What’s not to love about a carousel? For a charming mix of music, whimsy and history, here are five to consider: North Tonawanda, New York Visit the one-of-a-kind Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, housed in the original factory building, where you can ride two antique carousels and delve into their history. The larger is 40 feet in diameter with hundreds of lights and 36 hand-carved horses, some dating to the late 1890s. Rotating at 6.
5 revolutions per minute, the carousel was originally intended as a thrill ride for adults. The “kiddie carousel” in the Children’s Gallery was created in the 1940s for the junior set to ride without the help of adults. It has been completely restored.
Ask about carving and restoration demonstrations and other family events scheduled throughout the year. For more: carrouselmuseum.org Salem, Oregon Located in the city’s 23-acre riverfront park, this vintage-style carousel was lovingly created as a community project.
Dozens of local families worked to prepare the site, even carve and hand paint the animals. With old-fashioned organ music in the background, families now enjoy seasonal celebrations, birthday parties and more with the carousel as centerpiece. The gift shop offers handcrafted ornaments, books and gifts to provide continuing support for the community treasure.
Open year-round, visitors can climb aboard the carousel’s critters or hop in a covered wagon. For more: salemcarousel.org Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Experi.