The historic Kit Carson County Carousel 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 which ultimately lost them their jobs.  The Carousel was completely restored to its original condition for Colorado’s Centennial in 1976. 

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 trails 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 were 4 chariots to accommodate riders who would rather not climb onto an animal.  The back of each chariot has an original painted landscape and the 45 original oil paintings have also been restored.  Music is provided by an 1912 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.

The Carousel is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and admission is only 25¢.  Old Town Museum provides horse drawn wagon rides to the Carousel on weekends during the summer months.

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.