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Discover the Trolley House Distillery Tour in Kansas

Located in Emporia, Kansas, the Trolley House Distillery Tour offers visitors a guided look inside a working craft distillery producing small-batch bourbon, whiskey, vodka, rum, and specialty spirits. Housed in a historic building near downtown Emporia, this tour blends local heritage with modern distilling expertise.

Guests learn how grains are milled, fermented, distilled, and aged, all while discovering how this Flint Hills distillery contributes to Kansas’ growing craft spirits scene.

Why it’s special: The Trolley House Distillery Tour combines small-town Kansas history with authentic, on-site spirit production — delivering a true craft distillery experience in the heart of Emporia.

History & Story of Trolley House Distillery

Trolley House Distillery takes its name from Emporia’s historic trolley system, honoring the city’s transportation heritage. Founded by a team passionate about handcrafted spirits, the distillery was established to bring locally produced bourbon and other spirits to the Flint Hills region.

By focusing on small-batch production and careful ingredient sourcing, Trolley House built its reputation as a quality-focused craft distillery. Today, it serves both as a production facility and a gathering place for visitors exploring downtown Emporia.

What You’ll See & Do on the Trolley House Distillery Tour

• Explore the grain-to-glass distilling process
• View fermentation tanks and copper stills
• Learn how mash bills influence whiskey and bourbon flavor
• Understand barrel aging and maturation techniques
• Visit the tasting room for guided sampling

Hands-On Elements: Guided tastings are available for guests 21+ and may include multiple spirit samples.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography is allowed in public tour areas and tasting spaces.

Souvenirs & Extras: Bottled spirits, limited releases, branded merchandise, glassware, and gift sets available in the retail area.

Pricing of the Trolley House Distillery Tour

Adult price: $10 per adult

Tour admission typically includes a guided walkthrough and tasting experience for guests aged 21 and over.

Visiting information

Duration: 45–60 minutes

Age limits: 21+ for tastings; under 21 may join tour but cannot sample alcohol

Accessibility: Partially accessible; tasting room accessible, some production areas may have stairs

Working Hours: Wednesday–Thursday 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Friday 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Saturday 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM; Monday–Tuesday Closed

Advance reservations are recommended for guaranteed tour availability.

Nearby

• Emporia Granada Theatre
• William Allen White House State Historic Site
• David Traylor Zoo of Emporia

FAQs About Visiting the Trolley House Distillery Tour

Is the distillery located near downtown Emporia attractions?
Yes. Trolley House Distillery is conveniently located near downtown Emporia, making it easy to combine with local restaurants, theaters, and historic sites.

What spirits are produced on-site?
The distillery produces bourbon, whiskey, vodka, rum, and seasonal specialty releases crafted in small batches.

Are tastings included in the tour price?
Yes. Guests 21 and over typically receive tasting samples as part of the guided experience.

Do they age whiskey on-site in Emporia?
Yes. Select spirits are aged on-site in barrels, allowing visitors to learn about maturation and flavor development during the tour.

Can bottles be purchased directly from the distillery?
Yes. The tasting room retail area sells bottled spirits and branded merchandise during open hours.