If you grew up in the area, then you most likely have memories of riding this famous carousel in City Park. Known to locals as the “flying horses,” this magical carousel has been enchanting children for over a century, and every day a new generation gets to experience the fun.
The carousel at City Park dates back to 1906, making it the oldest ride in the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.
New Orleans City Park/Facebook Even though the carousel itself dates back to 1906, some of the animal figures date back to 1885. It’s one of only 100 hand-carved carousels remaining in the country, and the only one in Louisiana.
Originally, the carousel was located along City Park Avenue.
New Orleans City Park/Facebook It was moved to its current location in 1928.
The animals were all carved and hand painted by Charles Looff and Charles Carmel.
neworleanscitypark.com You can spot the Looff animal figures by looking for the faux gem stones that are embedded in the animals.
The carousel contains 56 animals.
neworleanscitypark.com There are 53 horses and one lion, a giraffe, and a camel plus two chariots. The hardest decision of a child’s day is deciding on what animal to ride. Fun fact: the lion weighs 500lbs!
It’s the details that truly make this carousel one-of-a-kind.
New Orleans City Park/Facebook The horses have real horse hair tails, and are replaced every other year.
The animals receive so much love that they need to be touched up every two years.
New Orleans City Park/Facebook A process that’s still done by hand! Bill Finkenstein and WRF Designs comes in annually to do touch ups, and they are repainted every two years.
Ever wondered how the “flying horses” nickname came to be?
neworleanscitypark.com Of the 53 horses, 30 of them move up and down, and are called “flyers”.
So next time you find yourself in City Park, go ahead and relive your childhood and take a spin on this antique carousel.
New Orleans City Park/Facebook City Park is located at 1 Palm Drive
New Orleans, LA 70124
Share your memories of this beloved carousel in the comments below!
New Orleans City Park/Facebook
Even though the carousel itself dates back to 1906, some of the animal figures date back to 1885. It’s one of only 100 hand-carved carousels remaining in the country, and the only one in Louisiana.
It was moved to its current location in 1928.
neworleanscitypark.com
You can spot the Looff animal figures by looking for the faux gem stones that are embedded in the animals.
There are 53 horses and one lion, a giraffe, and a camel plus two chariots. The hardest decision of a child’s day is deciding on what animal to ride. Fun fact: the lion weighs 500lbs!
The horses have real horse hair tails, and are replaced every other year.
A process that’s still done by hand! Bill Finkenstein and WRF Designs comes in annually to do touch ups, and they are repainted every two years.
Of the 53 horses, 30 of them move up and down, and are called “flyers”.
City Park is located at 1 Palm Drive
New Orleans, LA 70124
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, 7 Victory Ave, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA
