Your Visit to the Connecticut Trolley Museum
Exhibits and Activities
History Exhibit
View our exhibit on the History and Evolution of the Electric Trolley and its Impact on Society. It takes you on a journey of how the electric trolley evolved from the horsecar to the "modern" PCC. Also, learn how society was impacted by amusement parks (trolley parks), streetcar suburbs, and the growth of mill towns.
Explore the trolleys on static display and admire the craftsmanship and detail of how generations past used to travel to work and school.
In the theater, a short film runs continuously that provides an overview of trolleys.
Trolley Ride
Included with your admission is a trolley ride on the museum's recreation of the Hartford & Springfield Street Railway line - undoubtedly the favorite part of any visit to the Trolley Museum. Take a 3-mile, 20-30 minute round-trip ride that departs from the historic Isle of Safety on a restored historic trolley car from many different cities. Take a seat and enjoy the relaxing ride.
Trolleys operate rain or shine, however we may pause or cancel trolley rides in the event of thundersorms.
Gift Shop
Buy that special souvenir to remember your visit the Trolley Museum. Check out our selection of toys, books, and clothing. Considering a membership? Purchase one here!
Accessibility
Mobility
The Connecticut Trolley Museum's museum campus is fully accessible to persons with disabilities; this includes the parking area, outdoor pathways, and our Visitor Center building (exhibit hall, theater, gift shop, and restrooms). Unfortunately the historic nature of the vintage trolley cars, the design of steps, door openings, interior structural elements, and aisle widths limit accessiblity of the trolley ride.
Sensory
The functionality of our trolley cars rely on air systems that have air compressors that cycle on and off frequently (a sometimes loud chugging sound). Also, loud whistles are used to warn of moving trolleys and when approaching/crossing public roads.
For additional details, please contact us.
Enjoy a day together with the family, bringing generations together.
Sit atop an antique fire truck.
A parade of trolleys on our railway with fall colors.
Let our motormen take you for a journey, recreating the past.
Ready for another ride? Unlimited trips with admission.
Displays inside tell how trolleys help built our cities and towns.
Connecticut's relaxing countryside awaits your visit.
Visit the fire truck museum, too!
Other Attractions
Fire Truck Museum
Located on the museum grounds of the Connecticut Trolley Museum is the Connecticut Fire Museum. This museum is dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of antique fire apparatus and associated equipment. See 15 antique fire trucks on display from the local area dating back to as early as 1923, historic fire fighting gear, a functioning fire alarm call box, and much more!
Transit Bus Museum
Located adjacent to the Fire Truck Museum, the Connecticut Motor Coach Museum has a variety of transit buses on display. There is no set schedule for the Bus Museum, but it is open most weekends.
The Connecticut Fire Museum and Connecticut Motor Coach Museum are both operated by the Connecticut Antique Fire Apparatus Association, Inc.