Posted in New Orleans
June 29, 2018
There’s No Other Carousel In The World Quite Like This One In New Orleans
Editor’s Note: the historic carousel below is currently undergoing repairs. You can periodically check the official website here for a reopening date.
If you grew up in the area, then you most likely have memories of riding this famous carousel in City Park. Known to locals as the “flying horses,” this magical carousel has been enchanting children for over a century, and every day a new generation gets to experience the fun.
Even though the carousel itself dates back to 1906, some of the animal figures date back to 1885. It’s one of only 100 hand-carved carousels remaining in the country, and the only one in Louisiana.
It was moved to its current location in 1928.
You can spot the Looff animal figures by looking for the faux gem stones that are embedded in the animals.
There are 53 horses and one lion, a giraffe, and a camel plus two chariots. The hardest decision of a child’s day is deciding on what animal to ride. Fun fact: the lion weighs 500lbs!
The horses have real horse hair tails, and are replaced every other year.
A process that’s still done by hand! Bill Finkenstein and WRF Designs comes in annually to do touch ups, and they are repainted every two years.
Of the 53 horses, 30 of them move up and down, and are called "flyers".
City Park is located at 1 Palm Drive
New Orleans, LA 70124
New Orleans, LA 70124
Share your memories of this beloved carousel in the comments below!
Address: Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, 7 Victory Ave, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA
