Carousel Museum Collection
In preparation for your year end tax donations, please consider donating to the Carousel Museum's transportation fund! Our permanent collection of carousel animals continues to grow each year. Donations to the collection have come from all over the United States including, Maine, Connecticut, New York, Kansas, Las Vegas, New Jersey, California, and New York. Your support of our transportation fund will help us get these animals to the Museum and into their forever home!
Tours & Group Experiences
Experience the magic, artistry, and history of American carousels through one of our guided group experiences at the Carousel Museum and Museum of Fire History! We design our tours for visitors of all ages and customize them to fit your group’s interests, schedule, and educational goals.
Each guided group experience includes:
• A 1.5-hour guided museum tour
• Time to explore the museum collections
• 30 minutes in our beautiful Ballroom for lunch, relaxation, or group gathering time
Reservation Information
Advance reservations are required for all group tours.
Group tours must be reserved 1–2 weeks in advance to ensure availability and schedule accommodations.
Lunch Information
Groups are welcome to bring their lunches and enjoy them in our beautiful ballroom during their scheduled lunch period.
Outreach & Museum Education Programs
The Carousel Museum offers four unique Education & Outreach Programs designed for schools, libraries, community groups, and visitors of all ages. These engaging presentations explore carousel history, construction, restoration, amusement parks, and carousel traditions around the world through lectures, visual materials, and interactive learning experiences. Programs may be hosted at the museum or presented as outreach events at your location.
Introduction to the Carousel History
An engaging introduction to the history, art, and construction of the carousel. Participants will learn where carousels originated, how they became popular in America, and who the master carvers and builders were behind these iconic amusement rides. The program explores the craftsmanship of carousel animals, decorative artwork, and the cultural importance of carousels throughout history. Ideal for schools, community groups, senior centers, and museum visitors of all ages.
Amusement Parks: Then & Now
Explore the golden age of amusement parks and the important role carousels played in American entertainment history. Through historic photographs, stories, and discussion, participants will compare early amusement parks with modern attractions and reflect on how recreation and family entertainment have changed over time. This nostalgic and educational presentation is especially well suited for intergenerational audiences and local history programs.
How Does a Carousel Work?
Discover the fascinating mechanics behind carousel operation and construction. This hands-on educational program explains how carousel platforms move, how the animals are mounted, and how the ride’s motion is created. Participants will also learn about restoration techniques used to preserve historic carousel animals and machines. The program can include interactive building activities using LEGO-style construction elements to demonstrate simple engineering concepts for younger audiences.
Carousels Around the World
Take a journey across continents to discover how different cultures interpreted and designed carousels. This program highlights carousel traditions in Europe, South America, Asia, and the United States, examining the unique artistic styles, animals, and decorative features found around the world. Participants will gain a broader appreciation for the global history and cultural significance of carousel art and amusement traditions.