Kit Carson County Carousel
- Admission
- $1.00 museum admission, $1.00 per ride
- Hours
- 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily (Memorial Day through Labor Day)
- Duration
- 45-90 minutes
- Parking
- Free parking is available on-site at the Kit Carson County Fairgrounds.
- Access
- Wheelchair ramp access to the carousel building, though boarding individual animals may require assistance.
This fully restored 1905 Philadelphia Toboggan Company carousel is one of the few surviving wooden carousels in America still wearing its original paint. Visitors can ride the hand-carved animals while listening to a powerful, original Monster band organ. It is a National Historic Landmark that offers a rare step back in time.
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Located at the Kit Carson County Fairgrounds in Burlington, Colorado, this historic treasure is a fully restored 1905 Philadelphia Toboggan Company carousel. It is one of the world's few remaining fully operational wooden carousels of its era, featuring 46 hand-carved animals painted with exquisite detail. The carousel is particularly famous for being the only antique carousel in America still retaining its original paint.
Visitors can ride these masterfully crafted creatures, which include exotic lions, tigers, and giraffes alongside traditional horses, all revolving around a central core of original oil paintings. The entire experience is accompanied by the powerful, nostalgic music of a 1909 Wurlitzer Monster Military Band Organ.
Designated as a National Historic Landmark, the carousel is housed in a protective dodecahedron building to preserve its delicate structure. It remains a rare, living piece of American folk art that offers an authentic trip back to the golden age of amusement parks.
Ratings
attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Bring cash, as the nominal fee to ride the carousel and tour the museum is highly affordable but cash-preferred.
- ◆ Take time to appreciate the detailed oil paintings on the inner scenery panels, which depict early 20th-century landscapes.
- ◆ Visit during the Kit Carson County Fair in late July to experience the carousel at its liveliest.
- ◆ Be sure to check out the small on-site museum that details the painstaking restoration process of the animals and the organ.
Heads Up
- ◆ The carousel operates seasonally, typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day, so verify hours before planning an off-season trip.
- ◆ The Wurlitzer band organ is extremely loud when operating, which may be overwhelming for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
- ◆ Due to the delicate historic nature of the hand-carved animals, riders must follow strict guidelines regarding handling and mounting the figures.
Common questions
Can you actually ride the Kit Carson County Carousel?
Yes, visitors of all ages can ride the carousel during its operational season. It is fully functional and operates daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Is the carousel music a live organ or a recording?
The music is live, played by an original 1909 Wurlitzer Monster Military Band Organ. It is one of the few remaining operational organs of its type in its original location.
Are the carousel animals painted with their original paint?
Yes, this is the only antique wooden carousel in America that still retains its original 1905 paint. The paint has been carefully conserved rather than stripped and repainted.
Is the carousel open during the winter months?
No, the carousel is closed during the fall and winter to protect the delicate wooden figures from cold temperatures. It is only open to the public from Memorial Day to Labor Day.