The Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum is set to celebrate its annual Trolleyfest on Saturday, September 25, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts. This community event honors the restoration of Trolley No. 10 and offers visitors the chance to experience a blend of history, hands-on learning, and old-fashioned fun.
For just the regular $5 All-Day Pass rate (with members riding free), guests can enjoy unlimited trolley rides and explore an array of special activities. From classic trolley and pump car rides to more unique offerings such as caboose rides powered by a trackmobile and motorcar “speeder” rides, rail enthusiasts of all ages will find plenty to enjoy. The museum will also feature demonstrations with historic velocipedes and opportunities to try them out firsthand, along with wooden and electric train sets for younger visitors to explore.
Special Activities from 11 am to 3 pm
Between late morning and mid-afternoon, the museum grounds will be filled with music, food, and local vendors. Mo’s Fudge Factor will provide food, while maple products from Davenport Maple Farm and preserves from BarbEric Farm will be available for purchase. A quilt sale and railroad movies shown throughout the day add an extra layer of local character to the festivities. Live music will be provided by the group Whistle Stop, creating a spirited backdrop for the celebration.
Demonstrations and hands-on activities will highlight the practical and creative skills of the trolley era, connecting visitors to the region’s history between 1896 and 1926. Guests can try cider pressing, butter making, or weaving on looms sized for both children and adults. Blacksmiths and metalworkers will showcase traditional trades, while woodworking projects with locally made tools invite participation. Visitors can even test their skills at milking a “cow” or discover historic vinegar uses such as pickling, polishing, and even refreshing drinks. Throughout the grounds, antique farm tools from Wheel View Farm will provide a tangible link to the industries once served by the Shelburne Falls and Colrain Street Railway.
A Day of Exploration and Heritage
Beyond demonstrations, interactive stations like the telegraph—where guests can send a message in Morse Code—offer a chance to connect with the past in a memorable way. Railroad movies running throughout the day provide context for the trolley line’s role in the region, while games from 1900 offer simple, timeless amusement.
Trolleyfest continues to be a highlight of the museum’s calendar because it combines community gathering with an appreciation for history. Each year offers slight variations in activities, but the spirit remains the same: a hands-on tribute to the people, crafts, and industries that shaped daily life at the turn of the 20th century. Visitors leave not just with memories of trolley rides but also with a deeper connection to the rich heritage of Franklin County and the Shelburne Falls area.
Learn more on their website.
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