C.W. Parker Carousel Museum
C.W. Parker Carousel Museum
4.5
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
The C.W. Parker Carousel Museum is a wonderful stop for the ENTIRE family. With 4 antique carousels, and a hand-carved, wood, carousel from 1913 that ALL who come can ride, it is a memorable museum. You can take a Guided Tour, a Virtual Guided Tour (utilizing QR codes), or just ride the fast, fun carousel. All tours include a short video and a carousel ride. An adult guided tour is only $6.00. Carousel rides are $1.50 and get cheaper the more you purchase. There is also a quaint, little gift shop, with many carousel items and much, much more. Whether you are 1 or 101 years old, a ride on the carousel is something special.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
124 reviews
Excellent
83
Very good
29
Average
8
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Bertram S
Wyoming, MI813 contributions
Jul 2020
My wife had phoned ahead to see if they could open the museum for us since we weren’t driving through the area when it was open. They not only scheduled an appointment for us, but Jerry Reinhardt the director gave us a fabulous tour! He had lots of interesting facts to share, both about C. W. Parker’s carousel work and his other endeavors. Being members of the National Carousel Association, we’ve learned a lot about C. W. Parker. Jerry shared things we had never heard before! Then he showed us the two carousels in the main room from a balcony view and gave us a tour of another room where a third carousel is housed. One was made in the 1850’s, the earliest known American carousel. It’s quite primitive looking, and it’s too fragile to ride. The carousel in another room was built by his son Paul Parker in 1950, and it represents the end of the Parker carousels. It’s made of metal, so every horse is exactly the same. It’s the paint that distinguishes them. And… I found a little dog on one cantle… It’s only run for children’s parties as it can’t support adults. They also have some carousel animals from other carvers as well as a few Parker horses they’re restoring – all worth seeing. We rode the 1913 carousel. That is one delightful machine. It’s so hard to choose which horse to ride next! It also has 2 jack rabbits on it, the only ones C W Parker made. Why did he make them? Ask Jerry – he’ll tell you! They have an excellent extended gift shop as well, selling both new and used carousel items. We filled our Christmas and birthday boxes with presents for each other after the tour. All in all, this museum and tour are a huge gem and a major highlight of our vacation.
Written July 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
carlbowkerjr
Houston, TX2 contributions
Aug 2022 • Business
The museum was outstanding. You get to ride one of the three carousels and I had the biggest smile as it brought back memories of riding as a kid. The staff provided historical background not only regarding the museum, but also carousels through history. The kids of all ages and adults were all smiles. It was quite enjoy for all.
Written August 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Scullyster
Sulphur Springs, TX260 contributions
Nov 2021 • Family
Such a sweet place. It will take you back in time. You have the option to go through the entire museum and learn so much about the history of carousels and particularly Mr. C.W. Parker, or you can just go for a ride on the beautifully restored carousel. Choose to ride a stationary horse or one bobbing up and down, or just sit in one of the ornate benches that will take you round and round while the carnival museum plays. And, don’t miss the amazing gift shop that has so many unusual carousel-themed items. What a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
Written February 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alison
1 contribution
Oct 2020
We had a baby shower in the Parker room. The room was large and accommodated our family with room for spacing during this COVID pandemic. We needed extra time and they complied quickly. They made sure that all things we wanted/needed were accomplished. I had such a wonderful experience; I highly recommend one of their rooms if you are looking for a place to hold an event in Leavenworth. Thank you so much for everything!! ~Alison
Written October 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Calmjohn
Leavenworth, KS5,281 contributions
Sep 2018 • Solo
The Carousel is located on the edge of downtown Leavenworth just across the street from a nice small city park, still used railroad tracks and then the Missouri River. With this vista one might momentarily forget the reason you came. Just inside you will be greeted by a volunteer who will welcome you and describe what is available. The grand tour will allow you to be accompanied by a guide who will take you upstairs to see bits, pieces relics and detailed information as to how the old carousels were designed and made. If you decide against the upstairs tour there is a small gift shop were you can pick up a remembrance of this visit. There is a tiny children's carousel, no longer used, but on display. Then the thrill that everyone came for, a ride on a restored C.W. Parker Carousel. Rides are only a dollar or two and you can ride as much as you like.. Each time that I am there I once more visit my childhood. This is great for history buffs or a pleasant way to entertain kids of all ages.
