Holyoke Merry-Go-Round
Ride a piece of history! This 1930s carousel, the last of its kind, offers affordable, magical fun for all ages in Holyoke Heritage State Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more ride time
Holyoke Merry-Go-Round
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more ride time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a piece of history! This 1930s carousel, the last of its kind, offers affordable, magical fun for all ages in Holyoke Heritage State Park.
"A great way to spend time with your children, this staple of Holyoke is rated so highly for a reason."
🎟️ Affordable Ride Tickets
Grab a pack of 6 tickets for $10, or single tickets for $2. Great value for the whole family! :ticket:
🥳 Birthday Party Packages
Book a party for $14/child with 90 mins of unlimited rides. A magical celebration! :birthday:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Carousel Ride
Holyoke Heritage State Park
Experience a 1930s Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters carousel, the last of its kind still operating. Hand-carved horses and a classic organ soundtrack create a magical ride.
Children's Museum Adjacent
Holyoke Heritage State Park
Combine your carousel ride with a visit to the interactive Children's Museum, offering art, science, and play for young explorers.
Special Event Magic
Holyoke Merry-Go-Round
The carousel is a popular spot for holiday events and parties, offering a festive atmosphere with twinkling lights and themed celebrations.
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Planning Your Visit
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Affordable Fun for All
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Affordable Ride Tickets
Grab a pack of 6 tickets for $10, or single tickets for $2. Great value for the whole family! :ticket:
🥳 Birthday Party Packages
Book a party for $14/child with 90 mins of unlimited rides. A magical celebration! :birthday:
🎶 Classic Carousel Music
Enjoy the nostalgic tunes from the carousel's organ as you ride. Pure vintage charm! :musical_note:
✨ Check Facebook for Events
Discover free events and promotions happening at the carousel. :calendar:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Affordable Ride Tickets
Grab a pack of 6 tickets for $10, or single tickets for $2. Great value for the whole family! :ticket:
🥳 Birthday Party Packages
Book a party for $14/child with 90 mins of unlimited rides. A magical celebration! :birthday:
🎶 Classic Carousel Music
Enjoy the nostalgic tunes from the carousel's organ as you ride. Pure vintage charm! :musical_note:
✨ Check Facebook for Events
Discover free events and promotions happening at the carousel. :calendar:
♿ Handicap Accessible
The carousel is accessible for all visitors, ensuring everyone can enjoy the ride.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round for its historical significance, affordability, and the joy it brings to children. The friendly staff and the classic carousel experience are frequently highlighted as major positives. However, a few reviews mention encountering rude staff members, which can detract from an otherwise magical visit.
"The Holyoke Merry Go Round is part of the Holyoke Heritage Park that also includes the Children's Museum, Volleyball Hall of fame, and Splash Park (2019).
The rides are $2 for one, or $10 for six. Check their Facebook page for free events. The rides themselves last ~4 minutes, and it goes fast, so the kids are going to like it, and you'll feel like you got your money's worth. You can also book a birthday party for $14 per child with unlimited rides for 90 minutes.
The Merry-Go-Round itself is historic, it's the last out of 90 built by the manufacturer that is still in operation. The horses are wooden and the two inner rows move up and down. An organ plays the familiar sounds during your ride.
At the ticket counter you can also get juices, snacks, t-shirts, and other items. There is a drink vending machine with sodas for $1. The employees and volunteers are all very nice and friendly. They go out of their way to interact with you and your children and make sure you're all having a fun time. There's a reason this staple of Holyoke is rated so highly, it's a great way to spend time with your children."
Cameron Tylek
"I bring my daughter to heritage state park often and she always admires the merry go round and she finally got to ride it and she loved it. Such big smiles! This thing spins quick so it may make you dizzy. Definitely worth trying for yourself and little ones !!"
Derek Forgues
"A magnificent Merry Go Round from the historical Mountain Park.
We attended the Tartan Christmas event hosted by the Holyoke St. Patrick's Day Committee. It was a very good time for our grandson and entire family. Santa was great. The prices are extremely affordable .
We will certainly plan return soon to ride the carousel."
Carla Dell'Olio
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round is located within the Holyoke Heritage State Park at 16 Appleton St, Holyoke, MA. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transportation options may also serve the area.
Yes, parking is available at the Holyoke Heritage State Park. It's recommended to check for any specific event parking instructions.
Yes, the Holyoke Heritage State Park and the carousel are generally stroller-friendly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Rides are affordably priced at $2 for a single ride or $10 for six rides. This offers great value for families looking for fun.
It's a good idea to check the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round's Facebook page for any announcements regarding free events or special promotions.
Absolutely! Birthday party packages are available for $14 per child, which includes 90 minutes of unlimited rides.
Operating hours can vary, especially depending on the season and special events. It's best to check their official Facebook page or website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, the carousel is handicap accessible, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
Each ride lasts approximately 4 minutes. While it goes by quickly, many find it to be a satisfying duration for the price.
A classic organ plays familiar tunes during your ride, adding to the nostalgic and magical atmosphere.
It's a historic carousel built in the 1930s by the Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters company, and it's the last one of its kind still in operation. It features 48 hand-carved horses.
The park also houses the Children's Museum, the Volleyball Hall of Fame, and a Splash Park (seasonal).
Yes, the ticket counter offers juices, snacks, t-shirts, and other items. There are also drink vending machines.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting. During holiday events, the twinkling lights add a magical element to photos.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, for professional shoots or commercial use, it's advisable to check with the park management.
The antique design, hand-carved horses, vibrant colors, and the surrounding Heritage State Park provide a picturesque backdrop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pairing a carousel ride with a visit to the adjacent Children's Museum is a winning combination for a full day of fun. The museum offers hands-on exhibits that will keep little ones entertained and engaged. Plus, the park is handicap accessible, ensuring everyone can join in the joy.
+1💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during off-peak hours on weekdays to avoid crowds and potentially get more ride time for your money. The park also hosts free events, so keep an eye on their social media for opportunities to enjoy the carousel and other activities without breaking the bank.
💖 Couples & Nostalgia Seekers
Enjoy a leisurely ride together, or simply stroll through the Holyoke Heritage State Park and soak in the atmosphere. It's a perfect spot for a quiet, charming outing that harks back to simpler times. Consider visiting during a special event for an even more enchanting experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Piece of History: The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round
+1The carousel itself is a marvel of craftsmanship, featuring 48 hand-carved wooden horses. These aren't just static figures; the horses on the two inner rows move up and down, adding a dynamic element to the ride. As the carousel spins, a classic organ fills the air with familiar, nostalgic tunes, transporting riders back to a simpler time. The experience is often described as magical and heartwarming, even on a snowy winter day.
Visitors can purchase rides for a very reasonable price, and the carousel is also a popular venue for special events and birthday parties. The friendly staff and volunteers contribute to the welcoming atmosphere, ensuring a memorable experience for families and individuals alike. Its preservation is a testament to the community's appreciation for its heritage.
Planning Your Visit to Holyoke Heritage State Park
Beyond the carousel and museum, the park also hosts the Volleyball Hall of Fame, celebrating the sport's history and achievements. During warmer months, a Splash Park provides a fun way for kids to cool off. The park is known for hosting various community events throughout the year, including holiday celebrations, which often feature the merry-go-round as a central attraction. Checking the park's and the carousel's social media pages is highly recommended to stay informed about upcoming events and special programming.
With its affordable pricing and diverse attractions, Holyoke Heritage State Park offers a well-rounded and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages. The combination of historical significance, interactive fun, and community engagement makes it a valuable local treasure.
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