Smale Riverfront Park has definitely been one of the best additions to Cincinnati over the past several years. Our riverfront was given new life with this unique park that is filled with a variety of features. One of the most treasured additions is the whimsical Carol Ann's Carousel. This stunning fixture is much more than a ride and is more like a celebration of all things Cincinnati. Take a ride on our city's very own carousel for an unforgettable experience.
Since the moment it opened, Carol Ann's Carousel became an instant Cincinnati classic.
The carousel is a stunning tribute to our city and features original artwork by Jonathan Queen. On the center, you'll find painted scenes of animals playing within many of Cincinnati's much loved parks.
And the animals that go round and round, up and down, are not your typical carousel adornments.
Each of the 44 whimsical characters was chosen as a representation of Cincinnati. You'll want to hang out and just look at each one, as the artwork is intricate and contains hidden surprises that you'll love to discover.
To ride the carousel, you'll purchase a token (or several!), and wait inside the beautiful building that houses it.
The hours vary based on the time of year, but here's the breakdown: From the day after Labor Day through December 31st it is open 11am - 4pm, closed Mondays and Tuesdays. January 2nd to before Reds Opening Day it is open 11am - 4pm, closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. And then from Opening Day through Labor Day, it is open 11am to 7pm, closed on Mondays. Also keep in mind that the carousel will be closed January 29th through February 8th for annual maintenance.
Carol Ann's Carousel is a delightful spot to make memories and celebrate all things Cincinnati.
The carousel also hosts several events throughout the year, so make sure to check those out through the link below!
Carol Ann's Carousel within Smale Riverfront Park will hopefully stand as a Cincinnati tradition for years to come. Have you ridden this whimsical carousel? Share your experience with us in the comments!
Carol Ann's Carousel is located downtown at 8 W. Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202. For more information, including all of the upcoming events, visit its website here.
And for more on Smale Riverfront Park, check out our previous article here.
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