Take a ride on the Rockford Park District’s Trolley Car 36, now officially back in operation for summer runs along the Rock River.

Rockford Park District’s Forest City Queen riverboat and rail-based Trolley Car 36 began public tours for the summer season last weekend with departures from Riverview Park, 324 N. Madison St., Rockford, IL.

This season, the Forest City Queen riverboat has a new look and new tours, but the same nostalgic feel. Take a relaxing 45-minute cruise, and sightsee while learning about Rockford’s past, present, and future as the boat travels by some of Rockford’s most stately homes, businesses, and parks gracing the banks of the Rock River.

Public tours operate five days a week, and depart from the dock near Riverview Ice House except on Thursdays, when departures are from the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens dock.

Take a step back in time on Trolley Car 36 to travel along the scenic riverfront and recreation path, and hear about Rockford’s early days. The Trolley operates public tours four days a week, and travels north to the Symbol sculpture, where it turns around, then makes a brief stop at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, where riders can stroll by the rose gardens and Eclipse Lagoon.

These tours are among many family-friendly, low-fee activities offered by the Rockford Park District. Boat and trolley tour tickets are $6 ($8 non-resident) for adults ages 18 and older, $5 ($7 non-resident) for seniors ages 62+ and youth ages 5-17, and $1 for tots ages 3-4; children ages 2 and younger are free.

For tour and ticket purchase information, as well as for information on birthday party packages, private charters, group and field trips, and new Forest City Queen sunrise, lunch, and dinner cruises, visit www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/boat, and for Trolley Car 36 information, including Rockford City Market rides, visit www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/trolley.

Advance reservations are recommended for all tours, and can be made online with ticket purchase, or by phone at 815-987-1685, where information on accessibility and support for passengers with disabilities and special needs is also available.