A Carousel for Missoula Reviews

Have been here many times with grandchildren . Kids love it. Bigger kids and adults try to catch a ring for a free ride. Next to a wonderful playground. Has parking restrooms, snacks and gift shop.

Around the corner from the Children’s Museum- another fun stop for younger children ( 1-6 range) .

We rode the carousel yesterday! Great for families and for nostalgia for all. Beautifully restored. Nice location downtown next to river walk and kids play area.

Always a blast as the children have grown up and have skilled the dragon Ring's, lots of history and things to do near by depending on the seasons

So much fun riding this beautiful carousel. All the horses (and one dragon) were hand-carved by local artists. It was the fasted speed of any carousel I've ever been on, although that might have been because they had just opened on a week day and we were the only riders. Inexpensive ride - less than a $1 for seniors. Kids will love it, but you don't need them as an excuse.

If you're in Missoula, you have to ride the Carousel (kid or not)! Let yourself be a kid again and be sure to ride one of the horses on the outside so that you can try to get the golden ring. And if you're on vacation, just remember, it makes for a great photo opportunity & story. Another plus is, its right downtown within walking distance of local shops, restaurants and the river.

Love the carousel. It is one of my favorite places in Missoula. All the carousel animals have a name and a story that the help can share with you. Great for photography, great for riding, just an all around wonderful place to spend some time. And don't forget to grab the brass ring.

We have children with an age range 14-6 so we weren't sure how the carousel would go over (especially with the teenageer!). We were pleasantly surprised. We all enjoyed the carousel (obviously not a thrill ride) and rode it 4 times in a row. Our older children liked the challenge of 'grabbing the rings' as the carousel went around and our younger children just thought the whole experience was fun. The playground beside the carousel was also a great place to spend 30min-hour.

Missoula is an awesome town. An unexpected delight on our way tot he West Coast. We picked up something to eat and headed to the riverbank where a walking/biking trail had been established an ate. In that park is the beautiful Carousel. Lovely. What a terrific gift to their home community.

This is the perfect activity if you have: small children, grandma and grandpa, love horses,
and a couple dollars in your pocket! Everyone had big smiles on their faces for the entire ride. We look forward to doing it again.

Was very enjoyable experience. We stopped in to see it and ended up riding it. We walked around and saw the park, watched people surf the river.

I LOVE the Carousel for Missoula. It's surprisingly fast and fun! It's one of the first stops whenever we have out of town guests (or any other reason). Gotta love grabbing that brass ring!

A beautiful joint effort by so many people in Missoula and the surrounding area. Employees are friendly and informative and the ride was so much fun! Highly recommend this!

We arrived at the carousel after about a 15 year absence. It was a fun place to take our family and still is a fun place. It is well taken care of. The horses are Beautiful. The carousel moves very fast so you have to buckle up. The outside seats are the best so you can reach for the brass ring from the Dragon's mouth. What a fun place to take your family or just to stop and watch the children enjoy.

The Carousel is beautiful, each horse has a name and they are very well made, with a lot of details in wood. The price is accessible to everybody and adults can ride too. The spin is fast! We had a lot of fun there. Don't forget to enjoy the playground that is attached, very entertaining to children of all ages.

went to this carousel and right next door is this really nice playground with a shaded picnic area. lots for the kids to do and explore and if you feel like it, they can ride the carousel located directly next to it

Stopped by here with our son and grand-daughter and enjoyed the ride and the attraction. This carousel is a beautifully constructed ride and the people running the ride do a great job.

we came without children and how we wished we had some with us!!!
it was closed at the time we walked the area but I must admit it was a very beautiful carosel.

Great little activity in the heart of downtown. As the father of a three year old, I've become quite the carousel connoisseur. This carousel has it all. Rings to grab for prizes, garage doors that open on nice days, friendly staff, and speedier than most carousels.

This fast carousel (with not only horses but also dragons) was the highlight of our toddler's trip to Montana. It's right downtown next to the river with a great park next door. It's enclosed in the winter and open in the summer. This is a must see for any trip to Missoula with kids.

What gem is to be found in downtown Missoula. The carousel is enclosed and preserved from the weather. The rides last about 4 minutes and the horses are brightly painted. One can also catch a brass ring from the Dragon's mouth as the carousel turns. Turn it in for a free ride.

we thought this would be a fun treat for our grandkids. I think it would have if it did not go around so fast. My oldest grandson and his parents rode it and they had fun. BUT the play ground with it was extremely fun for all the kids. We enjoyed watching the kids play in the playground.

