Herschel-Spillman Two-Row Portable Menagerie Carousel

The Herschel-Spillman Two-Row Portable Menagerie Carousel is a historic ride with carved horses, pigs, chickens, and chariots arranged in two concentric circles. It sits permanently under a pavilion built in 1982 at North Park, located at the corner of Story Street and Grove Avenue.

The carousel was built in 1913 by the Herschell Spillman Company of North Tonawanda, New York, and became part of Story City in 1938. It represents a period when traveling rides were key parts of American entertainment.

The carousel displays an Uncle Sam figure, pig and chicken pairs, and a lovers tub that show what Americans enjoyed in early twentieth-century entertainment. These carved characters reveal the kinds of rides and amusements that families wanted to experience.

The carousel operates seasonally and sits under a protective pavilion that keeps it accessible in any weather. Check ahead for operating times since hours vary throughout the year.

The carousel uses an under-animal scissor support system for its carved figures, an engineering approach that was unusual for the time. This technical feature shows how makers solved problems with moving rides safely.

Location: Iowa

GPS coordinates: 42.18806,-93.58778

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:03