Signature "Open Doors Art Tour" — A relaxed trolley through Polk County to seven artist studios

BALSAM LAKE TROLLEY FIELD GUIDE

Signature "Open Doors Art Tour" — A relaxed trolley through Polk County to seven artist studios

A 6.25-hour Balsam Lake Trolley route that visits seven hand-picked studios and galleries (with three refreshment stops); this guide lays out the stops, practical logistics, and what to expect.

Signature "Open Doors Art Tour" — A relaxed trolley through Polk County to seven artist studios.

Duration
6.25 Hours
Location
Balsam Lake
Operator
Balsam Lake Trolley
Category
Trolley
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Hop aboard the Signature "Open Doors Art Tour" for a relaxed, scenic trolley ride through Polk County that links seven artist studios and galleries. The experience is designed so you can browse artwork, meet local makers during hands-on demos, and sample food and drinks at select stops—without the hassle of driving or planning.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

Seven hand-picked studios across Polk County

The trolley itinerary stops at seven curated studios and galleries, giving riders a convenient way to move between makers and collections across the countryside.

THE FOOD & DRINK

Three stops with refreshments along the way

Three locations on the route are marked for food and beverages, providing opportunities to refresh between studio visits.

THE ART EXPERIENCE

Meet artists and try hands-on demos

At participating studios you can meet local artists, watch or take part in hands-on demonstrations, and shop for one-of-a-kind pieces.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

The day unfolds as a comfortable, guided loop: board the trolley at the meeting point, ride across pastoral stretches of Polk County, disembark to browse galleries and studios, watch demonstrations, and return to the trolley to be taken to the next stop. Three of the stops feature food and beverage options so you can sample refreshments without breaking the flow of the tour.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this tour is best for (and who should take caution).

1
FamiliesThis is expressly a family-friendly experience; the operator specifies that no alcohol will be allowed on the trolley.
2
Groups seeking a social daytime outingWell suited to groups looking for a relaxed, alcohol-free, daytime social activity that includes gallery visits and refreshments.
3
Guests expecting alcohol service onboardNot a fit for travelers who expect to consume alcohol on the trolley—alcohol is not permitted aboard this family-friendly tour.
4
Those looking for a driver-free local art crawlA good match for anyone who prefers to visit multiple studios without driving; the tour is run on a trolley and is intended as a comfortable, shared experience.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The tour lasts approximately 6.25 hours.

Meeting Point

Boarding and departure are at Balsam Lake Lodge & Restaurant, 264 County Rd I, Balsam Lake, WI 54810.

What to bring / not to bring

This is a family-friendly outing: do not bring alcohol onto the trolley; food and beverage options are available at three stops on the route.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Open Doors Art Tour trolley experience?

The tour runs for approximately 6.25 hours.

Where do I meet the trolley?

The meeting location is Balsam Lake Lodge & Restaurant, 264 County Rd I, Balsam Lake, WI 54810.

How many artist studios and galleries are visited?

The trolley visits seven artist studios and galleries on the Open Doors Art Tour.

Are there food and beverage options during the tour?

Yes—three stops on the itinerary are identified as art-and-food locations where riders can find refreshments.

Is alcohol allowed on the trolley?

No. The operator states that no alcohol will be allowed on this family-friendly trolley tour.

Can the listed itinerary change?

Yes. Balsam Lake Trolley reserves the right to make changes to the tour itinerary without notifying guests.