This little carousel is located next to the river walk, an awesome park, and the carousel itself is beautifully designed! It may look closed from the outside, but it is open!!! Check it out!

It was Awesome to ride this Carousel with my kids. Very rare to find one this size anymore it was good fun!

We always enjoy taking kids to the Carousel. Restoring it was a big community project a number of years ago and it is still something we are very proud of. The antique horses are hand painted and you can try for the brass ring for a prize.

Nice little carousel and community project. Mechanical workings are from old carousels, but the horses were all carved by volunteers. Right next to riverside walking trail and downtown.

Nice carousel - well run by park personnel. Everyone had seat belts and kids had plenty of fun! Even those watching had a good time (that's us).

A Carousel for Missoula is a fun place to take children and to ride the ponies yourself, but be prepared, these ponies go fast! Still, as you strap in, you are still able to try for the brass ring and a free ride. I love coming here with my great nieces. Plus, it's a fun place for children to have a birthday party. It's the best time, the cat's meow!

brought the kido"s to the carousel- the 3 kids and 1 prego momma sure had fun - round 1 ,round 2 and 3 were done - we went to the tamarack after and had lunch - good times

Fun place to take the kids. They have some food and drinks, a gift store, and a nearby park. Figuring out where to park can be kind of a pain, but definitely worth a visit.

My granddaughter and daughter rode the carousel three times in a row. They loved it. The ride is a little bit fast but quite exciting as you can try for a brass ring...

Beautiful Carousel, well maintained, long ride, and moved quickly. Lots of local kids riding. $1 for kids, $2 for teens and adults

Having grown up visiting similar attractions, this one stole my heart. Lovingly gifted to Missoula and rebuilt by the community, this is a carousel that will make your mind spin. Horses designed and crafted by community members, this carousel is truly a part of the community. Nestled in Caras park between the river and downtown there is no reason not to stop and enjoy the ride no matter your age. Affordable, fun, and nostalgic. The unassuming building it sits in does not do justice to the wonder inside. Make sure to ask about it and take the time to see it, it could be easy to overlook...and that would be a shame.

A must see and experience when in Missoula. The history of the carousel and the beauty of the hand crafted horses is amazing.

This carousel was legit! Everything hand made including the music. It's one of the fastest of its kind in existence (trucks at about 7-8 mph). They also make you strap in because they still practice the custom of grabbing the copper ring-which I was able to snag. This granted me another free ride. We loved it and the surrounding area. River surfers, playgrounds and beautiful park

Took my daughters down there for a ride. The attendant was very helpful getting young kids on and off of the ride. They had a nice gift shop that was next to it as well. Overall it was a nice place next to the Clark fork river to visit. I will definitely be back to see it again.

great time!!! helpful staff, reasonable priced, and a sense of nostalgia. with so may electronic forms of entertainment for kids, this is a nice change. the little ones were a bit unsure at first but the gentleman running the ride put them at ease. told them the name of the horse they were riding on and after the first go around it was hard to get them to leave. i enjoyed sitting and watching the kids wave to me as they went by.

The carousel is always a wonderful place to bring your children for hours of entertainment! Once they are done riding horses, the unbelievable playground right next door will certainly help keep their fun going. The parents can sit back at the many tables or benches around the park and enjoy their day as well. Overall it is a wonderful experience

A lot of volunteers and tons of hours went into this carousel. It's not just for kids! There was a line, but it moved pretty quickly. Be sure to read the history and look at all the artwork. Go when the food trucks are there during the week and it makes a great afternoon.

Your family will not be disappointed if you take the time to stop and see what Missoula has done with this little park ,ride and museum. Absolutely outstanding and the cost is very modest for such a beautiful machine ride! Don’t miss this if you’re 5-100 it will bring a smile to your face.

Loved riding around on the fast paced carousel. It was fun to try to get rings from the dragon's mouth. As an adult, I didn't want to spoil the fun of winning for the kids, though. The area around the carousel is a huge playground. Fun for adults and people who are kids at heart.

This is such a cute carousel that has been loved by many. It is worth a quick stop and ride when you were in town.

This carousel is not just for kids! I was intrigued by the history of the ride, which the attendant in the gift shop told us about. He insisted the ride was not just for kids, so we took a ride. It goes pretty fast for a carousel and make sure you look up & see who designed your horse. Mine was a class of school children.

