List of carousels on the National Register of Historic Places Facts for Kids

Carousels are fun rides with spinning platforms and seats shaped like horses or other animals. They are also known as merry-go-rounds. Many of these beautiful machines are very old and have a special place in history. In the United States, some carousels are so important that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are officially recognized as historic treasures that should be protected and remembered. This list tells you about some of these amazing historic carousels across the country.

What Makes a Carousel Historic?
- Famous Historic Carousels
Images for kids
See also

What Makes a Carousel Historic?

Carousels on the National Register of Historic Places are usually very old, often built in the late 1800s or early 1900s. They are special because of their unique artwork, the way they were built, or their importance to a community. Many were made by famous carousel builders like Allan Herschell, Gustav Dentzel, or Charles Looff. These carousels are like moving pieces of art and engineering from a past era.

Famous Historic Carousels

California's Classic Rides

Allan Herschell 3-Abreast Carousel in Santa Barbara, California: This carousel was built in 1916 by the famous Allan Herschell Company. It's a classic example of their work, known for its beautiful animals.
Santa Cruz Looff Carousel and Roller Coaster in Santa Cruz, California: Built in 1911, this carousel is part of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It was made by Charles Looff, another very well-known carousel maker. It's special because it's still paired with an old roller coaster!

Colorado's Spinning Gems

Elitch Gardens Carousel in Burlington, Colorado: This carousel dates back to 1905. It was originally part of the famous Elitch Gardens amusement park in Denver before moving to Burlington.
Pueblo City Park Carousel in Pueblo, Colorado: Built in 1911, this carousel is a beloved part of Pueblo's City Park. It has brought joy to many generations.

New England's Oldest Carousels

Lighthouse Point Carousel in New Haven, Connecticut: From 1916, this carousel is a landmark at Lighthouse Point Park. It's a popular spot for families.
Paragon Park Carousel in Hull, Massachusetts: This carousel, built in 1928, was once the centerpiece of Paragon Park. Even though the park is gone, the carousel remains a cherished piece of history.
Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts: This is one of the oldest operating carousels in the United States, built all the way back in 1876! It's famous for its real horsehair manes and tails on the animals.
Crescent Park Looff Carousel in East Providence, Rhode Island: Built in 1895, this carousel is a masterpiece by Charles Looff. It's known for its detailed carvings and beautiful setting.
Flying Horse Carousel in Watch Hill, Rhode Island: Also built in 1876, this carousel is another one of the oldest in the country. It's unique because its horses are suspended from chains, making them "fly" as the carousel spins.

Midwest's Merry-Go-Rounds

Broad Ripple Park Carousel in Indianapolis, Indiana: This carousel, built in 1917, is a wonderful example of early 20th-century amusement park rides.
Spencer Park Dentzel Carousel in Logansport, Indiana: Dating from 1900, this carousel was made by the Dentzel family, who were famous for their realistic animal carvings.
Herschel-Spillman Two-Row Portable Menagerie Carousel in Story City, Iowa: Built in 1913, this carousel is special because it was designed to be moved easily. It features a "menagerie" of different animals, not just horses.
Lander Park Carousel in Abilene, Kansas: This carousel was built in 1898 and is a cherished part of Abilene's history.

New York's Carousel Collection

The Binghamton area in New York is famous for having several historic carousels, many of which were donated by George F. Johnson, a shoe manufacturer.

George F. Johnson Recreation Park Carousel (1925) in Binghamton, New York
Ross Park Carousel (1920) in Binghamton, New York
George W. Johnson Park Carousel (1934) in Endicott, New York
West Endicott Park Carousel (1929) in Endicott, New York
Highland Park Carousel (1920) in Endwell, New York
C. Fred Johnson Park Carousel (1923) in Johnson City, New York
Forest Park Carousel (1903) in Queens, New York: This beautiful carousel is a popular attraction in Forest Park.

Other Notable Carousels

All Hallows Guild Carousel in Cathedral Heights, Northwest, Washington, D.C.: This unique carousel from 1890 is assembled and operated only once a year for a special event at the National Cathedral.
Highland Park Dentzel Carousel and Shelter Building in Meridian, Mississippi: Built in 1896, this carousel is a great example of Dentzel's work and is housed in a historic shelter.
Pullen Park Carousel in Raleigh, North Carolina: This carousel, built in 1900, is a beloved feature of Pullen Park, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world.
Herschell–Spillman Noah's Ark Carousel in Portland, Oregon: From 1913, this carousel is known for its unique animal figures, which are inspired by Noah's Ark.
William F. Mangels Four-Row Carousel in Portland, Oregon: Built in 1914, this carousel is another historic ride in Portland.
Weona Park Carousel in Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania: This 1923 carousel is a charming part of Weona Park.
Riverfront Park Carousel in Spokane, Washington: Built in 1909, this carousel is a highlight of Riverfront Park.
City of Waterloo Carousel in Waterloo, Wisconsin: This 1911 carousel is a fun and historic attraction in Waterloo.