There’s a special kind of magic in hearing a century-old streetcar hum to life, the gentle whirr of its motors and the soft glow of incandescent bulbs bouncing off polished wood.
In Minneapolis and the lakeside town of Excelsior, the Minnesota Streetcar Museum keeps that magic alive. Operated by a dedicated team of volunteers, this nonprofit preserves and runs historic Twin City streetcars on two short lines—the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line in Minneapolis and the Excelsior Streetcar Line in Excelsior—offering an immersive glimpse into the era when electric streetcars stitched the Twin Cities together.
About The Museum
The museum’s mission is equal parts preservation and public education. Its collection includes beautifully restored streetcars built for the old Twin City Rapid Transit system, many crafted right here in Minnesota in TCRT’s own shops.
From late spring through fall, the cars roll regularly, giving riders a sense of the tempo, craftsmanship, and community that defined early 20th-century urban life. Special programs interpret everything from electric traction technology to local history, while volunteers share stories that turn a short ride into a living-history lesson.
Festive Christmas Rides
As autumn gives way to winter, the museum’s calendar pivots to the holidays, and two traditions stand out for many families: the Holly Trolley in Minneapolis and An Evening with Santa in Excelsior. These are not just rides; they’re atmospheres—part historic immersion, part small-town holiday celebration, and part memory-making ritual that draws regulars back year after year.
Holley Trolley
The Holly Trolley typically runs on the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line, a scenic stretch tucked between neighborhood streets and the parkways around Lake Harriet. As dusk arrives, the depot and streetcar are dressed for the season…