Ameri-Go-Round facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Character Carousel |
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| Attraction type | Carousel | ||||||||||||
| Manufacturer | Philadelphia Toboggan Company | ||||||||||||
| Model | Carousel | ||||||||||||
| Riders per vehicle | 1 | ||||||||||||
The Ameri-Go-Round was the name for two special carousels. One was at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois. The other was at California's Great America in Santa Clara, California. Both parks were originally called Marriott's Great America.
These parks were unique because they had two carousels each. Besides the Ameri-Go-Rounds, there was also the Columbia Carousel. That one was usually found right at the front of the park.
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The Gurnee Carousel: A Ride Through Time
The Ameri-Go-Round in Gurnee, Illinois, had a long history. It was built way back in 1922. The famous Dentzel Carousel Company made it. Its first home was at a park called Fontaine Ferry Park in Louisville, Kentucky.
When Fontaine Ferry Park closed in 1969, the carousel was sold. It moved to Great America and started operating there in 1976. This carousel was a "Deluxe Menagerie" model. It had 43 horses, including 12 fancy standing horses. There were also 31 jumping horses. Plus, it had five other animal figures: a lion, a tiger, a deer, a giraffe, and a rare mule! Many of the jumping animals were carved by a skilled artist named Daniel Muller.
The Gurnee carousel operated for many years. It was taken apart after the park closed for winter in 2003. A new ride, called Revolution, took its place in 2004. This new ride was a thrilling HUSS Frisbee ride. The carousel was removed partly because it often had problems and needed repairs.
Where is the Gurnee Carousel Now?
The Gurnee Ameri-Go-Round is currently in storage. It is kept in large crates at the park. You can find these crates near the lift hill of the Superman: Ultimate Flight roller coaster.
The Santa Clara Carousel: From Zoo to Park
The Ameri-Go-Round in Santa Clara, California, was also very old. It was built in 1918 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. This company made many carousels, and this one was their 45th!
Its first home wasn't an amusement park. It was built for the Cincinnati Zoo! The zoo sold it to Great America in 1974. It then opened with the park in 1976. This carousel was a favorite for many years.
In 1995, the Santa Clara carousel was removed. This made space for a new, exciting attraction. The new ride was called the Drop Zone Stunt Tower.
A New Home for the Santa Clara Carousel
After leaving Great America, the Santa Clara carousel found a new home. In 2000, it was announced that Linda and Tom Allen had arranged to donate it. It was given to the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington.
A special building was constructed for the carousel at the zoo. It finally opened to the public there in 2006. Now, new generations can enjoy this historic ride.
