J&S Carousel

The J & S Carousel is a full-size antique carousel located in Davenport Park in St. Augustine, just north of the historic district. Kids love riding the painted horses (and one camel) as they go up and down while the carousel turns and the calliope music plays. Children and adults are welcome to hop aboard for $1.00 a ride. Davenport Park is located between San Marco Avenue and U.S. 1 on San Carlos Avenue, next to the Public Library building. The park includes a playground, with swings, monkey bars, slides (both open and closed), and a handicapped-accessible play structure. Originally called the C.W. Parker Carousel and built in 1927, the carousel was later purchased by a Ringling Brothers circus performer for $25,000. The carousel then went from a barn in Mystique, Michigan, to a children's zoo in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In 1992, the carousel was restored by James Soules and Carl Theel, and it was brought to Davenport Park here in St. Augustine in 1994. Renamed the J & S Carousel, it has been delighting children and adults -- both residents and visitors -- ever since.