Greater Binghamton has the only carousel collection of this kind in the world. Of the fewer than 170 antique carousels remaining in the United States and Canada, six are in Greater Binghamton, New York. Because of the uniqueness of these carousels and the incomparable circumstances of their survival and existence, all six are placed on the New York State Historic Register and the National Register of Historic Places. The admission price: one piece of litter.

Download our "Ride the Circuit 2007" flyer in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format.

carousel map

C.Fred Johnson Park

C.F.J. Boulevard,
Johnson City, N.Y

Installed in 1923, the carousel is the largest of the six in the area, featuring 72 figures, 4-abreast. This carousel is considered the most elaborate group of carvings in our collection. Original scenic panels and beveled mirrors remain. Park also includes tennis courts, ball fields and a playground. Park open 9:00 am – 8:00 pm from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Fully restored carousel will be open 12 noon – 8:00 pm weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Weekday hours are 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Memorial Day to the third week in June: 12:00 noon – 8:00 pm, third week in June to Labor Day. Renovations in 2007-2008 seasons may affect hours of operation. Please call for details. 797-3031.

Recreation Park

Beethoven Street,
Binghamton, N.Y.

Installed in 1925, this carousel includes 60 jumping horses, 4-abreast; chariots; and the original 2-roll frame WurliTzer Military Band Organ with bells. The horses and the original carousel house cupola have been restored. Situated in the historic George F. Johnson Recreation Park, facilities include a reflective pond, statue of George F. Johnson, Rod Serling Memorial Plaque, bandshell concerts, pools and bathhouse, tennis courts, playground, and ball fields. Park open dawn – 9:00 pm. Carousel open Memorial Day Weekend through mid-June, Monday – Friday 3:00 pm – 7:45 pm, Saturday & Sunday 12 noon – 7:45 pm, and from mid-June through Labor Day, daily 12 noon – 7:45 pm. 722-9166 or 772-7017.

George W.
Johnson Park

Oak Hill Avenue,
Endicott, N.Y.

Installed in 1934 and historically restored in 1994, this carousel has 36 horses, 3-abreast and 2 chariots in its original carousel pavilion. A glass enclosure was added in 1999. Situated in the heart of Endicott’s “Northside” and “Little Italy” neighborhoods, the George W. Johnson Park features swimming pools, bathhouse, picnic shelters, ball fields and playground. Park open 7:00 am – 8:30 pm. Carousel open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10:00 am – 7:45 pm. 757-5384

Ross Park

Morgan Road,
Binghamton, N.Y.

Installed in 1920, this carousel features 60 jumping horses, 4-abreast; 2 chariots (one with monkeys) and an original 51-key WurliTzer Military Band Organ. A restoration project is being planned. Park also features 5th oldest zoo in United States, the Discovery Center of the Southern Tier (unusual hands-on children’s museum), a playground, and a sheltered picnic area, all in a wooded setting. Zoo open daily 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Park is open dawn to dusk. Carousel open daily Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. 772-7017

West Endicott Park

Page Avenue,
Endicott, N.Y.

Installed in 1929, this carousel features 36 animals, 3-abreast, including a pig and a dog. The West Endicott Park is adjacent to Endicott-Johnson factories, consistent with Johnson’s commitment to providing recreational facilities for his employees and their families. Park has a kiddie pool, tennis courts, playground and a covered picnic shelter. Park open 8:00 am – dusk. Carousel open Noon – 7:45 pm. 786-2970

Highland Park

Hooper Road,
Endwell, N.Y.

Installed in 1925, this carousel is the only one of the area’s carousels that has been relocated. Originally located at the old En-Joie Park in Endicott, the carousel features 36 animals, 3-abreast, including a pig and a dog. Highland Park facilities include a swimming pool and wading pool, picnic area, playground, tennis courts, ball fields, volleyball, all in a wooded setting. Park open 8:00 am – dusk. Carousel open Noon – 7:45 pm. 786-2970

Our Carousels Then

Between 1919 and 1934, George F. Johnson (1857 – 1948), shoe manufacturer and great benefactor, donated six beautiful carousels to our local parks.  Johnson’s commitment to recreation was always more than just good business.  He felt carousels contributed to a happy life and would help youngsters grow into strong and useful citizens.  Because of his own poor childhood, “George F.” believed carousels should be enjoyed by everyone and insisted that the municipalities never charge money for a magic ride. 

Now, into their eighth decade, these magnificent machines still spin from Memorial Day to Labor Day at no charge or for an admission of “one piece of litter.”  In a day when nothing is free, we boast the world’s greatest entertainment bargain! 

Our carousels (we’ve always called them merry-go-rounds), were all manufactured by the Allan Herschell Companies of North Tonawanda, New York, in the “country fair” style.  You can still hear the sounds of the original WurliTzer Band Organs on the Recreation and Ross Park carousels.   

And, if you are lucky enough to ride on all six merry-go-rounds, you will be delighted by monkey chariots, horses with hidden lions in the saddle blankets, a pig, and even a dog.  Not to worry, every carousel animal in Greater Binghamton is a “jumper!”  You can “Ride the Carousel Circuit” by collecting a card at each carousel, and when you have all six you’ll receive a special button. 

What is even more remarkable is that of 150 wood-carved carousels remaining in the United States and Canada, six are right here in Greater Binghamton, New York! 

Carousel hours of operation are subject to change.  Please check individual carousel listing for regular hours of operation.  Carousels may not operate in inclement weather, so please call ahead to confirm carousel is running.

Our Carousels Now

Greater Binghamton has the only carousel collection of this kind in the world.  Of the fewer than 150 antique carousels remaining in the United States and Canada, six are in Greater Binghamton, New York.

Because of the uniqueness of these carousels and the incomparable circumstances of their survival and existence, all six are placed on the New York State Historic Register and the National Register of Historic Places.

In addition, exhibit panels that explore the history of carousel making, George F. Johnson’s role in our carousel collection and specific information on our Herschell machines are on display inside the Recreation Park carousel.

Several of our carousels have undergone painstaking restoration projects.  The costly refurbishing of these priceless machines further attests to the commitment of our community to preserve these cultural legacies for future generations to enjoy.  Go to www.visitbinghamton.org for further information on our carousels, and the “Ride the Carousel Circuit Program.”  You may also stop by the Binghamton Visitor Center at Roberson Museum to learn more about our carousels and our community history.

In 2007, the NYS Department of Tourism recognized our carousels as part of the 25th Anniversary of the NYS Heritage Area System by designating them as part of their “I Love NY Celebrations” program.