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Board the Balsam Lake Trolley for a curated evening of appetizers, a full entrée, and dessert at three local Polk County spots—finished with live music and a drink special back at Balsam Lake Lodge. This relaxed Valentine’s tour is an easy way to sample the area’s food-and-drink scene without worrying about logistics.
Board the Balsam Lake Trolley for a curated evening of appetizers, a full entrée, and dessert at three local Polk County spots—finished with live music and a drink special back at Balsam Lake Lodge. This relaxed Valentine’s tour is an easy way to sample the area’s food-and-drink scene without worrying about logistics.
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Operated by Balsam Lake Trolley · Balsam Lake, Wisconsin
On a crisp February evening in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, the Premier Valentine's Progressive Dinner Tour turns a simple night out into a slow-moving local showcase. Meeting at Balsam Lake Lodge & Restaurant 264 County Rd I Balsam Lake, WI 54810, couples board the Balsam Lake Trolley for a 4.25-hour loop through Polk County that pairs comfortable transport with three distinct courses served across independent establishments. The route reads like a local guidebook: first stop Chateau St. Croix Winery for shared appetizers—cheese, sausage, spinach artichoke dip—and the chance to browse a small tasting room and purchase beverages at happy hour prices. From there the trolley pulls up to Dalles House Restaurant and Lounge, where a rubbed-grilled all-white chicken breast with broccoli, quinoa and a creamy Parmesan drizzle arrives alongside soup or salad and the house popover. The third stop is Amery Ale Works for dessert: a flourless chocolate cake crowned with raspberry mocha whipped cream. The evening finishes back at the lodge, where an exclusive after-dinner drink special and live music by Eli Gardiner round out the night. What makes this progressive dinner unique in the Balsam Lake area is its low-key focus on local producers and moving between venues by historic-style trolley rather than driving yourself. The ride unmasks ordinary county roads, stands of pines, and glimpses of the lake shore that usually get missed between destinations. For travelers who want a single ticket to relax, eat, and experience a sampling of Polk County’s food-and-drink ecosystem, the tour removes logistics—transportation, timing, and menu sequencing—and leaves the socializing. Practical notes are straightforward: check-in begins 30 minutes before departure in the lobby of the Balsam Lake Lodge & Restaurant a mile east of Balsam Lake on 170th Avenue (County Rd I), boarding starts 15 minutes before departure, and participants must be 21+ with ID. All ticket sales are final. The trolley is not handicap accessible; only alcohol purchased on the tour is allowed aboard. This experience is an easy, sit-back evening rather than a backcountry adventure—perfect for visitors staying in town who want to taste local food, watch the shoreline blur by, and end the night with live music at a local lodge. It’s an effective way to meet small local businesses in a single, relaxed circuit and leave with recommendations for a return visit. Bring a valid ID, dress for variable winter road temperatures, and reserve early—spaces are limited and tickets are nonrefundable. The tour showcases three neighborhood kitchens and bars in a single outing, making it ideal for first-time visitors to Polk County who want to map future dining and tasting stops. For couples seeking an uncomplicated, taste-driven evening close to Balsam Lake, this trolley dinner delivers. And lasting memories.
Check-in begins 30 minutes before departure in the lobby of the Balsam Lake Lodge & Restaurant a mile east of Balsam Lake on 170th Avenue (County Rd I).
The tour runs about 4.25 hours and includes three stops plus a return to the lodge for live music.
All ticket sales are final; tickets are not refundable.
The trolley is not handicap accessible; please contact the operator if you have accessibility questions.
Only alcohol purchased on the tour will be allowed on the trolley.
Yes, participants must be 21+ and must present valid ID at check-in and at establishments that serve alcohol.
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.
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