The Chippewa River Trolley is styled after the streetcars and trolleys that operated on the streets of Eau Claire from the late 1800s until the early 1930s.
While it can run full heat or air-conditioning when needed, our trolley really shines with its open-air sides, when riders can get up close and personal with the community around them. With that in mind, come prepared with layers for cool breezes or warm sun.
The trolley was custom-built for us right here in Wisconsin by Hometown Trolley in Crandon, one of the leading trolley manufacturers in the country.
Our vintage paint and typography detailing was done by hand via Kurt Gaber of Gaber Signs in Chippewa Falls. It can carry up to 22 passengers, maintaining a comfortable and smooth ride.
Open Air Window & Rails Option
Standard Sliding Trolley Windows
Exterior Trolley Bell
Seats 22 Passengers
Full Heating and Cooling System
Comfortable Vintage Seat Styling
Interior Ring-able Trolley Bell
9-Speaker Audio System
Classic Side Entrance
George House
George enjoyed a 40-year radio broadcasting career in Eau Claire — including long-running morning shows on WAXX and I-94 — and was a four-time National Broadcaster of the Year honoree.
Born and raised in Eau Claire (attending North High School), George has been active in community theater and was even an actor at the former Fanny Hill Dinner Theater. As an avid fisherman, vinyl record collector, baseball lover, and history buff, George fell in love with the Trolley from day one.
He lives with his wife Diane, and together they have two grown daughters and three grandchildren.
Bill Mellien
After time in ND, AZ, CA, and PA, Bill landed in Eau Claire in 1984 as a professor of Scenic and Lighting Design and Technology with the UW-Eau Claire Theatre Department. He served there for 17 years before retiring in 2001 to do scenery and lighting at Valleybrook Church. He also managed Onecore (soft rock) and the Boots ‘n Bibles bands. Bill and his wife Mollie have had houses on the west side, in Rock Falls, in the Third Ward, and in Putnam Heights remodeling as they go. Over the years, they have had many kinds of horses including Appaloosa, Quarter horse, Paint and Arabian. They have two grown kids and a grandson that are all Eau Clairians. Bill was born and bred in the suburbs of Chicago so let’s not talk sports (although Green Bay is his second favorite team).
Doug Lucas
Doug loves so much about the Chippewa Valley and has called Eau Claire home since 1978. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, as a youngster he enjoyed riding the famous trolleys that traverse the streets of that historic city. So today, having the opportunity to drive trolley for the Chippewa River Trolley Company is a dream come true. Doug’s first trip on our trolley was the memorable Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley tour with his wife and two adult daughters – and ever since, then he was hooked. He’s looking forward to sharing some unique places and stories on the trolley for locals and visitors alike!
Matt Novacek
Matt is a bit of a jack-of-all-trades at Volume One, serving full-time as the Distribution Manager, Facilities Manager, and the Local Store’s Assistant Manager. Now he’s added “Trained, Professional Trolley Driver” to his repertoire too.
Having grown up in Eau Claire and graduating from UWEC in 2014, Matt has witnessed firsthand the renaissance of this community, and his hometown pride has given him the desire to be engaged in helping Eau Claire thrive.
Matt lives with wife Briana and two sons, Joseph and Xavier. He likes to play kubb and cheer for the Green and Gold.
Henry Lau
Henry grew up in Eau Claire, attending Immanuel Lutheran High School and College, graduating in 2018 with high marks while enjoying writing, art, and foreign languages.
Throughout that time he’s worked in agriculture and foodservice, but since found a niche as a bus driver for students across the Eau Claire Area School District. Henry sought further education at the Chippewa Valley Technical College for Class A CDL vehicle operation, which further diversified his driving skills.
Henry enjoys hymns and playing piano, canoeing, late night walks, and anything that gets him outdoors.
Would you like to be a trolley driver?
We’re always hiring great people, visit the Jobs page to learn more!
