Carousels

A carousel, or merry-go-round, is an amusement park ride consisting of a rotating circular platform with seats for riders. The "seats" are traditionally in the form of rows of wooden horses or other animals mounted on poles. Many, if not most of them are moved up and down by gearwork. The animals that go up and down are called jumpers.

The most traditional carousel animal is the horse, but many other kinds of animals can be found. zebras, tigers, lions, pigs, deer, dogs, cats, frogs, eagles and other birds might be on them. Sea monsters, dragons, unicorns and other mythological creatures are often on them too.

In America in particular, beautiful carousels were built at the turn of the 20th century. Some of them have been restored and are still operating today. Many carousels made today are beautiful replicas of the old ones.

Other carousels being made today are centered on a special theme. The Detroit Zoological park has a carousel based on all of the different animals they have at the zoo. Comerica Park, the home stadium of the Detroit Tigers has an all Tiger merry go round.