Great Northern Carousel
A magical carousel featuring 37 hand-carved Montana animals, offering artful rides and delicious ice cream.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warm weather, longer days
Great Northern Carousel
Best Time
Warm weather, longer days
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magical carousel featuring 37 hand-carved Montana animals, offering artful rides and delicious ice cream.
"A world-class, hand-carved work of art that is the finest carousel in the nation."
🎟️ Affordable Rides
Rides are $3 each, or get a 12-ride punch card for $30. Adults assisting kids ride free!
🍦 Ice Cream Delights
Don't miss Wilcoxson's Ice Cream with 24 unique Montana flavors.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hand-Carved Montana Animals
Carousel platform
Ride unique Montana species like bison, grizzly bears, and cutthroat trout, alongside traditional horses.
Wilcoxson's Ice Cream Parlor
Adjacent to carousel
Indulge in 24 flavors of famous Montana ice cream after your ride.
Artful Rounding Boards
Carousel canopy
Admire 14 Helena scenic-carved rounding boards and stained glass artwork.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Magical Ride
Embrace the Montana Theme
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Affordable Rides
Rides are $3 each, or get a 12-ride punch card for $30. Adults assisting kids ride free!
🍦 Ice Cream Delights
Don't miss Wilcoxson's Ice Cream with 24 unique Montana flavors.
📅 Check Seasonal Hours
Hours vary by season; summer has longer hours, while other times are shorter.
🥳 Party Central
Great spot for birthday parties and private events.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Affordable Rides
Rides are $3 each, or get a 12-ride punch card for $30. Adults assisting kids ride free!
🍦 Ice Cream Delights
Don't miss Wilcoxson's Ice Cream with 24 unique Montana flavors.
📅 Check Seasonal Hours
Hours vary by season; summer has longer hours, while other times are shorter.
🥳 Party Central
Great spot for birthday parties and private events.
🎶 Live Music Thursdays
Enjoy live music and food vendors every Thursday in summer.
🎅 Meet Santa Claus
Visit Santa during the holiday season for photos and festive fun! 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Great Northern Carousel's unique Montana theme, beautiful hand-carved animals, and affordable pricing. It's consistently praised as a delightful and memorable experience for families and a charming piece of local art. Some minor drawbacks include seasonal hour variations and the limited scope of activities beyond the carousel and ice cream.
"The Great Northern Carousel in Helena, Montana was designed specifically for the Helena community with the intent of offering patrons (locals and visitors alike) a distinctly Montana experience. The Great Northern Carousel first opened its doors in 2002 and has provided families with unbeatable memories ever since!
Privately built by the developer of the Great Northern Town Center, this carousel is an enchanting work of art that features 37 beautifully hand-crafted animals with an emphasis on species native to Montana. -- there are hand-carved bison, grizzly bears, dinosaurs, otters, and bighorn sheep alongside the horses, frogs, and pigs. Housed with the Carousel is the Painted Pony Ice Cream Parlor offering 24 flavors of the Montana renowned Wilcoxson’s Ice Cream. You’ll find everything from Bubble Gum and Stuck in a Rut to Moose Tracks and Chocolate Runs Through It.
Located at 924 Bicentennial Plaza, Helena, MT, the hours of operation:
Memorial Day to Labor Day Sun-Thurs 10am-9pm, Fri-Sat 10am-10pm; shorter hours rest of year.
This world-class, hand-carved work of art consists of 37 animals carved by a renowned Walt Disney World carver and 14 Helena scenic-carved rounding boards and stained glass artwork. In fact, the National Carousel Association said it is the finest carousel in the nation, if not one of the finest in the world. Riders can choose to whirl around on animals found in the state of Montana, such as a bighorn sheep, buffalo, cutthroat trout, grizzly bear, otter, bobcat, and mountain goat. After you’ve had the ride of your life, enjoy the best ice cream in Montana. The carousel is also a great place to hold your next birthday party, summer barbecue, company social or private party. Every Thursday all summer, from 11:30 – 1:30. There are live music and food vendors in the fresh air and sunshine of the Great Northern Town Center.
Fair:
Carousel rides: $3.00
Punch card (good for 12 rides): $30.00
Adults assisting small children: FREE
Ice cream prices:
One scoop: $3.50
Two scoops: $6.50
Three scoops: $8.50"
Doug Ho
"Really fun outing for our littles! The prices to ride the carousel are very reasonable, and so is the candy and popcorn! Great atmosphere and definitely worth visiting again!"
