Driving into the Past

Ephraim Business Council’s Spring Social Tram Tour participants prepare to experience the history of Ephraim. Photo by Rachel Willems.

“Here we go” smiled tour guide Tad Dukehart as he began driving the tram.

My one-year-old son Mylo cheered as he sat on my husband’s lap. Buckled in, breeze blowing, we moved forward on the open tramcar. Mylo was delighted to ride in the backseat of the tram where he could see the beauty of Eagle Harbor and Ephraim as we learned the history of the community – complete with historic photos of modern day places.

Our guide was not only knowledgeable about the village’s history but also tested our knowledge of the community by asking us fun facts. Like why the black and white photo of the Ephraim Moravian Church’s steeple from around the time of World War I was shaded in three sections starting from the top. My husband, Ryan said the correct answer, “Because it was painted red, white and blue.”

The Ephraim Historical Foundation offers two types of tram tours. The Classic Tram Tour highlights the history of Ephraim and the Ephraim Moravian Heritage Tram Tour showcases the Moravian Church, Iverson House and Moravian Cemetery. Each tour provides a unique look at the early pioneer days of Ephraim while explaining the village’s progression to what it is today.

So if you’re looking for an unique ride, a history lesson or just interested in having some outdoor fun, buckle up and take a ride on tram.

Classic Tram Tours depart at 11am on Tuesdays – Saturdays through September 1 and Friday and Saturday from September 7 – October 6. The cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children.

Ephraim Moravian Heritage Tram Tours leave at 1:30 pm on Tuesdays through August 28. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Both tours begin at the Anderson Barn History Center.

For more information visit http://www.ephraim.org or call 920.854.9688.