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“Popular attraction since 1871”
About 250,000 people take a ride on the Central Park Carousel every year.The famous ride has been very popular since 1871 when the original attraction opened. At first, the Carousel was not received positively; the park commissioners objected to having commercial enterprises in the park. However, since it was such a success, they eventually realized the potential value of the ride’s revenue. Since then, there have been four different models on the site, each of which has served as a pastime in Central Park. A favorite of park-goers, the first Carousel remained in operation until 1924. It was powered by a mule and horse who walked in a hidden compartment underground below the attraction. The animals were trained to start and stop with a foot tap from the ride’s operator above ground. The next two Carousels in the park were steam-powered and both destroyed by fire. In 1950, the Department of Parks and Recreation began to search for a replacement model and they found one abandoned in an old trolley terminal in Brooklyn’s Coney Island. Originally crafted in 1908 by Solomon Stein and Harry Goldstein, the current Carousel is one of the nation's largest merry-go-rounds, featuring 57 hand-carved horses and two decorative chariots. While still in working condition, it is over 100 years old and has undergone many rounds of repair and maintenance. In 1982, a donation from Alan and Katherine Stroock went to the cause and the Central Park Conservancy also restored the surrounding area and plaza with an upgrade in 1990. Currently, the organization is still working to make sure each individual horse is also restored. $3 for a 3 and a half minute ride (cash only) Open daily April–November, 10:00am-6:00pm, weather permitting Open weekends November-April 10:00am-4:30pm, weather permitting
This was such a cute experience! Heads up- you are NOT supposed to record or take photos, but I didn't notice the signs and accidentally did. Won't post any photos but do recommend. It's just a... Read more
This was a cute spot to walk the kids to. $3.50 per ticket. Typical but nostalgic. Also lots of playgrounds nearby where the kids ran around. They loved it all and it was just a beautiful day out... Read more
Such a cute and fun little experience while in Central Park. You can purchase tickets online or you can purchase at the ticket booth. It's only $3.50 for about maybe a 5min ride. I didn't time it,... Read more
Central Park Carousel
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
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