Dawnette Henderson
"This is a wonderful and affordable thing for kids. It’s $3 per ride and if you are an adult you can go on it for free (if you don’t sit on an animal).
I absolutely love the theme, it really feels like montana personified and there are Helena symbols on the top which is adorable. There are also postcards/cards that are adorable and space for games. The carousel is the main attraction, but there are a couple arcade games, tables and an ice crème booth."
Traveling Foodie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Great Northern Carousel is located at 924 Bicentennial Plaza, Helena, MT. It's easily accessible by car and is part of the Great Northern Town Center. Parking is generally available in the surrounding area.
While the carousel itself is a ride, the surrounding area and ice cream parlor are generally accessible. It's always a good idea to check with the venue directly for specific accessibility details for the ride platform.
Parking is typically available in the lots around the Great Northern Town Center. During peak times, especially during events or holidays, it might be busier.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A single ride costs $3.00. You can also purchase a punch card for 12 rides for $30.00. Adults accompanying small children ride for free.
Hours vary by season. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, it's typically open Sunday-Thursday 10 am-9 pm, and Friday-Saturday 10 am-10 pm. Shorter hours apply during the rest of the year. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most current hours.
Yes, the Great Northern Carousel is a popular venue for birthday parties, company socials, and private events. Inquire directly with the venue for booking information and availability.
The punch card offers a slight discount compared to individual rides. Adults accompanying small children ride for free, which is a great perk for families.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
The carousel features 37 hand-carved animals, with a special emphasis on species native to Montana. You'll find animals like bison, grizzly bears, otters, bighorn sheep, bobcats, and mountain goats, alongside traditional horses and other creatures.
Besides the carousel rides, you can enjoy 24 flavors of Wilcoxson's Ice Cream at the Painted Pony Ice Cream Parlor. There are also a couple of arcade games available.
The main food offering is ice cream from the Painted Pony Ice Cream Parlor. During summer Thursdays, there are also live music and food vendors in the town center.
It's renowned for its unique Montana-themed animals, hand-carved artistry by a former Disney carver, and beautiful scenic rounding boards. The National Carousel Association has recognized it as one of the finest in the nation.
Yes, during the holiday season, the carousel often hosts events where you can write letters to Santa and meet him.
📸 📸 Photography
The carousel itself, with its colorful animals and intricate carvings, is a prime photo opportunity. The stained glass artwork and scenic rounding boards also make for beautiful shots.
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged. Capture the joy of the riders and the artistic details of the carousel.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer lighting. During holiday events, the festive decorations add an extra layer to your photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
During the holidays, the chance to meet Santa Claus and write him letters adds extra magic to the experience.
+1 The carousel is also a fantastic spot for birthday parties, offering a memorable celebration for your little ones. 💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider visiting during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for softer, more flattering light, or during holiday events for festive backdrops. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of the Great Northern Carousel
Beyond the animals, the carousel boasts 14 Helena scenic-carved rounding boards and intricate stained glass artwork. These elements further enhance the carousel's unique theme and artistic value. The National Carousel Association has lauded it as one of the finest carousels in the nation, highlighting its exceptional design and execution.
This dedication to artistry creates a truly immersive and distinctly Montana experience for every rider, making it a must-see attraction for those visiting Helena. The attention to detail ensures that each ride is not only fun but also visually captivating.
A Taste of Montana: Ice Cream and More
While ice cream is the primary treat, the carousel area also features a couple of arcade games for added entertainment. During the summer months, the Great Northern Town Center hosts live music and food vendors every Thursday from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, providing a lively atmosphere and diverse culinary options.
These additions make the Great Northern Carousel a well-rounded destination for families and visitors looking for a fun and flavorful outing in Helena. It’s a place where you can enjoy both a whimsical ride and delicious local treats.
Planning Your Visit: Hours, Pricing, and Events
Pricing is very family-friendly. A single carousel ride costs $3.00, or you can opt for a 12-ride punch card for $30.00, offering a slight discount. A wonderful policy is that adults assisting small children ride for free, making it an even more accessible outing for families.
The carousel is also a popular venue for special events, including birthday parties, company socials, and private gatherings. During the holiday season, it often hosts festive events like Santa visits, where children can meet Santa and write him letters.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit