Como-Harriet Streetcar Line

Updated June 26, 2025

## Como–Harriet Streetcar Line (Minneapolis): what it is, where to board, and what to expect

If you want a real slice of Twin Cities transportation history—without committing to a museum day—the Como–Harriet Streetcar Line is one of the most satisfying “small effort, high payoff” stops in Minneapolis. It’s a heritage streetcar operation run by the Minnesota Streetcar Museum, using historic streetcars on a preserved right-of-way between Lake Harriet and Bde Maka Ska.

You’ll find it here: 2330 W 42nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55410 (Linden Hills area).

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## Quick facts you can plan around

– Primary boarding point: Linden Hills Station at Queen Ave S & W 42nd St
– Second boarding point: a platform by Bde Maka Ska on Richfield Road, just south of W 36th St
– Typical ride length: about 15 minutes round trip
– Reservations: not required
– Operator: Minnesota Streetcar Museum
– Public operations began: August 28, 1971 (heritage line)

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## What you’ll actually do on-site

This isn’t a “hop-on hop-off” transit service. It’s a short historic ride designed to be enjoyed for what it is: restored streetcars, a scenic stretch between the lakes, and a little bit of interpretive history delivered by the crew. The museum notes you can also visit historic displays in the station and shop gifts/souvenirs at Linden Hills Station.

Best way to experience it: treat it like a micro-attraction you can pair with a walk around the lakes or time in Linden Hills, rather than the main event of the day.

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## Tickets, passes, and payment: what’s reliable vs. what can change

The museum sells ride products including Day Passes and Season Passes, and it explicitly states cash is no longer accepted at Como–Harriet (card/check only).

Because pricing and products can vary by season and special events, use these as planning anchors rather than guarantees:

– Day Pass listed: $7 (ride all day)
– Special events may have different fares (museum advises checking the events page)

Outdated-data flag: third-party directories and blogs often repeat older fare structures. For the most accurate numbers, rely on the museum’s Fares and Schedule/Events pages close to your visit.

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## Schedule and best times to go

The museum publishes an operating schedule and also notes that special events add extra days/times beyond the standard timetable.

What you can count on operationally:
– There is a published annual schedule page (example: “2025 Schedule”)
– They run special events (including calmer, quieter rides and seasonal programming)

Practical tip: if you’re trying to minimize lines or uncertainty, aim for a time window clearly listed on the schedule page for your year, then treat special events as a bonus add-on.

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## Getting there (including transit links the museum actually recommends)

The Minnesota Streetcar Museum gives unusually specific transit guidance:

– Streetcars connect with Metro Transit route 6 at the Richfield Road platform.
– Linden Hills Station is about two blocks east of the West 42nd Street bus stop for Routes 6C, 6E, and 6K (per the museum).

If you’re driving, the museum’s directions include using I-35W → W 46th St exit, then heading west toward Lake Harriet Parkway and following it to W 42nd St.

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## Accessibility and inclusivity notes (read this before you promise it to someone)

This is the one area where expectations matter.

The museum’s own FAQ is direct:
– Streetcars are not wheelchair accessible. There are steps into the cars and wheelchairs generally won’t fit through the doors.
– The museum notes crews can often assist boarding for partially ambulatory riders.
– On their accessibility guidance, the museum explains that as historic vehicles that cannot be modified without harming historic integrity, they are exempt from ADA requirements, and staff will assist passengers with disabilities as able.

If you’re planning for a mixed-mobility group: contact the museum ahead of time and ask what assistance is realistic on the day you’ll be there. Their public contact info is on the FAQ page.

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## Amenities and what to pair it with

– Restrooms: the museum states there are public facilities at the nearby Bandstand (for Como–Harriet).
– Add-on experiences: the museum frames Linden Hills Station as more than a platform—there are historic displays and a gift/souvenir shop.

If you’re building a Twin Cities family itinerary beyond Minneapolis, two related Minnesota stops on RealJourneyTravels.com:
– Como Park Zoo & Conservatory (St. Paul): /como-park-zoo-conservatory-2
– Como Town (St. Paul): /como-town

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## Why it matters historically (in one tight paragraph)

The Como–Harriet Streetcar Line runs on an original streetcar right-of-way and represents a preserved fragment of how Minneapolis moved before cars dominated. The heritage operation began public rides in 1971, and the site/operation is recognized for historic significance (including National Register listing details documented in reference sources).

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## Before you go: a quick checklist

– Check Schedule and Special Events for your exact date (hours can vary by season).
– Bring a card (museum: no cash accepted at Como–Harriet).
– If accessibility is a concern, read the museum’s FAQ first and plan accordingly.

If you want, I can also turn this into a Gutenberg-ready draft (with meta title, meta description, FAQ schema questions, and a short “Know Before You Go” box) while keeping everything constrained to the same cited facts.

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Como-Harriet Streetcar Line

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