Antique Carousel

Located in Story City's North Park
Contact the GCC office for tours and additional information
or to volunteer for a shift and ride for free: (515) 733-4214 or chamber@storycity.net

Hours

Opening Day is May 7 Weekends only in May and September
Sat - Sun, Noon - 8:00 pm

Open Daily starting Memorial Day through Labor Day
Mon - Tues, Noon - 6:00 pm Wed - Sun, Noon - 8:00 pm

$1 per ride; 50¢ popcorn, novelties available; 20-punch pass only $12 or buy 5 rides, get 1 free 50¢ rides Friday nights, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Volunteer with your family or organization and ride for free! (515) 733-4214 or chamber@storycity.net

2011 Calendar of Events

Download Your Printable Calendar (updated calendar coming soon) May 7 - Opening Day, Derby Day - race your horse May 8 - Mother's Day - moms ride free! May 28 - Fairy Princess & Fearless Pirates Party June 3-5 - Scandinavian Days! June 19 - Father's Day! Dads ride FREE! June 25 - Super Hero Party, 7 - 9pm July 4 - Celebrate the 4th with half-price rides and popcorn July 25 - Harry Potter Party, 7 - 9 pm  August 20 - Cruisin' to the Carousel car show

History

Iowa's 1913 antique carousel will be whirling to the merry calliope tunes throughout the summer months. Located in Story City's picturesque North Park along the Skunk River, the restored merry-go-round will transport you back in time as you take a thrilling ride.

This fun machine is a vanishing species built in 1913 by the Herschell-Spillman Co. of Tonawanda, New York. It was originally owned by P.T. Gifford of Grundy Center, Iowa. Gifford traveled the Iowa countryside taking the carousel to county fairs and town celebrations, including Story City's Independence Day galas.

The splendid wooden figures are hand-carved from poplar and include 20 horses, two chickens, two pigs, two dogs, two chariots, and a whirling tub. Calliope tunes are generated by a 1936 Wurlitzer Military Band organ housed in the center of the carousel.

The carousel was purchased from Gifford in 1938 by the Story City Greater Community Congress, and proceeded to delight generations of children. Eventually, time and wear took their toll, and the battered steeds were forced into temporary retirement in 1977.

In 1980, interest in the old merry-go-round was resurrected, and restoration began at The Country Shop in rural Roland, Iowa. Layers of paint were removed, repairs made, and original colors of paint were mixed to match the old shades.

After one and one-half years, the original stencils, colors, and prints were completely restored to their present gleaming condition. A special structure was built to house the carousel, a dedication was held on June 4, 1982.

This summer, come buy a bag of popcorn, climb aboard the carousel, and be a part of the magic that exists among the brass poles, revolving lights, and merry tunes.