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A carousel has the near-magical ability to make everyone laugh with delight. Learn about the history of carousels and experience the thrill at the C. W. Parker Carousel Museum in Leavenworth, Kansas.
We watched adults riding the carousel regress into their childhood right before our eyes. World-class magicians could not have done a better job transporting people back in time. Men and women hardened from years of adulthood began giggling, then laughing louder after each whirl around. And it happened to us too. Like a blossoming spring flower, petals of joy slowly opened inside us until the aroma of its sweet nectar filled every cell in our bodies with glee. Something magical happens when you ride a carousel, and you can explore the history and go for a whirl when you visit the C. W. Parker Carousel Museum in Leavenworth, Kansas. Read on for what kids of all ages can enjoy when they visit the carousel museum.
Antique Wood Horses And Carousels
We arrived early at the C. W. Parker Carousel Museum in the small town of Leavenworth, Kansas . We slowly opened the door, and a group of volunteers invited us to look around the museum.
Through antique wood-carved carousel horses and carnival exhibits, a partial view of an old carousel in another room grabbed our attention. One volunteer encouraged us to look at it. The museum’s showcase piece—a completely restored 1913 model Parker Carry-Us-All carousel with brightly painted horses—sparked our curiosity. We walked around admiring details on each restored piece of the carousel.
On one side, a yellow spinning tea cup sat with flowers painted on the outside and inside a circular cushioned red seat wrapped around a brass pole. A chariot, known as a lover’s seat, with a green-painted dragon on each side, sat opposite the teacup. Both nestled between rows of spirited animals with vertical brass poles running through their bodies in front of the saddle.
Hand-carved wooden carousel horses on display. Photo by Tom and Kristi Manus
The Best Attraction in Leavenworth, Kansas
One particular volunteer, a man who clearly knew every inch of the machine, said, “Wanna ride?”
Our eyebrows cocked a little to one side. “It runs?”
“You bet it does. Hop on!”
Before we could answer, he cranked up the power, fully illuminating the carousel like an old downtown theater marquee.
“How much, and shouldn’t we wait for everyone else to arrive?”
Scurrying across the concrete warehouse floor, he shouted, “No charge and you can have this ride all to yourself.” He didn’t need to ask us twice.
Within no time, two dragon heads became our bookends in the chariot’s front row. Grinning ear-to-ear, he gripped a chest-high steampunk-type lever with both hands. Instantly, we felt the 1913 carousel’s frame pull us forward like industrial-size metal gears had been holding thoroughbred horses back. Off we go! Getting up to speed didn’t take long, either. This over-a-century-old amusement ride is one of the fastest carousels made. A few minutes of quiet whizzing around was a peaceful and relaxing moment we shared.
Riders of all ages can sit in the dragon chariot. Photo by Tom and Kristi Manus
Out of nowhere, loud body-thumping music blasted through the carousel’s music machine—an Artizan A-X-1 band organ with air-driven pipes, drums, cymbals, and horns. From a dead silence, booming heart-stopping traveling carnival music filled the air without warning, yet our resistance melted into a joyous, enthusiastic adventure.
Hear and feel classic carnival music from the carousel’s Artizan A-X-1 band organ. Photo by Tom and Kristi Manus
An Experience Better Than We Expected
We expected a short, easy-going sample ride, but we agreed this was the fastest and longest ride we had ever had. With the volunteer operator still smiling, it’s debatable who had the most fun. With the wind in our hair and carnival songs in our hearts, rotations slowed down before we happily stepped off. At the same time, others trickled in and hopped on galloping horses.
Carousels Bring Joy
People rode horses. Up and down. Round and round. We watched from a nearby bench, beaming the entire time. Men and women alike expressed reserved faces at first. Steadily, each person cracked a smile, some quicker than others. We waved to carousel riders when they rotated around and faced us. Most waved back with wildly flailing arms, appearing as if helium lifted them above their heads. Bright wooden horses carrying happy people spun around, and we watched each rotation of glorious smiles and waves identical to children leaning back and gesturing to their parents.
