National Carousel Day, also known as National Merry-Go-Round Day, is celebrated each year on July 25, commemorating the first U.S. patent for a carousel issued to William Schneider in 1871. If you’re looking for one of the best places to celebrate, few attractions can match Kennywood’s historic Merry-Go-Round, one of America’s finest surviving carousel masterpieces.

Often described as the “soul of Kennywood,” the park’s magnificent carousel is far more than a classic amusement ride. Built by the renowned William Dentzel Company of Philadelphia, the handcrafted carousel opened at Kennywood in 1927 and has remained one of the park’s defining attractions ever since.

The carousel features 50 jumping horses, 12 stationary horses, a hand-carved lion, a hand-carved tiger and four chariots. More than 1,400 incandescent lights illuminate the ride, creating a timeless spectacle that has welcomed generations of families.

Providing the soundtrack is an operational 1916 Wurlitzer Style 153 band organ, whose authentic music has accompanied riders for more than a century.

A Carousel Built for History

The carousel has a fascinating origin story. It was originally commissioned for the 1926 Sesquicentennial International Exposition in Philadelphia, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Construction delays prevented the carousel from being completed in time for the exhibition.

Rather than debuting at the world’s fair, the completed carousel found its permanent home at Kennywood in 1927. The park constructed a dedicated building specifically for the attraction, where it continues to operate today.

Because of its exceptional craftsmanship, historical significance and remarkable preservation, the Kennywood Merry-Go-Round has earned designation as a National Historic Landmark, making it one of the nation’s most treasured surviving carousels.

A Ride That Connects Generations

While Kennywood is known for legendary wooden roller coasters like Jack Rabbit, Racer and Thunderbolt, many visitors consider the Merry-Go-Round the emotional heart of the park.

Parents who once rode its beautifully carved horses as children now watch their own children and grandchildren experience the same tradition. The carousel’s classic music, dazzling lights and hand-carved animals create an atmosphere that feels every bit as magical today as it did in 1927.

For anyone planning to celebrate National Carousel Day on July 25, taking a ride aboard Kennywood’s historic Merry-Go-Round isn’t just a nostalgic experience—it’s an opportunity to experience a living piece of American amusement park history that continues creating memories nearly a century after it first welcomed riders.

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