My husband and our children first visited the carousel in 1995 when it was new. This time, it was just my husband and I, and I had a great time riding the carousel. What a treasure it is for the city of Missoula! Children and adults alike can enjoy an inexpensive ride.

Park in one of the garages downtown and walk to the carousel where you can take a spin. It's beautifully crafted and the ride is a fast one. Wear your seat belt! Then, watch kayakers and river boarders at Brennan's Wave (or join the action yourself), walk across the river on the Higgins Avenue bridge to get outstanding pastries from one of the local bakeries in the area - LePetit Outre or Bernices. Back on the north side of the river you can take the kiddos to the insectarium, have really tasty food and beverages at The Top Hat (kid friendly bar which is closed on Sunday), then go back to your hotel and take a nap. You'll need it.

The carousel, and it’s history, is quite cool. It’s in a convenient location, easy to see and fun to ride. The kids’ park next to it is fairly elaborate and has many more features than the typical neighborhood playground.

Very nice place to spend an afternoon with your kids. The carousel has an adjacent play structure and the river runs right next to the area.

It just doesn't matter what age you are. This beautiful carousel of hand carved animals is the BEST carousel ever! Hang on for a great ride and go for the brass ring!

Very ornate and well-designed horses. The carousel is value as well. It is next door to a really fun playground built by donations. It is a great family destination. Definitely a ist see

Hang onto your horses (or dragon) - this carousel is a quick moving but glorious ride for the littles and young at heart! My kids love it and we live here! It is a "must do" when my niece and nephew visit from Portland.

Stopped with my grandson after flying into town.
We took two rides and it's a lot of fun. Grandson is almost 4. It goes fast, so younger kids might not enjoy it.

The staff was very good. They have a gift shop, too.

We had a great time. My wife and I both rode the first time and she wisely took an outside horse while I rode on the inside next to her. That meant she got to grab for rings while I didn't. Oh well. There were very few people here on the day we visited so she ended up being the only one grabbing rings so even though she didn't get the brass one, the operator let her "win" a free ride. On her second trip she managed to pick out a horse with a Calgary (where we're from) connection purely by chance.

Visit here and become a kid again.

I have children aged 10-15, and they all had a lot of fun!! It was so affordable too!! I was really surprised at the cost!

This is a great place to spend an hour it was very affordable. My daughter enjoyed her time and they were very nice!

The carousel is nice to take a break after walking the river bank. There are chairs for the adults to sit while the kids ride. If the kids are too young, you can ride behind them. There are also benches that don't move. You can even try for the brass ring from the dragon's mouth!

Very unique carousel. Only 75 cents to ride for kids. Warning. It does go a lot faster than your average carousel!! My kids loved it! Great for all ages. Looking at the woodwork and detail was pretty impressive. After that. Kids played at the very unique playground next door. A must see!

A volunteer driven carousel with hand carved horses is a great place to visit. Try to get the brass ring as you go around. There is a gift shop and play area right next door.

Took my niece and nephew there, and they had a blast. The little ones get so excited about the ride and become wide-eyed when the see the bright colors of the horses.

This carousel was impressively fast. Unfortunately I was sick the rest of the day...getting too old for that kind of g-force. My kids loved it and the ring game was a lot of fun. Very cute vibe inside and the little gift shop was nice. Great location next to the playground. I’d take my family again, but make my husband ride the next time ;)

Awesome place ! Got 5 ride tokens for $3.75. No standing next to your child but you can ride on same horse. Super cute but truthfully best part is dragon playground next door. Then walk the path to check out the surfers super fun spot to spend family time

Hard to say no to the grandkids when you hear the music start! All sorts of fun for the family...don't miss it if you are in Missoula!

Fun activity for all ages... Reach for the rings as you go around...fast , very fast round. A fun twist for older"kids" .Gold ring means free ride.

This park is absolutely amazing. There is all sorts of playground equipment as well as covered spaces for people to sit and watch. My only concern is that the carousel goes pretty fast. It seemed faster than normal to me. However, the staff makes sure all children are secured tightly. The carousel is a must when visiting Missoula.

This is a real carousel with horses, lights, music and everything. The park like setting is very nice with restrooms, walking trail along the river and parking. There is a concession stand that sells refreshments. A very family friendly place and great if you have little ones, they'll love it.

