Local history exhibits and trolley tour

New Prague Area Historical Society

About 2.8 miles straight-line from Gopher State Railway Museum

Extend a Gopher State Railway Museum trip with New Prague's rotating library exhibits, deep virtual collection, intermittent cabin programs, or the separately ticketed Sept. 20 historical trolley tour.

The place

About New Prague Area Historical Society

New Prague Area Historical Society preserves and interprets the community through a virtual museum, rotating exhibits at New Prague Memorial Library, a print collection available at the library, oral and written histories, podcasts, photographs, business and building stories, and public programs.

Portions of the collection also appear at the Centennial Log Cabin and History Shed in Memorial Park. Those buildings are open only at selected times, so the library exhibit and online museum are the dependable flexible options; appointment-only print items require advance contact.

The society's next listed public event is the Sept. 20, 2026 Trolley Tour of New Prague, designed as a capstone to Dozinky weekend. It departs and returns at Giesenbrau Bier Co., offers 12:15 and 1:30 p.m. tours, lasts 45-60 minutes, costs $30, and requires arrival 15 minutes early. Additional departures may be added as listed ones fill.

The licensed gallery shows the New Prague depot and downtown buildings as honest subject context for the histories the society interprets. The photographs do not depict a permanent walk-in museum gallery, and the historic depot is not Gopher State Railway Museum's boarding point.

What stands out

Explore New Prague history on demand

Use the virtual museum's themed collections before or after a ride without depending on a narrow physical opening window.

See rotating local exhibits

The society maintains year-round rotating displays and print holdings at New Prague Memorial Library, with some items by appointment.

Cap Dozinky weekend by trolley

The Sept. 20 guided loop follows GSRM's Sept. 19 Dozinky rides and turns the weekend into a coherent rail-and-town-history itinerary.

Separate every address

GSRM, the library, Centennial Cabin, and the trolley departure are distinct places; use the address tied to the activity you reserved.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Gopher State Railway Museum trip

The library address is about 2.8 straight-line miles from GSRM. The strongest date-specific pairing is Sept. 19 Dozinky train rides followed by the society's Sept. 20 trolley tour; on other dates, use the rotating library exhibit, online museum, or a separately confirmed cabin opening.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • Flexible visitRotating exhibits are displayed at New Prague Memorial Library; check library access and contact the society if a specific exhibit or print item matters
  • Online optionThe virtual museum organizes general history, people, lifestyle, businesses, buildings, archives, sports, podcasts, and oral or written histories
  • Cabin and shedCentennial Log Cabin and History Shed programs and open-exhibit hours are intermittent rather than daily; use the event page or contact the society
  • 2026 trolleySept. 20, noon-4 p.m. event window; listed tours at 12:15 and 1:30; 45-60 minutes; arrive 15 minutes early; remain aboard throughout
  • Trolley fare$30 per ticket at review; online ticket inventory controls availability and additional times may be added
  • Trolley departureGiesenbrau Bier Co., 1306 1st Street NE, not the library address and not the railway museum
  • AccessibilityNo complete trolley, cabin, or rotating-exhibit accessibility chain is published; contact the society and the library before relying on a specific route
  • Image contextGallery photographs show documented New Prague rail and commercial history, not a promise that every pictured building is open for interior touring

Continue through Scott County

Add Scott County Historical Society

Add a larger accessible museum, current exhibit galleries, and a research library with railroad maps and New Prague newspapers.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

Does the historical society have a permanent daily museum?

It operates a virtual museum, rotating library exhibits, print collections, and intermittent Centennial Cabin and History Shed programs rather than one daily walk-in museum building.

Where are the rotating exhibits?

At New Prague Memorial Library, 400 Main Street East. Confirm library access if the exhibit is central to your trip.

When is the 2026 trolley tour?

Sunday, Sept. 20, with a noon-4 p.m. event window and listed 12:15 and 1:30 departures at review.

How much is the trolley tour?

$30 per person at review. Ticket inventory and any added departures are controlled by the official event page.

Where does the trolley depart?

Giesenbrau Bier Co., 1306 1st Street NE. It does not depart from the library or Gopher State Railway Museum.

Is the trolley accessible?

The event page does not publish a complete boarding or mobility statement. Contact the society before purchase for the vehicle, steps, seating, and assistance available.

Are the pictured depot and historic buildings open?

The images document local subjects interpreted by the society. They do not promise public interior access; use the society's current programs and venue instructions.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-15. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.