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Get a Breath of Fresh Air in Ephraim

History, Ephraim and cool transportation. If you enjoy any of those, you’ll like Ephraim’s historical tram tours. 

“My husband was in the Navy for 20 years, so we’ve lived in Japan and many, many countries,” said docent and driver Marcia Ellis. “But Ephraim is my favorite place in the world.” 

For me – as a history minor – it was one of the best ways I could spend a cloudless, 75-degree day. 

The trams are six-person, smooth-riding golf carts, and the few times when we stopped to check out a place further, the walking was moderate and optional. The tours have stops and information scheduled on the route, but because the groups are so small, Ellis asked us what we’d like to see and topics we’d like to hear about. Our top choices were architecture and Moravians, and because Ellis has deep family ties to the area, she’s extremely knowledgeable. 

I’m new to the area but have driven through Ephraim multiple times and have even stopped to take a sunset photo. But it wasn’t until Ellis told us about all the white buildings that I took notice.

I had a few more moments like that during the tour – about the limestone rocks lining the water, and the orange and white sailing class in the bay. Besides offering a whirlwind of fascinating history, the tour made me slow down and really look at the town around me. 

In addition to the drive through town, the tram took us to some of the historical buildings, such as the schoolhouse and the Iverson House, which are free to enter when they’re open. On the tram tour, however, we could visit them outside of normal hours (which, Ellis explained, is whenever a docent is available), and we didn’t have to drive to each location. 

Though each person in our group was an out-of-stater, anyone who’s willing to listen can enjoy the tour and learn something interesting – even those who claim that history isn’t their top interest. Find more details and reservation information at ephraim.org/tours.