Written October 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
So glad you enjoyed your visit to our museum. Just to clarify, rides are $1.50 each, 4 for $5 and we have a value card that is $20 for 20 rides. Hope to see you again soon.
Written October 3, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
princeofwaldo
Las Vegas, NV130 contributions
Feb 2015 • Family
We drove-up for the day from Kansas City after having seen one of Parker's original carousels out in Abilene, Kansas a few years ago. The museum houses an absolutely superb collection of Parker related material, and the guided tour volunteer was highly engaging and informative.
If that weren't enough to make it a memorable day, while we were there, the Governor of Kansas, Sam Brownback, arrived for a visit while in the city to discuss business with Leavenworth County officials. Certainly a day our kids will never forget, no mistake about that!
If that weren't enough to make it a memorable day, while we were there, the Governor of Kansas, Sam Brownback, arrived for a visit while in the city to discuss business with Leavenworth County officials. Certainly a day our kids will never forget, no mistake about that!
Written February 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lois M
Kansas42 contributions
Apr 2014 • Family
Have been several times with different family members and friends, near and far. The different docents all give their own unique perspective. You actually get to ride on one of the antique carousels, we always buy extra rides. It's a blast for young and old, gets the wind blowing through your hair!! The history is great and the kids love the payout of riding the carousel at the end!
Written March 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jeanscheller
Tonganoxie, KS14 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
This very old, working carousel is wonderful. Children and adults alike enjoy the ride. The
volunteers are very friendly. It is very reasonable and not something you get to see everyday.
volunteers are very friendly. It is very reasonable and not something you get to see everyday.
Written February 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Leavenworth C
Leavenworth, KS21 contributions
Oct 2014 • Family
The C.W. Parker Carousel Museum is the #1 attraction in Leavenworth, KS and the largest carousel museum in the nation. The museum is a great place to learn about vintage family entertainment, historic Leavenworth and more. The 1913 carousel housed there is antique, wooden and hand-crafted, but it's super fast! People of all ages enjoy it. The price of a couple of hours here includes a tour, a ride on the carousel, a video on C.W. Parker and the industry and an opportunity to visit their gift shop. It's also a great place for a birthday party, meeting or other special event. The museum even hosts events through the year like the upcoming Small Mall.
Written December 1, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Weston66
St. Louis, MO150 contributions
Apr 2012 • Couples
We really went to Leavenworth to see Fort Leavenworth (which is fine) but we actually enjoyed this visit and tour more. We like to participate in different adventures and experiences, and had never even encountered a carousel musuem before -- so we dropped in to take it in. And glad we did. The tour was $6, which included a ride on their premier carousel at the end (more on that later). The museum just opened recently (a year or two ago?).
The tourguide was excellent -- she knew all her facts, and was a real effervescent person that made it fun to be there. You will never know what all went into the development of the carousel until you go here. And from there, it goes into the history and production process for the CW Parker Company. His was the only carousel manufacturer in the Midwest (all ten others were on the East Coast). But he did it well. He made 1000 of the 5000 that were in operation at the height of the carousel's popularity in the mid-1900's -- more than anybody else.
At the end you get to ride on the beautifully restored 1913 carousel (almost 100 years old). This baby whirls around at 13.5 miles per hour -- sound slow? Wait to you ride it -- it really moves! Just a fun place to take in something different -- for both the young and the old. If you're in the area, we would recommend you stop by -- plan on at least an hour & a half.
