10 Oldest Carousels in the US

Carousels, known as merry-go-rounds, have been a classic amusement park attraction for generations. They were originally created in the mid-1700s as a way for cavalry soldiers to practice their skills but eventually evolved into a popular ride for all ages. Carousels have become cherished pieces of Americana over the years, and many historic ones still operate today.

In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the 10 oldest carousels in the United States. These carousels are not only iconic pieces of American history but also significant examples of the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating these beloved attractions.

From their ornate decorations to their intricate mechanics, each carousel has a unique story to tell. So come along for the ride as we take a trip back in time to explore some of the country’s oldest and most fascinating carousels.

10. Weona Park Carousel

photo source: Carousel History

The Weona Park Carousel is a beloved piece of history in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. Builtin 1923 by William H. Dentzel and his team, this carousel features 36 hand-carved horses and two chariots. The Dentzel Company, known for its high-quality carousel construction, also built the mechanism that powers the Weona Park Carousel.

Over the years, the carousel underwent several renovations, including a complete restoration in 2005. Today, visitors can still ride on this historic carousel and admire the intricate details of the hand-carved horses. 

If you find yourself in Northampton County, take a spin on this classic carousel and experience a piece of American history. The Weona Park Carousel is a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry that went into creating these beloved amusement park attractions.

Did You Know?

The Weona Park Carousel is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring that it will continue to be preserved for future generations.

9. C. W. Parker Carousel

photo source: Kansas Tourism

The C.W. Parker Carousel is a historic amusement ride that was built in 1912 and is located in Leavenworth, Kansas. It is currently owned by Happyland, a local amusement park. C.W. Parker, a prominent amusement ride manufacturer of the early 20th century, built the carousel. Parker built over 100 carousels during his career, and the C.W. Parker Carousel is considered one of his finest works.

Over the years, the carousel has undergone several renovations and restorations to preserve its historical significance. Today, it is a popular attraction at Happyland, where visitors can ride this beautifully crafted piece of Americana history.

Did You Know?

The carousel features 36 hand-carved wooden horses and other animals, such as a lion, tiger, and deer. The horses are decorated with intricate paint designs and have real horsehair tails.

8. Cass County Dentzel Carousel

photo source: Wikipedia

The Cass County Dentzel Carousel is a historic amusement ride in Logansport, Indiana. The carousel was built in 1900 by Gustav A. Dentzel and features 36 hand-carved wooden horses and other animals, such as a lion, tiger, and deer. The horses have real horsehair tails and intricate paint designs. The carousel also includes a Wurlitzer band organ that provides music during the rides.

Owned by the Logansport Jaycees, the carousel has undergone several renovations and restorations to preserve its historical significance. As one of the few surviving Dentzel carousels in the United States, it remains a popular attraction in Logansport, where visitors can ride and experience a piece of Americana history.

Did You Know?

It is one of only a few surviving Dentzel carousels in the United States and is a popular attraction in Logansport.

7. Prairie Village Carousel

photo source: Historic Praire Village

The Prairie Village Carousel is a historic carousel that was built in 1900. It is located in Madison, South Dakota, and was originally constructed by Allen Herschell. It operated at various locations throughout the United States before being purchased by the Prairie Village Museum in 1958.

The carousel features 36 hand-carved wooden horses and other animals, such as a lion, a tiger, a deer, and a giraffe. The horses are adorned with real horsehair tails and painted in various colors and designs.

Did You Know?

The carousel also has two chariots and a Wurlitzer band organ, which plays music during the ride.

6. The Looff Carousel

photo source: The Providence Journal

Built by Charles I. D. Looff in 1895, The Looff Carousel at Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich, Massachusetts, features 66 hand-carved wooden horses and two chariots, all created by Charles I. D. Looff in 1895. The carousel is also equipped with a Wurlitzer band organ that provides music for riders as they enjoy their ride. It is one of only a few remaining Looff carousels and is highly regarded for its historical and artistic value.

The Looff Carousel at Heritage Museums & Gardens is a beloved attraction that continues to delight visitors of all ages. The carousel was originally installed in 1908 at an amusement park in Burlington, Vermont. It operated there for many years before being sold and moved to its current location at Heritage Museums & Gardens in 1999.

