Denver Trolley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Denver Trolley |
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The trolley car in its parking place in Denver
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| Overview | |
| Other name(s) | Platte Valley Trolley (1989–2016) |
| Locale | Denver |
| Service | |
| Type | Heritage streetcar |
| Operator(s) | Denver Tramway Heritage Society |
| History | |
| Opened | July 4, 1989 |
| Technical | |
| Line length | 1.2 miles |
| Track gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Minimum radius | (?) |
| Electrification | None (Diesel electric) |
The Denver Trolley is a special streetcar line in Denver, Colorado. It used to be called the Platte Valley Trolley. This fun trolley is run by the Denver Tramway Heritage Society. It started giving rides on July 4, 1989. It's like a moving museum that shows what old transportation was like!
Contents
Exploring the Denver Trolley Route
The trolley ride begins at Confluence Park. This park is a historic spot where the city of Denver first started. It's where the South Platte River and Cherry Creek River meet. You can find the trolley near 1400 Platte Street, behind the big REI store. You can get there from Platte Street or 15th Street in downtown Denver.
When Can You Ride the Trolley?
In 2022, the trolley ran on Saturdays and Sundays. It operated from May 28 through August 14. The first ride left Confluence Park at 10:00 AM. The last ride of the day left at 1:30 PM.
How Much Do Tickets Cost?
Tickets are available from the trolley crew. A round trip costs $7 for adults. For children, a round trip is $3. Your ticket lets you get on and off at different stops. These stops include REI/Confluence Park, the Downtown Aquarium, and the Children's Museum of Denver.
Trolley Shuttle for Sports Fans
The trolley also offers a special shuttle service. It takes football fans between Confluence Park and Empower Field at Mile High. This is where the Denver Broncos play their home games. A round trip for the shuttle costs $10. A one-way ride is $7.
What You'll See on the Ride
The trolley travels south along the Platte River. It passes many interesting places and attractions. You'll see the Children's Museum and the Downtown Aquarium. It also goes by Empower Field at Mile High and Elitch Gardens. The ride offers great views of the Denver skyline. The tour is about 25 minutes long and includes a historical story.
Denver's Trolley History
The Denver Trolley reminds us of old streetcars. These open-air cars were once the main way people traveled in Denver. Around 1920, there were six "Seeing Denver" streetcars. They took people on tours all over the city. Many buildings in Denver today were once part of the trolley system. Some still have their original signs. Besides regular rides, you can also rent the Denver Trolley for special events. You can find more information on the Denver Trolley website.
About the Trolley Car
The Denver Trolley uses a special car built in 1986. It looks just like a 1903 Brill open streetcar. The strong metal parts of the car came from a 1924 streetcar from Melbourne, Australia. The car was made by the Gomaco Trolley Company in Iowa. It has a Cummins diesel engine on board. This engine creates electricity to power the trolley's motors.
See also
In Spanish: Tranvía de Denver para niños
- List of Colorado historic railroads
