and operators note that the route may change without notice. Accessibility is limited—the provider states the trolley is not handicap accessible—so plan accordingly. The setting is as much a part of the draw as the art: Polk County’s patchwork of hardwood ridges, farm fields, and lake basins was shaped by the last glaciers, making for open sightlines and unexpected studio sites that feel private despite being close to town.
Why book this trip? It turns a regional art crawl into a curated day: expert hosts choose artists for craft and storytelling, three stops include food and beverage to keep you fueled, and the slow-moving trolley creates conversation. For visitors staying in Balsam Lake or nearby Frederic and Amery, it’s an efficient way to sample local culture without renting a car.
Practical details: the tour lasts about 6.25 hours, check-in is 30 minutes before departure, and tickets are final sale. Bring comfortable shoes for short walks at studios, a jacket for shifting Wisconsin weather, a reusable bag for purchases, and a camera for the landscapes between stops. For artist lineups and the full Open Doors schedule, check https://www.opendoorsarttour.com/ before you go.
Check-in begins 30 minutes before departure at the Balsam Lake Lodge & Restaurant on County Rd I; boarding starts 15 minutes before departure. Because tickets are non-refundable, arrive early, bring cash or card for purchases at studios, and keep receipts for shipped work and documentation.
Check-in is in the lobby of the Balsam Lake Lodge & Restaurant at 264 County Rd I in Balsam Lake; boarding begins 15 minutes before departure.
The tour runs approximately 6.25 hours and includes multiple studio stops with time to browse and attend demos.
No. The operator notes the trolley is not handicap accessible; travelers with mobility concerns should contact the provider to discuss options.
No. This is a family-friendly tour and alcohol is not allowed on the trolley itself, though some stops may offer tastings off-board.
All ticket sales are final; tickets are NOT refundable, so arrive promptly and confirm schedules before booking.
Yes. The Balsam Lake Lodge & Restaurant provides parking for guests checking in for the tour.
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