Did You Know?

The carousel features a rare “stander” horse, a type of carousel horse that stands on all four legs instead of just two. It is one of only a few carousels in the world to have a stander horse.

5. Willowbrook Village Carousel

photo source: National Carousel Association

The Willowbrook Village Carousel, built in 1894, is in Newfield, Maine, and is owned and operated by the Willowbrook Museum Village. The carousel was built by the Herschell-Spillman Company, a major carousel manufacturer during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Willowbrook Village Carousel features 18 hand-carved wooden horses, two chariots, and a Wurlitzer band organ that provides music during the ride. The horses are painted in a variety of colors and are decorated with ornate details, making each one unique.

The carousel has been restored to its original condition. It is a popular attraction at the Willowbrook Museum Village, a living history museum showcasing rural life in Maine during the 19th century.

Did You Know?

The Willowbrook Village Carousel is one of only a few remaining Herschell-Spillman carousels that are still operating today.

4. Watch Hill Flying Horses

photo source: merrygoroundbeach.com

The Watch Hill Flying Horses were built in 1894 in Westerly, Rhode Island. They are owned and operated by the Watch Hill Flying Horse Carousel Trust, a non-profit organization that works to preserve and maintain the carousel for future generations. The carousel was built by the Charles Dare Company, a major carousel manufacturer during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Watch Hill Flying Horses are unique in that they are a “flying” carousel, meaning the horses are suspended from the ceiling and move up and down as the ride spins. The horses are made of wood and are decorated with intricate details and bright colors, making each one unique. The carousel also features a Wurlitzer band organ that provides music during the ride.

Did You Know?

One interesting trivia fact about the Watch Hill Flying Horses is that they were originally powered by a live steam engine, which was a common method of powering carousels during the late 19th century.

3. Albion Carousel

photo source: Erie Times-News

The Albion Carousel, also known as the Albion Area Fair Carousel, was built in 1890 and is located in Albion, Pennsylvania. It is owned and operated by the Albion Area Fair Board, a non-profit organization hosting an annual fair each September.

The carousel was built by the Allan Herschell Company, a major carousel manufacturer during the early 20th century, as mentioned previously.

The Albion Carousel features 20 hand-carved wooden horses, two chariots, and a Wurlitzer band organ that accompanies riders. The horses are brightly colored and feature intricate details, such as flowing manes and tails, that make them unique and visually striking. The carousel is housed in a pavilion built specifically to protect it from the elements and ensure its longevity.

Did You Know?

It was originally located in a nearby town called Girard, Pennsylvania, where it operated for many years. It was moved to Albion in the 1970s and has been a popular attraction at the Albion Area Fair ever since.

2. All Hallows Guild Carousel

photo source: Wikipedia

The All Hallows Guild Carousel, also known as the National Cathedral Carousel, was built in 1890. It is in Washington, D.C., owned and operated by the All Hallows Guild of the National Cathedral. The Merry-Go-Round Company of Cincinnati built the carousel.

The All Hallows Guild Carousel features 30 hand-carved wooden horses, two chariots, and a Wurlitzer band organ that provides music during the ride. The horses are decorated with bright colors and intricate details, such as flowing manes and tails, that make them visually striking and unique.

The carousel is housed in a pavilion built specifically to protect it from the elements and ensure its longevity.

Did You Know?

The carousel is also a popular attraction during the annual Flower Mart festival, which is hosted by the All Hallows Guild and features food, music, and other entertainment.

1. Flying Horses Carousel

photo source: Vineyard Preservation Trust

Often cited as the oldest carousel in the United States, Flying Horses Carousel was built in 1876. It is located in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, and is owned and operated by the Vineyard Preservation Trust.

The carousel was built by the Charles Dare Company, a major carousel manufacturer during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Flying Horses Carousel features 20 hand-carved wooden horses, two chariots, and a 1923 Wurlitzer band organ that accompanies the ride. The horses are decorated with bright colors and intricate details, such as flowing manes and tails, that make them visually striking and unique.

Did You Know?

This type of carousel was popular during the late 19th century but is now rare, with only a few remaining in operation.