The tourguide was excellent -- she knew all her facts, and was a real effervescent person that made it fun to be there. You will never know what all went into the development of the carousel until you go here. And from there, it goes into the history and production process for the CW Parker Company. His was the only carousel manufacturer in the Midwest (all ten others were on the East Coast). But he did it well. He made 1000 of the 5000 that were in operation at the height of the carousel's popularity in the mid-1900's -- more than anybody else.
At the end you get to ride on the beautifully restored 1913 carousel (almost 100 years old). This baby whirls around at 13.5 miles per hour -- sound slow? Wait to you ride it -- it really moves! Just a fun place to take in something different -- for both the young and the old. If you're in the area, we would recommend you stop by -- plan on at least an hour & a half.
Written May 5, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robyn B
Wichita, KS25 contributions
Is the carousel the same one that used to be at “Kiddie Land”?
Bertram S
Wyoming, MI813 contributions
The 1913 wooden carousel was built for Fred Shew of Grandview, IA who took it around to fairs and communities for several decades. It later spun at Ce-Mar Acres Amusement Park in Cedar Rapids, IA. So it wouldn't be this one. However, the metal carousel was at Kiddieland in Pittsburg, KS from 1950 to 1989. It only operates for special occasions, and then only children may ride it.
Ronald G
Odenton, United States31 contributions
How fast is the ride? Does it go up and down? Is there an age limit?
Curiosity18402
Leavenworth, KS28 contributions
Yes the Carousel does go up and down. And it is fast. I don't believe there is an age limit. I see mothers with babies sitting on the bench of the merry go round.
The museum has a small gift shop. I would check the web site to see what time it is open. The hours are limited during the week. The cost is about $1.00.
What does the C.W stand for??
Pauline G
Leavenworth, KS
The C.W. stands for Charles Wallace. Thanks for the question!
Rose W
Onaga, KS
A friend found an CW Parker Carousel Museum Leavenworth TX Nations Treasures 3D Christmas Ornament at a yard sale. Do you still carry these ornament? Do you have different ones for each year? If available for purechase, how much? Thank ROSE WALKER
Pauline G
Leavenworth, KS
Hi, Rose.
Thanks for your inquiry about ornaments. The C.W. Parker Carousel Museum is in Leavenworth, KS not TX. Hopefully you meant the KS museum.
Right now we have in stock our 100 year ornament which features our horse named "Lady Chamber". We have just reordered our regular ornament which features the flag horse, a rabbit and the lover's tub. Later this year we will have a new ornaments featuring our replacement horse "Miracle." Do a search for C.W. Parker Carousel Museum and you should be able to find our website. Once there, click on the carousel museum. Under "history" you can see pictures of all of the horses on the 1913 carousel. Then go to "activities" "past event photos" and you will find Miracle. The ornaments are $9.95 each plus shipping. Thanks so much for writing and hope to see you at the museum soon!
spencers1621
Lawrence, KS513 contributions
What are the hours and admission prices?
Pauline G
Leavenworth, KS
Our hours are Thursday through Saturday 11-5 and Sunday 1-5. There is no admission charge, you can come in and look around for free. We do offer a guided tour for $6 per adult and $3 per child or a self-guided tour for $5 per adult and $3 per child. The tours include a ride on the carousel. Carousel rides can be purchased for $1.50 each.
C.W. Parker Carousel Museum (Leavenworth) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about C.W. Parker Carousel Museum
- C.W. Parker Carousel Museum is open:
- Sun - Sun 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Thu - Sat 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near C.W. Parker Carousel Museum:
- (0.24 mi) Hampton Inn Leavenworth
- (0.17 mi) Home2 Suites by Hilton Leavenworth Downtown
- (0.44 mi) Leavenworth Local Hotel
- (0.56 mi) Union Park Guest House
- (0.83 mi) Fairfield Inn & Suites Leavenworth
- Restaurants near C.W. Parker Carousel Museum:
- (0.10 mi) Saint Sushi and Sake
- (0.14 mi) Pullman Place
- (0.08 mi) Sugar Bliss Bakery and Cafe
- (0.14 mi) Tampico Authentic Mexican
- (0.15 mi) Sis' Sweets