Looff Carrousel - Image 1
1 / 10

Looff Carousel

4.6
·491k reviews·Spokane, United States

Ride a piece of history! Admire intricate hand-carved horses and try to catch a brass ring on a classic Looff Carousel.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, late afternoon

Fewer crowds, more ring toss chances

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Looff Carrousel - Image 1

Looff Carousel

Best Time

Weekdays, late afternoon

Fewer crowds, more ring toss chances

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ride a piece of history! Admire intricate hand-carved horses and try to catch a brass ring on a classic Looff Carousel.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"It's one of only a few carousels left that have rings guests can try to catch as they go by."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Grab Those Rings!

Don't miss the chance to catch a brass ring and aim for the clown's mouth for a fun challenge!

🎟️ Ticket Timing is Key

If visiting the Crescent Park Looff Carousel, grab tickets before 4 PM as they can sell out!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Brass Ring Toss

The Brass Ring Toss

Various Looff Carousels

A thrilling game where you grab a ring and aim for the clown's mouth. Pure nostalgic fun!

Intricate Hand-Carved Horses

Intricate Hand-Carved Horses

All Looff Carousels

Admire the artistry of each unique, hand-carved horse, a testament to Charles ID Looff's craftsmanship.

Historic Wurlitzer Organ

Historic Wurlitzer Organ

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Experience the enchanting melodies from a rare, original Wurlitzer organ accompanying your ride.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Catch the Brass Ring!

Many Looff Carousels feature a unique brass ring game. Aim to grab a ring and toss it into the clown's mouth for bragging rights! It's a classic amusement park thrill that's hard to find elsewhere. Instagram+3

Check Operating Hours

Operating hours can vary, especially for seasonal attractions. Some carousels, like the one in Riverside, RI, have earlier closing times. Always check ahead to avoid disappointment! Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekdays, late afternoon
Why
Fewer crowds, more ring toss chances
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, early morning
Why
Beat the rush, enjoy the magic
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This is definitely one of my favorite looff horses. but not my favorite looff carving 😁 #carousel #carouselhorseoftheday #amusementparkhistory #antiquecarousel
@amusementparkhistory
4.4K likes • 27.4K views

🎯 Grab Those Rings!

Don't miss the chance to catch a brass ring and aim for the clown's mouth for a fun challenge! Instagram+2

🎟️ Ticket Timing is Key

If visiting the Crescent Park Looff Carousel, grab tickets before 4 PM as they can sell out! Instagram

& we got em all, baby!!! 💍💍💍💍🎠 #spokane #spokanewa #washington #spokanewashington #historical #downtown #downtownspokane #wa #carousel #looffcarousel #horsecarousel #vintage #vintagecarousel #originalwoodwork #handcarved #riverfrontpark #attraction #thingstodo #niece #auntie #auntielife #travel
@malliekoczon
1.4K likes • 58.1K views
The Looff Carousel located at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk might not be a coaster cred, but it was definitely a bucket list item! Getting to grab and throw the rings during the ride was an absolute blast!! Have you had a chance to ride any of the few remaining brass ring carousels? 
 Start tracking roller coaster credits for you and up to 5 family members from a single account at Coaster Creds! 
 #...
coaster_creds
6 likes • 230 views

🐴 Admire the Artistry

Each horse is a unique piece of art. Take time to appreciate the detailed carvings by Charles ID Looff. TikTokInstagram

🎶 Listen to the Music

Enjoy the classic tunes, especially the rare Wurlitzer organ at Santa Cruz. Instagram

Spokane Story time pt. 6 Looff Carousel (2/2)
miles_pnw
697 likes • 31.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Grab Those Rings!

Don't miss the chance to catch a brass ring and aim for the clown's mouth for a fun challenge! Instagram+2

🎟️ Ticket Timing is Key

If visiting the Crescent Park Looff Carousel, grab tickets before 4 PM as they can sell out! Instagram

🐴 Admire the Artistry

Each horse is a unique piece of art. Take time to appreciate the detailed carvings by Charles ID Looff. TikTokInstagram

🎶 Listen to the Music

Enjoy the classic tunes, especially the rare Wurlitzer organ at Santa Cruz. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Looff Carousel for its timeless charm, beautiful craftsmanship, and the unique thrill of the brass ring game. It's a beloved piece of history that offers pure, unadulterated fun for all ages. Some minor drawbacks include variable operating hours and occasional long lines during peak times.

What People Like

Nostalgic charm
Hand-carved horses
Brass ring game

What People Dislike

Variable hours
Occasional lines

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Looff Carousel is located in Riverfront Park, Spokane, WA. It's easily accessible by foot, bike, or public transport within the park. Parking is available nearby. TikTokInstagram

The Crescent Park Looff Carousel is at 700 Bullocks Point Ave, Riverside, East Providence, RI. Driving is common, with parking available at Crescent Park. Instagram

Yes, the Looff Carousel is a central attraction at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in California and is hard to miss. Instagram+1

Depending on the specific location (Spokane, Santa Cruz, Riverside), public transport options may vary. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information. Instagram

Many locations with Looff Carousels, like Riverfront Park in Spokane, are bike-friendly with dedicated paths. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary by location and season. It's best to check the official website or on-site for current pricing. Rides are generally very affordable. Instagram

For some locations, like Crescent Park, it's recommended to buy tickets early, especially before 4 PM, as they can sell out. Instagram

