Herschel-Spillman Two-Row Portable Menagerie Carousel, Historic carousel in Story City, United States.

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, for temporary setup and use. P.T. Gifford of Iowa Falls brought it to Story City every other Fourth of July, alternating with Eldora. When that arrangement fell through, the Greater Community Congress bought it for $1,200 in 1938. It was stored in a grain elevator until 1981, when it was restored and a pavilion was built.

The carousel's carved menagerie includes horses, pigs, chickens and chariots; the Uncle Sam chariot, the pig and chicken pairs, and the lovers tub are considered rare. P.T. Gifford of Iowa Falls brought it to Story City every other Fourth of July, alternating with Eldora, before the town bought it in 1938.

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.