Everyone loves a gorgeous merry-go-round. From the realistic critters to the bright lights, these spinning attractions have delighted children for about 200 years. Indiana is home to two historic carousels that were handmade by the first carousel makers in the world. Check them out:
In the 1800s, the Dentzel family were known as carousel makers in Germany. Their craft was brought to America in 1867 by Gustov Dentzel, the son of the original carousel maker, who set up shop in Philadelphia.
Google/Aaron Haney
Dentzel’s Carousel Company went out of business in 1928. Gustov died in 1909 and his son took over until the Great Depression caused it to be shut down so that the metal and wood used to make them could be reserved.
Google/Ryan Buck
Indiana is home to two of these historic carousels. The Logansport Cass County Dentzel Carousel sits on the north side of the state and is more than 100 years old. This hand-carved work of art sat in a park in Fort Wayne until 1919, and then it traded owners many times over the years.
Wikimedia Commons/Kevin Burkett This carousel was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987 and is currently enjoyed by Hoosiers of all ages. Check the Cass County Dentzel Carousel website here for hours of operation.
Indiana’s second carousel is known as the Broad Ripple Park Carousel as that is where it used to sit. Though it took several years, it was acquired by the Indianapolis Children’s Museum in 1969, and it has been restored to its original beauty.
Wikimedia Commons/Gustav Dentzel This carousel came to Indiana in 1917 and was included in an amusement park called White City which sat on the White River. It was later acquired by the city before falling into disrepair in 1956 when the roof collapsed. In 1987, it was declared a National Historic Landmark, and today, it sits on the fourth floor of the children’s museum. Get hours of operation on its website here.
Each carousel is adorned with intricate carvings and animals that range from deer to giraffes to goats. It is absolutely amazing that these unique masterpieces are still around and in working order.
Flickr/Kevin Burkett
For more historic attractions, check out these nine places where you can still experience old Indiana.
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Wikimedia Commons/Kevin Burkett
This carousel was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987 and is currently enjoyed by Hoosiers of all ages. Check the Cass County Dentzel Carousel website here for hours of operation.
Wikimedia Commons/Gustav Dentzel
This carousel came to Indiana in 1917 and was included in an amusement park called White City which sat on the White River. It was later acquired by the city before falling into disrepair in 1956 when the roof collapsed. In 1987, it was declared a National Historic Landmark, and today, it sits on the fourth floor of the children’s museum. Get hours of operation on its website here.
Flickr/Kevin Burkett
If you’ve ever taken a ride on one of these historic carousels, we’d love to hear from you. Please share your experiences and photos with us below in the comments.
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