A fun experience to share with a companion. Not only is it fun, but it's also informative, as they have a maintenance workshop and a small museum open to the public.

Sher couldn't help trying this one out. She loves to spin and did so, but she couldn't get the brass ring.

Great place!!! A must place to experience!! Family for sure... FREE...easy and cheap parking..
Ride the carousel, watch the surfers while eating a home lunch or restaurant bought.

It was fun to ride a carousel again! Just like when I was a kid (decades, not years, ago!) I sat out the first round to choose my horse :-) This was the first time that I rode a carousel that you collected rings on, although I had heard about these kind, I had never ridden one. It was pretty fast, too! The staff was helpful and friendly and shared the history of the carousel with us. A fun afternoon diversion!

This is a hand crafted Carousel made by local carvers. It's wonderful! Many people regularly maintain and operate the facility that includes a great playground, gift shop.The park offers a viewing area to watch kayakers play in the rivers at a created white water wave. Farmers Markets are frequent in the summer along with evening music offerings.

Every summer, our visiting family members (children and adults) insist on riding the Carousel. Well cared for, clean and safe. Fun for growing kids to go for the brass ring, to see how much closer they can reach each year.

Best carousel ride ever! The ring game was so much fun to play and the carousel ran fast. The horses (and dragons!) are spectacular! My whole family enjoyed the experience immensely. It is clear that the volunteers and staff take great pride in creating and operating a truly special feature of Missoula. Also, the dragons hallow playground is not to be missed! So much fun for the kids...and the young at heart 🤩

This machine is purportedly the fastest carousel in the Nation, and I have no reason to doubt that. Very well curated space. Adult and kid friendly alike. Also has a surprisingly good photo booth on site. Worth the drive from Kalispell...

Must do in Missoula. Playground next door so much fun! Great for kids of all ages! My teenagers remember this place fondly.

I wondered why there were seat belts, this is the fastest spinning carousel I've ever seen. Myself and most of my kids seem fine with it. I did she one adult throw-up on herself while on the carousel. Handy washrooms inside and next door is large playground complex.

Went here with my family that was visiting from out of town. Assumed only my younger siblings would enjoy, but we all got tokens to ride....we all ended up going multiple times because we were having a blast with competing against each other with getting the most rings/copper ring from the dragons mouth. My youngest brother still won't stop talking about it and can't wait to visit again so he can go here.

Not only is the carousel a nostalgic gem for Missoulians, it's a great attraction for visitors! A great, inexpensive way to enjoy downtown! Nestled in Caras Park with Dragon Hollow right next door- all kiddos will think they're in a dream! You can win a free ride on the carousel if you snag that gold ring from the dragon! ;) Beautifully painted horses and a few surprise critters, lovingly adorned make this ride a community staple. Very close to great restaurants and bars, a nice place to take the kids or even just to check out as an adult.

Like I said, my 3 girls love the carousel...but it's a carousel, they're little girls. Heck, if the ponies were made of old tires and Jell-O they'd still love the place. Very pretty environment, we had our daughter's first birthday there, lots of fun, a little pricey but I don't remember how much. Bad thing, you have to pay to ride with your little one, even if to only hold them on a horse. The one in Helena allows parents to ride free. They have some awesome hand carved ponies for sale, if you have that kind of money. Gift shop is neat for little ones. The dragon hallow play area attached is really neat (but that's a different review)

I'm rating this a 5 because I'm trying to base this review off of fun things for kids IN MISSOULA ONLY, and there aren't many, so standards aren't really high. Take your kids there and pay, then go to Dragon Hallow and have some real fun for free.

75 cents a token, 1 for kids and 3 needed for adults for a surprisingly long ride on a faster than most carnival carouse rides.

We visited the carousel on a weekend, and it was a lot of fun. You normally have to pay a small fee to visit, but when we went, they were offering free rides. The carousel is pretty standard--lots of colourful horses and even one dragon for people to fight over. The seats on the outside had the opportunity to grab rings out of the mouth of a dragon statue near the entry gate as a fun little challenge. They also had a quaint little gift shop and an awesome playground outside.

This is a Missoula landmark, handcarved a few years back by volunteers in the community, absolutely beautiful. We took our grandkids when we all gathered in Missoula on vacation this summer and they loved it. The gift shop is fun too, and the Dragon Hollow playground right next to the carousel was also a hit. Grandparents as young as 55 get the senior rate of just 75 cents, same as the kids, so we were happy to let the kids ride all they wanted.

