Shore Line Trolley Museum

The Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River Street, East Haven, has some 100 cars, including the world’s oldest rapid transit car, rare parlor cars, and many undergoing restoration. The international collection includes mostly electric cars, some of which would have run on the century-old Branford Electric Trolley line, which the museum maintains and operates. There’s a three-mile round trip, with time to explore the yards with their restoration and repair shops and visit the museum. The trolleys run on Saturdays and Sundays in May, and daily Memorial Day through Labor Day. There is a weekend schedule into the fall. First rides leave at 10:30 and the last at 4:30.

Admission is $9 adults, $7 seniors, and $5 for ages 2-15, which allows unlimited rides and all-day access to the grounds. Family package admission for two adults and unlimited children from the same household is $24. There are hands-on exhibits in the museum and a gift shop that offers trolley- and railroad-oriented items. Special events include a Pumpkin Patch and the the Haunted Isle in October and Night Lights and Santa in late November and December. On the first full weekend of each month, through September, Rapid Transit cars are operated; the Guest Operator program is also offered on those days.

Details

Shoreline Trolley Museum (East Haven Exit 51, I-95); 203-467-6927. The museum’s Web site is www.bera.org. It offers interactive information about the history of trolleys in Connecticut.