Carousels

In Progress!

Having a lifetime fascination with the over-the-top ornate hand-carved masterpieces of vintage carousels, I have pulled together a list of my favorites visited over the years.

With less than two hundred of these magical antiques in operation today, it's more important than ever to seek out these relics while they’re still around for our enjoyment. Meant originally for military training, the thrill these roundabout mechanisms could provide was apparent from the get-go.

Growing up on the state line between Georgia and Tennessee, I saw carousel horses constantly. Driving through the neighborhood of St. Elmo often, one could simply look up and see horse heads and other delights high above in some of the warehouse windows.

In nearby Rossville, GA, lies Lake Winnepesaukah. While the name is a made up one, the park has roots over a century old. Home to the “one of the oldest operating mill chute water rides” in the country, I have many fond memories of visiting the park as a kid for parents’ company holidays or a day of summer fun.

Down the midway lies one of the largest carousels I’ve ever visited. As a kid, everything seems large to a tiny person's eyes. However, the reality is with four rows abreast of animals, this carousel was indeed massive. Circulating over the adjoined lake’s water, kids have bobbed along this classic ride for a multitude of decades. The 1919 Philadelphia Toboggan Company #39 is definitely one of a kind. Originally located in Lakewood Park of Atlanta, it has resided at Lake Winnie since the 1960s.

In nearby Chattanooga’s Coolidge Park, another local gem resides on the banks of the Tennessee River. This 1894 Dentzel gem was moved to the park in the 1980s where it was restored with creations from local artists. “Horsin’ Around” studio teaches the almost lost-art of hand-carved carousel creatures. Reopening in 1999, you can ride this beauty for $1 and enjoy some fabulous views of the Scenic City.

Another carousel by the water, San Francisco’s Pier 39 carousel deserves a strong recommendation.

This double-decker beauty is emblazoned with gorgeously envisioned scenes of the City by the Bay.

Further into San Francisco’s downtown lies the Leroy King Carousel, a 1906 Looff at the Children’s Creativity Museum in Yerba Buena Gardens. Visitors will love the playground and slides closeby, along with its proximity to sites such as the SF MOMA.

This amusement will delight visitors young and old as it once did at the famed Playland-at-the-Beach. Read more on its restoration and history here. At SF’s Fisherman’s Wharf you can still visit Laughing Sal at the Musée Mécanique (link to our sf page write up pier 39)

Nestled next to the Pacific Ocean, the gorgeous 1925 Dentzel feels at home among the animals of the San Francisco Zoo.

This menagerie enjoys a great location, making for lifelong memories.

Not far away in sunny Golden Gate Park lies a 1914 Herschell-Spillman carousel restored in the 1980s. Enjoy this gorgeous amusement with a hot dog and by sliding down the nearby Koret Children’s Corner Playground concrete slides.

Noted as the “first public playground in the United States”, this beloved landmark continues to rank highly as one of the best playgrounds in the country. Read more about our adventures in iconic Golden Gate Park.

Across the Bay in Oakland, children have relished in riding these neon beauties since they were added to the Children's Fairyland park in the 1970s.

Mainly for older kids, Flecto Carousel is worth a visit to this darling park nestled by picturesque Lake Merritt.

The park also is home to one of the original amusement rides for the tiniest patrons: the Wonder-Go-Round. Debuting in 1956, this gentle ride makes for a great experience for first-timers with delightful characters from the children’s classic story: Alice in Wonderland. Read more on our adventures in the Bay here.

Next, we head to Southern California for this Dentzel delight.

Built in 1922, Walt Disney found this carousel himself and added horses especially for its Disneyland debut in 1955. The King Arthur Carrousel continues to mystify thousands of visitors annually. Read more about our epic Disney adventure here.

Utah is home to one hand-carved carousel in operation. Lagoon is home to a 1913 Herschell-Spillman Merry-Go-Round.

This classic beauty is well worth the visit to the beloved SLC-area institution.

The Merry-Go-Round is also home to the only known swan figure on an operating vintage carousel.

Another amusement park of mention is Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN. While their Village Carousel is not necessarily an antique, this particular park outranks even Disney for visitor experience.

Read more on our exquisite experience here and why this family-friendly park continues to exceed expectations.

Another notable two-story carousel is located in Kemah, TX along the boardwalk. This double-decker beauty provides a welcome break on a hot, humid Southern day.

All across the country, carousels continue to amuse and amaze patrons decade after decade. Wish to see where else our travels have taken us? Check out our other adventures here.

• back to top