Flying Horses Carousel
Flying Horses Carousel
Flying Horses Carousel
4.5
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Try your luck at catching the brass ring and winning a free ride on the oldest working carousel in the U.S., which has been enchanting children and adults for over a hundred years. The 20 hand-carved horses on this official historic landmark have real horsehair manes and tails.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
407 reviews
Excellent
246
Very good
119
Average
36
Poor
2
Terrible
4
Sherri
Plainville, MA184 contributions
Jun 2021
The pictures pretty much say it all. No moving horses. There is a brass ring dispenser located such that virtually every kid who tried ended up with a stack of brass rings. Somehow, there was a special ring that got you a free ride, but didn't figure out how that worked. My parents (80 years old) thought is was really quaint and were glad we popped in; our teens were unimpressed. Pretty much the closest thing to the ferry terminal (shops and food are farther away), and it was indoors out of the sun, so it was a good place to spend a few extra minutes before joining the ferry line.
Written July 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joan G
Bay Shore, NY17 contributions
Sep 2021
Although the carousel wasn't operating (during off season it only operates on weekends), it was open from 10-2 (I think) for photos! Lee volunteers his time to have it open so people can take photos on the horses. He is extremely knowledgeable and friendly. We had a nice chat.
Written October 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sazucoleman
Boston, MA321 contributions
Jun 2022
Kids loved it! They get rings, and if you get the gold one, you get to go again! Parents loved the history of it. Is well maintained, and amazing to think how many people has enjoyed this ride over the many years it's been. Very glad we stopped by.
Written June 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveler27662
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan1 contribution
Step back in time to the flying horses. You can even win an extra ride by catching a brass ring. This is what the Vineyard is all about, returning to a simpler time--reading books, playing board games, riding an old fashion Carousel, and eating an ice cream cone.
Written May 5, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lolly’s Look
New York City, NY14,918 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
Its not just for kids.
The Flying Horse carousel is an Oak Bluff historic tradition. It is listed as the oldest platform carousel in the nation, operating since 1884.
The Flying Horse carousel is an Oak Bluff historic tradition. It is listed as the oldest platform carousel in the nation, operating since 1884.
Written October 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
redeco
Warren, MA9,433 contributions
Jul 2011
By all means, make sure you see the Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs. It's the oldest operating platform carousel in the country. Originally from Coney Island, and constructed by Charles Dare in 1876, the carousel is owned by the Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust and is listed as a National Landmark by the Department of Interior.
The carousel is interesting because of its historical integrity. Visitors can come inside and get a look without charge. Children ride for a fee. If they catch the brass ring, they ride again free. Note that there is only one ring that is brass. So not everybody catching a ring as they go by catches the brass one.
All that being said, the place is usually crowded with kids and hovering parents. Trying to take a photograph of one of the horses without kids is nearly impossible. But this place certainly shouldn't be missed.
The carousel is interesting because of its historical integrity. Visitors can come inside and get a look without charge. Children ride for a fee. If they catch the brass ring, they ride again free. Note that there is only one ring that is brass. So not everybody catching a ring as they go by catches the brass one.
All that being said, the place is usually crowded with kids and hovering parents. Trying to take a photograph of one of the horses without kids is nearly impossible. But this place certainly shouldn't be missed.
Written July 17, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelbell
Orlando, FL179 contributions
This is not a ride for thrills and excitement. It is a step back in history. The horses have real horsehair and real stirrups, not the plastic stuff of today. There is a lot of history regarding the Carousel. When the summer residents of Martha's vineyard would return after the winter, it would open on Easter Sunday just so they could all come down in their finery and take a ride. It was a major social event as everyone could see who had survived the winter and returned to Martha's Vineyard. Since there were many different religions they would not all see each other in church. I am in my 60's, and I loved taking a ride back into history. I just wished I could have ridden it in my Easter finery!
Written July 22, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dandre01
Las Vegas, Neveda29 contributions
Aug 2019
The Flying Horses Carousel is an absolutely excellent venue that anyone will truly appreciate! You absolutely cannot visit the Vineyard and leave without going to The Flying Horses Carousel. They are the oldest in the United States and are very proud of that fact! It is especially enjoyable for all new visitors to the island and I strongly recommend it!
Written September 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BDJV
89 contributions
Aug 2019
Kids enjoyed it. They had fun snatching the rings. Go first thing in the morning because it gets very crowded and the space is small.
Written August 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SailSunJay
Fairfield, CT197 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
The experience is wonderful. Music and Brass rings. Wish the horses went up and down.
Staff was friendly and helped little kids.
Staff was friendly and helped little kids.
Written August 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What are the carousel’s hours after Labor Day?
Written September 4, 2018
I’m sorry I’m not sure. Maybe there is info online.
Written September 8, 2018
Will the carousel be open during the week by June 18?
Written June 12, 2018
What time of year does the carousel shut down
Written August 28, 2017
We are annual visitors to MV in Fall... it's always closed then ☹️
Written September 24, 2017
Can I get close to the barn of the¨flying horses¨on a mobility scooter? How many steps up to watch my great-grandchildren ride? I´m obviously walking down memory lane. Mass, doughnuts, and flying horses were my Sunday morning for years
Written June 25, 2017
I think there's only 3 steps or so up to it then it's a flat surface. I'm not sure if it's wheelchair accessible but you probably could call 508-693-9481 that's the number under the MV preservation site. Hope you have fun :)
Written June 26, 2017
Is the Flying Horses open in early April? Wondering when the season opens...
Written November 22, 2016
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