Information
Landmark: Merry-Go-Round MuseumCity: Sandusky
Country: USA Ohio
Continent: North America
Merry-Go-Round Museum, Sandusky, USA Ohio, North America
Overview
In Sandusky, Ohio, the Merry-Go-Round Museum keeps carousel history alive, showcasing the artistry and fine craftsmanship behind every painted horse and gleaming brass pole.Inside the old Sandusky Post Office-its brick walls still echoing decades of footsteps and letters-the museum invites visitors to step into the golden age of carousel art and classic amusement rides.The museum was founded to protect antique carousel figures, display relics of carousel craft, and share the story of carousel making-right down to the smell of old varnish on carved wooden horses.The building draws you in with its classic lines and carved stone trim, carrying the quiet charm of early 20th-century America.Right in the middle of the museum stands a 1939 Allan Herschell carousel, its painted horses frozen mid-gallop.Unlike the old carousels with their polished wooden horses and painted lions, this one showed up without a single figure.Over the years, devoted volunteers have carved and brought back to life more than 30 figures, from a snarling sea monster to a striped zebra and a regal French-style lion.At the museum, you can hop onto the old carousel, its painted horses gleaming, and your ticket already covers one ride.The museum’s exhibits span a wide range, from rare artifacts to whimsical displays like Carousel Animals-intricately carved and brightly painted figures, each bearing the marks of its era and maker.Carving Tools and Demonstrations: In the museum’s bustling woodcarving shop, skilled artisans shape carousel animals before your eyes, the scent of fresh cedar drifting through the air as they reveal the craft behind each stroke.Historical artifacts include original tools worn smooth from years of use, detailed blueprints, and faded photographs that capture the history and craft of building carousels.One standout piece is a four-foot-tall rooster, its feathers etched in wood by celebrated carousel maker Gustav Dentzel.The museum offers a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, welcoming everyone from curious toddlers to grandparents pausing over a favorite painting.You can watch artisans carve intricate designs right in front of you, then hop on the gleaming restored carousel, making the visit both fun and full of learning.The museum opens most days around mid-morning and closes by late afternoon, though the schedule shifts with the seasons-sometimes a crisp winter evening sees the doors shut a bit earlier.Your ticket covers entry to all the exhibits and a single spin on the carousel, with its painted horses gleaming under bright lights.Ticket prices depend on age, with seniors and kids getting a break, and toddlers walking in for free.You’ll find the museum at 301 Jackson Street in downtown Sandusky, with free parking tucked just behind the brick building.It’s right next to several local spots-a sunny park, a small museum-so you can easily add it to a bigger day out in the area.The museum also rents out spaces for weddings, parties, and corporate events, whether you need an intimate room or a hall big enough for a crowd.You can stop by the gift shop for carousel‑themed trinkets, colorful books, and one‑of‑a‑kind finds.The Merry-Go-Round Museum offers a one-of-a-kind mix of history, art, and fun, with painted wooden horses that look ready to leap off their carousel.It pulls you into the world of carousels, letting you feel their charm while revealing the rich culture they carry and the meticulous craftsmanship behind each painted horse.Perfect for families, history buffs, and anyone who loves the creak and gleam of a vintage carousel.
