A visit to the Merry-Go-Round Museum conjures this famous quote: Come with me and you'll be in a world of pure imagination. Willy Wonka knew that he created a magical little world inside his chocolate factory, and when he allowed a few members of the public in... well, they were in awe. While some of the visitors had… unusual… experiences at Wonka’s factory, you don’t have to worry about such things at this enchanting place.

Rather than a chocolate river (and cavities from all that sugar), you’ll find other notes of nostalgia and cherished childhood memories at this real-life wonderland featuring music, movement, and marvelous merry-go-rounds. The best part? It’s just a short drive from Cleveland, so there’s no better place to go when you need to add a little magic to your life.

Museums in Sandusky, Ohio are just some of the overflowing, splendid attractions, but nowhere is quite as magical as the Merry-Go-Round Museum.

Located inside the former post office on Jackson Street, you’ll find a museum that has delighted visitors since 1990. This museum preserves and celebrates the legacy of the carousel in a hands-on way that attracts people from all around the world.

Visitors encounter exhibits, a working woodcarving shop, and a working carousel that you can actually ride.

We are always impressed by the museum's dedication to preservation, and amazed by the skills of the in-house carvers.

Carousel animals are beautiful works of art, and the team here truly knows how to bring each piece to life. The museum’s restoration shop uses carving techniques that have been in existence for hundreds of years, striving for historical accuracy and working to preserve tradition at the same time.

The museum also has an unusual surprise: It’s said to be haunted, but don't worry - the spirits here are pretty friendly.

Paranormal experts suggest that certain objects within the museum may be keeping the spirits around. Muller’s Military Horse, for example, is a replica of one particularly beloved by its carver’s wife, and her spirit reportedly chose to spend part of her afterlife continuing to ride the replica just as she did the original.

The ghostly girl, too, is reportedly attached to an item that came to the museum from an estate.

The specific item remains a mystery, but her spirit leaves behind small footprints, and guests have heard her giggle and even playfully tug on their clothing or hair.

During the tour, you'll be mesmerized by the beauty of the museum's fully restored collection.

Today, only about 200 original wooden carousels are operating in our country, making the iconic carousel something of a fading childhood memory.

This museum's menagerie is unlike anything you'll ever see outside of your childhood imagination.

The animals at this Merry-Go-Round Museum near Cleveland, Ohio, may not make a peep, but visitors enjoy taking in their originality and the playful notes of organ music.

Ohio's most magical museum is doubtlessly the Merry-Go-Round Museum.

For general information, hours, and prices, visit the Merry-Go-Round Museum's website and follow along on its Facebook page.

There is no place to go to compare with your imagination, but this Merry-Go-Round museum is doubtlessly the closest thing to it in real life. Which carousel animal is your favorite?

And after your visit, enjoy an excellent meal at The Original Margaritaville in Sandusky, Ohio. And here are some more fun attractions in Cleveland.