Generally, Looff Carousels are family-friendly with no strict restrictions, but very young children may need to be accompanied by an adult. TikTok

Hours vary significantly by location and time of year. Always check the specific park or carousel's official schedule before your visit. Instagram

Some parks, like Riverfront Park in Spokane, are free to enter, while others, like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, may have admission fees or be part of a larger amusement park. Instagram

🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience

It's a classic feature where riders grab a brass ring and try to toss it into a clown's mouth as they pass, often ringing a bell if successful. Instagram+3

Yes, the horses are antique but well-maintained. They are designed for riding and are a key part of the carousel experience. TikTok+1

Absolutely! Capturing the magic of the Looff Carousel is encouraged. Just be mindful of other riders and park rules. Instagram

Many Looff Carousels are historic landmarks, built by Charles ID Looff, a renowned carousel craftsman. They represent a significant piece of amusement park history. Instagram+2

Yes, it's a fantastic activity for kids of all ages, offering a magical and engaging experience. TikTokInstagram

📸 📸 Photography

Try capturing the full carousel from a slight distance to show its grandeur, or focus on the intricate details of the horses and the ring toss game. TikTokInstagram

Yes, but it can be challenging due to movement. Consider using a wider lens or a phone with good image stabilization. Instagram

Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) often provides beautiful lighting. Midday can be harsh but still offers good opportunities. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional shoots might require permits. Always check with park management if unsure. Instagram

The vibrant colors, ornate carvings, historic architecture, and the unique ring toss game make it incredibly photogenic. TikTokInstagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Looff Carousels are a dream for families! The hand-carved horses and gentle motion are perfect for young children. The brass ring game adds an exciting challenge that kids absolutely love, providing endless entertainment. TikTokInstagram

Many locations are in family-friendly parks with other attractions, making it easy to spend a whole day. Remember to check operating hours, as some carousels have earlier closing times, and consider purchasing tickets in advance if available to save time. Instagram

💖 Couples & Nostalgia Seekers

For couples, a ride on a Looff Carousel offers a wonderfully romantic and nostalgic experience. It’s a chance to step back in time and create sweet memories together. The gentle pace and beautiful music provide a perfect backdrop for connection. Instagram

Nostalgia seekers will be thrilled by the authentic vintage feel, the historic Wurlitzer organs, and the chance to play the classic brass ring game. It’s an opportunity to relive childhood joys or experience a piece of amusement park history that’s becoming increasingly rare. Instagram+1

📸 Photographers & History Buffs

The Looff Carousel is a photographer's delight, offering stunning opportunities to capture intricate details of the hand-carved horses and the vibrant atmosphere. The historic architecture and the unique brass ring game provide endless visual interest. TikTokInstagram+1

History buffs will appreciate the chance to see and ride a piece of American amusement park heritage. Learning about Charles ID Looff and the preservation efforts behind these historic carousels adds a deeper layer to the experience. Instagram+2

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legacy of Charles ID Looff

The Looff Carousel is more than just a ride; it's a piece of history crafted by Charles ID Looff, a Danish immigrant who became one of the most celebrated carousel makers in America. Looff began building carousels in the late 19th century, and his creations are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, particularly the hand-carved horses and intricate decorative elements. TikTokInstagram+1

Looff's carousels often featured unique mechanisms and artistic flourishes that set them apart. He was known for his attention to detail, with each horse possessing its own distinct personality and pose. Many of his carousels also incorporated the thrilling brass ring game, a feature that continues to delight riders today. Instagram+2

Today, only a handful of Looff's original carousels remain operational, making each one a precious artifact. These carousels are not just attractions but national historic landmarks, preserving a tangible link to a bygone era of amusement and artistry. Instagram+1

The Thrill of the Brass Ring

One of the most iconic features of many Looff Carousels is the brass ring game. This interactive element transforms a simple carousel ride into an engaging challenge. As the carousel spins, riders reach out to grab a suspended brass ring and then attempt to toss it into the mouth of a clown or other target as they pass. Instagram+2

Successfully landing a ring often results in a bell ringing, a small but satisfying victory that adds an extra layer of excitement to the ride. This game was a staple of early amusement parks, offering a low-cost thrill that kept visitors coming back. It’s a testament to the ingenuity of Charles ID Looff in creating an experience that was both beautiful and interactive. Instagram

While many carousels have lost this feature over time, the Looff Carousels that still offer the brass ring game provide a unique opportunity to experience a piece of amusement park history firsthand. It’s a simple game, but the nostalgia and fun it provides are immense, making it a highlight for many visitors. Instagram+3

Preserving Looff's Masterpieces

The Looff Carousels are not just rides; they are significant historical artifacts. Many have undergone extensive restoration efforts to preserve their original beauty and functionality. For instance, the carousel in Spokane, WA, was stored for several years before being reinstalled in Riverfront Park, ensuring its survival for future generations. Instagram

Organizations and local communities often work together to maintain these treasures. This includes everything from repairing the hand-carved horses to ensuring the Wurlitzer organs are in perfect working order. The dedication to preserving these Charles ID Looff creations ensures that their magic continues to enchant visitors. TikTokInstagram

Visiting a Looff Carousel offers a chance to connect with the past and appreciate the artistry of a bygone era. The ongoing efforts to maintain these historic carousels are crucial for keeping this unique part of amusement park heritage alive. Instagram+1

You may also like