Kit Carson County Carousel
The fully restored Kit Carson County carousel features hand-carved and painted wood animals crafted by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1905. The whimsical creatures dance to the tunes of the Wurlitzer Monster Military Band Organ during the summer season. This national historic landmark, located at the fairgrounds, is truly one of America's jewels. For just 25 cents you can ride the historic Kit Carson County carousel!
History of the Carousel
The historic Kit Carson County carousel (also known as PTC number 6) was built in 1905 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company for Elitch Gardens in Denver. The Kit Carson County Commissioners purchased the carousel in 1928 for an extravagant $1,200, a move that ultimately cost them their jobs. The task of restoring the carousel to its original condition began in Colorado's Centennial 1976 and was completed in 2001.
The Carousel features 46 hand carved animals that have been restored to their original paint. The animals have intricate carvings, detailed coats, real antlers on the deer and real horse tails on many of the horses. Hand-painted decorations can be found on each of the carousel figures and saddle trappings are reminiscent of those used on cavalry mounts. There are four chariots to accommodate riders who would rather not climb onto an animal. The back of each chariot has an originally painted landscape and the 45 original oil paintings have also been restored. Music is provided by an 1909 Wurlitzer Monster Military Band Organ.
The carousel is housed in the original 1928 building. A 12-sided cupola sits atop the building and when all 12 doors are open, the building is completely open.
More Information
The carousel and carousel museum is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The carousel museum admission is $1 and the price for a carousel ride is 25 cents.
From Labor Day to Memorial Day, Old Town provides tours and rides of the carousel for groups who schedule tours of the museum and carousel in advance.
For more information about the historic carousel, please visit the Kit Carson Carousel Association's website.