Of all the amenities at Highland Park in Mississippi, none quite compare to the Dentzel Carousel. A unique antique, it was built over a century ago and is one of only a handful of Dentzel Carousels remaining in the U.S. It’s a rare gem, and it’s right here in Mississippi!
A city park with a lot of perks, Highland Park in Meridian features a museum, swimming pool, duck pond, playground, picnic areas, craft center, sports fields, and…
George Dawson/Google
…a Dentzel Carousel!
Nadine B/Trip Advisor Carousels crafted by the Dentzel Carousel Company are recognizable by their menagerie of hand-carved wooden animals and chariots. As you can imagine, building the carousels took a great deal of time, which is why the company only built about two or three carousels per year.
Work on the carousel at Highland Park began back in 1896!
Jacob/Google When complete, it made its debut at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904. A few years later, in 1909, the city of Meridian purchased the carousel for $2,000. Today, it’s worth more than $1 million.
The carousel has been delighting people of all ages ever since its move to Meridian.
Jacob/Google Riders can choose from horses, deer, antelope, giraffes, a lion, tiger, or double-seat chariots. What’s more, the carousel spins surprisingly fast.
Meridian’s Dentzel Carousel is special for several reasons.
Marie Lang (WoodzWifey)/Google In addition to being one of only seven Dentzel Carousels left in the U.S., it’s the only two-row stationary Dentzel Carousel known to exist.
The building that houses the carousel is also quite special.
Aaron Price/Google Built in 1909 using Dentzel blueprints, the carousel house at Highland Park is the only building of its kind still standing.
Today, both the carousel and carousel house are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Nadine B/Trip Advisor
Operating hours for the Dentzel Carousel vary seasonally. Plus, it closes from time to time for maintenance, so make sure to check if it’s open prior to visiting. For more information on Mississippi’s Dentzel Carousel as well as Highland Park, check out the Visit Meridian website.
George Dawson/Google
Nadine B/Trip Advisor
Carousels crafted by the Dentzel Carousel Company are recognizable by their menagerie of hand-carved wooden animals and chariots. As you can imagine, building the carousels took a great deal of time, which is why the company only built about two or three carousels per year.
Jacob/Google
When complete, it made its debut at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904. A few years later, in 1909, the city of Meridian purchased the carousel for $2,000. Today, it’s worth more than $1 million.
Riders can choose from horses, deer, antelope, giraffes, a lion, tiger, or double-seat chariots. What’s more, the carousel spins surprisingly fast.
Marie Lang (WoodzWifey)/Google
In addition to being one of only seven Dentzel Carousels left in the U.S., it’s the only two-row stationary Dentzel Carousel known to exist.
Aaron Price/Google
Built in 1909 using Dentzel blueprints, the carousel house at Highland Park is the only building of its kind still standing.
Highland Park isn’t the only must-visit in Meridian. There’s also Weidmann’s. Opened in 1870, it’s the oldest restaurant in Mississippi; however, that’s not its only claim to fame.
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Address: Highland Park, 1720 Jimmie Rogers Memorial Dr, Meridian, MS 39307, USA