Near the end of the ride, one stoic man in a dark sports jacket finally allowed a little emotion to leak out with a hint of a smile through thinly cracked lips. Initially, he seemed captive, stuck on his horse, unemotionally staring straight ahead from being detained at the operator’s mercy. Clearly, his assumption of a two-minute trial-size ride was wrong. Finally, his grip on the brass pole loosened, and his shoulders slightly relaxed, although it took about sixty rotations. As hard as we tried, we couldn’t get him to wave back.
Carousel art. Photo by Tom and Kristi Manus
Feel Like a Kid Again on the C.W. Parker Carousel
We couldn’t let our time end at the carousel museum without one more ride. Before we stepped onto the platform, we passed a middle-aged lady standing alone, staring reluctantly at a horse. She stood within arm’s length of its saddle, one step away from adult liberation. Turmoil engulfed her face as she gazed at a row of horses, silently deliberating. It must have taken everything within her to express her desire to ride.
“This looks like so much fun, but I don’t think I will ride this time,” she said.
Recognizing her disappointment, we asked if there was a reason why.
She responded, “I think climbing onto the saddle would be too difficult.”
We understood. “That’s not a problem. We’re going to the dragon chariot. Come ride with us.” She stepped into the bench seat behind us, happy to be included.
Soon, the ride started turning, and soft giggles began behind us. Carnival music quickly transformed giggles into joyful laughter that cut through the Artizan’s thundering organ music and deep drumbeats. She laughed like a child throughout the ride, as if Christmas morning had finally arrived. When the carousel ride ended, we stepped off together, and she admitted she had the time of her life.
Ride over 100-year-old hand-carved wooden horses at the museum. Photo by Tom and Kristi Manus
The C.W. Parker Carousel Museum is a Treat for All Ages
Our group playfully laughed while riding on the carousel. Furthermore, people bonded, whether on the carousel or talking after a ride. Riding this magical carousel turned strangers into friends and family. Occasionally, we checked in on the carousel operator to see if he ever stopped smiling. Each time he looked delighted. Understandably, he became the man of the hour by ensuring everyone took home memories to last a lifetime.
Seeing everyone smiling and laughing reminded us of a scene in the movie—The Santa Clause 2—when Scott Calvin (aka Santa Claus) gave the high school faculty surprise gifts at their Christmas party. Because he was Santa, he knew every faculty member’s secret gift they never received as kids. One by one, he passed out each person’s unfulfilled gift leading to the entire gym becoming one big happy party. Adults turned into children playing together with their toys, games, and dolls. Although we will never know the carousel volunteer’s name, this day, he reminded us of jolly Saint Nick.
An aluminum 1950s Paul Parker carousel. Photo by Tom and Kristi Manus
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If You Go to the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum
The C.W. Parker Carousel Museum contains artifacts, history, and carnival pieces. For instance, an aluminum 1950s Paul Parker carousel and a wooden Flying Horse Carousel, believed to be the oldest in America, were built between 1850 and 1860. However, on the Parker Carry-Us-All, each one-of-a-kind animal is hand carved. In particular, two white rabbits, the only Parker carousel with rabbits.
These two rabbits are the only stretch-style carousel rabbits in existence. Photo by Tom and Kristi Manus
The museum is open only on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. Cost is $5 for a self-guided tour; $6 for a guided tour with a carousel ride; $1.50 for a single ride, $4 for four rides, or $20 for a 20-ride punch card. You might enjoy visiting on National Carousel Day, held yearly on July 25th.
The next time you see a carousel, venture out of your safe place, take a ride, and feel the joy of being a kid again. Let Wander With Wonder be your guide when planning a family trip to create memories, a visit to Kansas , or other outdoor activities .
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Feel Like a Kid at the C. W. Parker Carousel Museum
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