Story City Antique Carousel - Story City, Iowa

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 Story City Antique Carousel - Story City, Iowa

Visitors to Story City can ride on a restored 1913 Hershel-Spillman antique carousel. Iowa’s only operating antique carousel will be whirling to the merry calliope tunes throughout the summer months. The restored merry-go-round is located in Story City’s picturesque North Park along the Skunk River, and will transport you back in time as you take a leisurely ride.

One of a vanishing species, this fun machine was built in 1913 by the Herschell-Spillman Co. of Tonawanda, New York. It was originally owned by P.T. Gifford of Grundy Center, Iowa. Gifford traveled the Iowa countryside taking the carousel to county fairs and town celebrations, including Story City’s Independence Day galas.

The splendid wooden figures are hand-carved from poplar and include 20 horses, two chickens, two pigs, two dogs, two chariots, and a whirling tub. Calliope tunes are generated by a 1936 Wurlitzer Military Band organ housed in the center of the carousel.

Admission – Fee is charged

Directions – in North Park

Hours – noon – 6:00 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday; noon – 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday; Memorial Day – Labor Day; noon – 8:00 p.m., Saturday – Sunday, May and September

Credit Cards – None

Phone – (515) 733-4214