5 Unique Carousels in Minnesota That Are Definitely Worth the Trip

Merry-go-rounds and carousels are those things that bring out anyone's inner child. There's no way you can be unhappy riding on one of those! Anyone in the family will love picking out their perfect animal to ride.

Across Minnesota, there are plenty of merry-go-rounds and carousels to visit. These carousels, though, are the most unique and definitely worth the trip.

ALSO READ: The Ultimate Minnesota Paul Bunyan Road Trip

What's the Difference Between Merry-Go-Rounds and Carousels?

First, we need to talk about the difference between merry-go-rounds and carousels.

I have seen that the difference is that they go in different directions, clockwise versus counterclockwise. But according to The Carousel Museum, that's a myth!

The Carousel Museum says that a merry-go-round and carousel are the same things, it's just the different names used in different countries.

In North America, we more commonly call these rides carousels. In Britain, they call the ride a merry-go-round.

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Unique Carousels to Visit in Minnesota

If you take your kids to one of these unique carousels, everyone is bound to have a good time! Each are at their own unique location with other things to do and they all have their own flair.

Cafesjian Carousel - Como Park, St. Paul

The carousel at Como Park has been there since October 1999. However, it was built in 1914! It has had multiple homes but has been at Como Park since.

The carousel is open Thursday through Monday during the summer and on the weekends through October. However, the carousel can't operate if the temperature is below 45 degrees or above 95 degrees.

Tickets are $4 per person per ride.

Conservation Carousel - Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley

The carousel at the Minnesota Zoo features all kinds of animals that you would see on most carousels. It was custom-built for the zoo and features 56 animals from around the world.

During the summer, they're open every day from 10 AM to 5 PM. From the end of April until Memorial Day, they're open on the weekends, same with in the month of September. This is all weather permitting, though.

Tickets are $4 per person per ride.

Mall of America Carousel

The carousel at MOA is open every day. You can find it in Nickelodeon Universe, but it's been around at least since the Camp Snoopy days. I remember riding this carousel when I was a little kid!

I can't find anything on their website about how much it costs, but I do know you need to pay to ride. I would imagine you need a Nick Universe wristband.

Island Carousel - Maplewood Mall

According to Ampers, the carousel at the Maplewood Mall is "a double-decker Venetian carousel" that was "meticulously designed and transported" from Venice, Italy. They say it's handcrafted and was "reproduced from an 1898 German carousel design". It's beautiful!

I couldn't find how much the tickets cost, but I would imagine it's around $4, like the others.

Lark Toys Carousel - Kellogg

At Lark Toys in Kellogg, you'll find this unique carousel that is all hand-carved out of Minnesota basswood. On their website, it says it has "exquisite detail," and based on pictures, I would have to agree!

Tickets are $3 per person per ride, and the carousel runs every 30 minutes.