America Likes Carousels

There's something timeless about a carousel.

The music begins to play, colorful horses start to rise and fall, and suddenly both children and adults are smiling. For generations, carousels have been a symbol of simple family fun, and one of the finest examples is waiting in Abilene, Kansas.

At the Dickinson County Heritage Center, visitors can ride the beautifully restored 1901 C.W. Parker Carousel, one of the oldest operating Parker carousels in the world.

That isn't surprising when you learn that Abilene was once known as the Carousel Capital of the World.

Charles Wallace Parker began building carousels in Abilene after creating his famous "Carry-Us-All" amusement ride. As demand for his creations grew, the C.W. Parker Amusement Company shipped hand-carved carousels across America and around the world. By the early 1900s, Parker had become one of the nation's leading carousel manufacturers, and Abilene was at the center of the industry.

Today, visitors can experience that history firsthand.

Take a ride on the restored carousel, admire the craftsmanship of its hand-carved wooden horses, and imagine the generations of children who have laughed and reached for the brass ring while riding a Parker masterpiece.

Your visit doesn't end there. The Heritage Center also features exhibits on Dickinson County history, the fascinating Farm Toy Museum, historic buildings, and rotating exhibits that bring the region's stories to life.

Whether you're traveling with children, reliving childhood memories, or checking a historic attraction off your bucket list, the 1901 C.W. Parker Carousel offers an experience that is both nostalgic and uniquely American.

Because America likes carousels, and one of its best is still spinning in Abilene, Kansas.