CW Parker Carousel Museum

Great time for kids. I learned a lot about something I would have never researched. Recommend stopping in if you are in the area to take a ride.

My ex-boyfriend and I spent several hours here one Saturday and had an enchanted visit. He wasn't my ex at the time and the rest of the relationship was definitely a carousel ride so this is Oh-So-Appropriate. lol. We were taking a day trip and looking for adventure when we ended up here.What a treat to find this lovely museum. We watched a video and then were given a tour of the facilities. It was enchanting. I never knew so much about carousels or about Leavenworth history. The staff was exceptional. Everyone was so nice and helpful. You could tell they really enjoyed what they were doing. There was so much to look at and take it. This museum is packed with goodies. Everything is displayed nicely and in an eye catching manner. We enjoyed every minute we were there. The high light was getting to actually ride the carousel and relive childhoods. They have the oldest carousel in North America there on display and it was so interesting. Parking was not a problem. Everything was easy to access and the museum was not overcrowded the day we were there. I don't remember the admission charge but it was not very much. They also have a lovely gift shop.Great place to go back to your childhood, spend some time learning about carousels and just enjoying life for a bit. I will definitely go back just not with the boyfriend. lol.

We had a great time here!The ride over from Kansas City wasn't bad at all, and the admission was cheap.Our (volunteer) guide was friendly and informative.Great displays and (best of all) wonderful carousel music galore.You must indulge yourself and try a spin on the 1906 carousel in place -- it's a blast that'll take you straight back to childhood.

We went by during the holidays when they had the Elf Christmas for kids. The kids shop with the elves for their family and were able to pick from tables of great items, have them wrapped and meet back up with the parents. My son, who was 12yr really enjoyed the event and felt like he was able to find his own gifts for the family and asks about this event this year as well. It will be a family tradition for sure! I love the gift shop and the history of the carousel.

From the moment you leave your car, The journey back to your childhood begins. Carousel music playing outside the museum. Inside you find a turn of the century carousel that is one of the fastest I have ever ridden at a speed of 9 mph . Hang on for a fun and nostalgic ride. The volunteers that staff the museum are extremely friendly and informative. One ride is $1.50 or four for $5.00. I must've met after four consecutive rides I was a little nauseous. This is a great day trip from Kansas City and a unique experience.

Riding a carousel never gets old. Even if at first you're reluctant to go on, you are charmed by the grind of the organ and within seconds of the first spin, you feel carefree, like a kid again. As cliche as that sounds, it's true! And you leave, an adult again, stomach queasy because somehow you've acquired motion sickness over the years.Anyway, let's rewind a bit.When I was a little kid, the highlight of my Friday night would be to go to the local Farmer's Market. This was on Long Island and was more of a flea market, as I don't recall it being anything like the Farmer's Markets I've experienced as an adult. I don't recall the presence of any actual *produce* for example. The reason it was the highlight of my week was because I'd get to ride the merry-go-round. This was an indoor market and, obviously, so was the merry-go-round. It's kind of strange to ride one that is completely indoors, so anytime I do so nowadays, I think back to my experiences at the Farmer's Market merry-go-round. I used to like holding the pole and throwing my head way back so I could gaze up at the tons of dust caught in the hinges.OK, fast forward to the present...(sort of)The Cw Parker Carousel Museum is a delight, something truly unexpected in Leavenworth and it has a 100-year-old restored working carousel that is completely indoors like the one of my childhood. Cue the joy! (not the "Joi." You should never cue me).I'm one of those nerds who has to read every damn sign in a museum (you should have seen me at the Glore Psychiatric Museum in St. Joe!) and there's a lot to read here.The 1913 Carousel is irresistible. There are rabbits you can ride! I love that. Each animal has been restored (in 2005) to its former glory. If you look at the website, you'll notice that each of the animals has a name, and, this is pure speculation on my part, I daresay a soul. Next to the operating carousel, there is a "primitive" carousel, that is, the oldest operating carousel in the US (possibly from the 1850s) on permanent loan to the Parker from the National Carousel Association (can I join that?). Although it's too fragile to ride, the museum will have someone give you a demonstration, if you so desire. Apparently the last time it was used was in a Baltimore park in the 1920s.Before leaving the museum, you'll want to visit the gift shop (you know you want to buy one of those carousel horse statues, or even a CD of that evocative carousel music) and press a penny.

We like unusual kinds of museums and this one definitely qualifies. I love going someplace, knowing nothing about the product or industry, and then coming away with a head full of new knowledge. Within the walls of this small museum, I learned about CW Parker and his amazing craftsmanship on wooden carousel horses. It was a treat to see how the carousels developed - from the first very primitive example in the museum itself to pieces representing the evolution of work on the carousel horses. Who knew a painted corncob on the horse signaled where it was actually made???? In addition to wandering through the exhibits finding out all kinds of interesting facts, you can also ride a CW Parker carousel. Probably the world's fastest moving circle of wooden horses ever! If you put a child on this carousel, better stand close by and get ready to catch them if they fall off in the rush of movement. A nice little addendum to the carousel lore is an exhibit on the Wurlitzer organs that play for these carousels. The people running the museum and teeny little gift shop are great. Our guy was knowledgeable and seemed very proud of how the museum was laid out. This is what you want when you visit a place like this - folks who are invested in what they're telling you about. Parking was on the street but we had no problems finding a space. After we'd toured inside the museum, we kept the car parked and went across the street to a walking path along the river. The little pocket park is beautifully maintained.

Leavenworth's claim to fame used to be a Carousel factory around the turn of the century. Turn the page a hundred years and the demand is long gone, but the nostalgia remains. They were having a celebration here with free cake (of a Rice Krispie Treat Horse), ice cream carousel cake, and inexpensive carousel rides. My wife begged me to take her. I think most of the staff were seniors and volunteers and quite friendly. The detail on these carousels is quite amazing. They have some fully restored. We didn't tour the whole museum, but it was neat. I liked the getup the older man wore that befit someone from the 1920's carnival.Don't forget to check the river park across the street! It's beautiful.

The historic carousel in the main area is fast and exhilarating to ride for children and adults. Even if you don't come to see the museum, at least ride the carousel a couple times. The museum is neat too. I learned many new things about the carousel history and manufacture.

This'll be a little different from their other reviews. I rented a large room and the use of the carousel for a rehearsal supper for our son's wedding.The staff, who are all volunteers were so helpful and gracious in their help to make the evening the success it was.The room was perfect for the supper and I'll be suggesting it to everyone I know for gatherings. The carousel was run for us as often as people wanted to ride, and so much fun was had riding. Folks were laughing and riding over and over. They have a cute gift shop attached that our guests enjoyed and a smashed penny machine that was another hit of the evening.Thanks so much!