Elitch Gardens Carousel

The Elitch Gardens Carousel is a spinning horse ride featuring 67 hand-carved wooden horses and chariots built by craftsmen from Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters. The ride consists of these ornately decorated vehicles arranged in a traditional circular formation that still retains its original structure today.

This carousel was built in 1905 and operated at Elitch Gardens until 1928, when the local community purchased it during the Great Depression. The public acquisition allowed this attraction to be preserved for future generations.

The carousel preserves its original paint on all decorative elements and figures, showing the skilled craftsmanship and entertainment customs of the early 1900s. These carefully maintained details help visitors understand the artistry that went into creating these spinning attractions.

Visitors should know that children under 36 inches tall require adult supervision on the ride, and very small children cannot participate. It helps to check conditions beforehand since weather and other factors can affect whether the ride is available.

This carousel stands out for its unusual collection of figures that includes camels, giraffes, and zebras alongside the traditional horses. These exotic animals were preserved along with an original 1909 Wurlitzer military organ that still plays music today.

Location: Colorado

Architects: Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters

GPS coordinates: 39.31000,-102.26944

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:05