What a fun time for our family. We had young children and teens. They all loved this. Our family has been coming here for years and love it.

First of all the horses are beautiful..nice play area next to it. Parking fee..Hubby and I looked forward to taking Granddaughters for a ride or 2..ages 1 and 3..purchased our tokens and waited in line..since I have a bum knee I needed to hold the 1 year old not ride on a horse..2 young girls working there taking tokens told me I could not stand by horse but there were two small benches I could sit with baby. I was about 5th person back in line..so when it was our turn the benches were being used..no big deal..we would go the next turn...so we waited 1st in line..and when the carousel stopped they loaded a wheelchair and occupant and flipped up a bench...and another special needs adult walked to the other bench..which was fine also we could wait for the next turn..I told the 2 workers ..well baby and I should be next..we were being nice and patient..and they told me not necessarily..so I said well Gentleman that walked to bench gets to get off so we can go right? We had been patiently waiting baby and I..I mentioned that and one of them started giving me bad looks..all I wanted to do is ride once on a bench with baby. I mentioned this to the Lady that brought the special needs adults and she was very nice and motioned to the ambulatory Man he needed to get off at this time ..She had no idea we had been waiting so long..I really appreciated her but not the dark haired young Lady who works there.. who just game me "nasty looks" the blonde girl was nice but said the special needs folks can ride as long as they want. I get that but I was a customer too and only wanted one short ride with the baby on the bench..not asking too much...I am very sensitive to others less fortunate..but lets not forget the old Grandmas holding a child with mobility problems. We did get our ride and loved it..Now I must mention there were 2 men there that one about 30 the other about 50..who rode almost every ride and sat on the outside grabbed rings..apparently if you get a gold one you get a reward..they had no children with them and their goal was to grab as many rings as they could and were rewarded many times by grabbing the special ring..it was sad to see the disappointing faces of the other children trying to get the special rings..

The Missoula carousel is small, but employs a collection of beautifully hand carved and painted horses. The workmanship can be enjoyed by parents while kids ride. A Missoula must stop.

Very nice place to take the kids. Clean for that many people going through. Sometimes you have to stand in line for quite awhile.

Such a fun surprise on our trip to Missoula! We brought our 7 year old grandson and he loved the Carousel!!

We love going to the carousel in Missoula. It's a good ride and there's the fun of trying to get the brass ring for a free ride.

Love the back story about all the volunteer hours to assemble and carve thus carousel. Smiles everywhere, especially those grabbing the rings from the dragon's mouth. Very special.

I have brought my daughters to the Carousel many times. The workers are nice and put safety first. The playground Dragon Hollow is just next door so I recommend this for something to do with the kids in downtown Missoula.

We took our grandchildren 3 & 8 yrs on the ride this summer. We were able to stand by our 3 yr old without having to pay extra. We had a really fun time at the carousel as well as the park.

This is the best carousel! It is fast, you get to actually catch the ring, there is a real caliope and all the horses were carved by people in Missoula. The kids loved Paint a bright multi colored horse. That's the one they wanted to ride every time

The kids just love going here. A large play ground right next to it with a huge castle for them to run around in and climb.

Well done, Missoula. Great park for little ones to get outdoors. The Carousel is a great ride for all ages, and the playground is amazing. Would recommend this as a stop for young kids.

I have two toddlers and they were screaming yee haw!!! They loved it and so did my husband and I!! It was so pretty!!! The line was crazy long but it was a Saturday!

Really cool self contained carousel building. The kids really seemed to love it. Nice gift shop attached.

If you need a place to get a little energy out of the young ones (especially in the Summer) go to the carousel downtown and dragon hollow next door. Great place for the kids to get the wiggles out, and provide a little sanity to the adults.

My grand kids from CT are getting crazy and having fun with the horses. Grandkids mentioned me that they will never forget how good time.

Step back into the 1910s, 1920s, etc,. to experience a delight for kids & adults from 100 years ago to now. Lovingly, painstakingly care of the "horses" and equipment add to this experience. If you need something to do in Missoula w/ kids, this is a great place to go! I experienced this long before May 2016.

Go to Missoula. Any and every part of it. Wish I would have never came back! Its a college-kid kind of feel in the downtown area. Many awesome places to stop and see. Lots of bars and casinos. My favorite parts were the natural views. Mountains, rivers... The big M on the hill. Watch out for bikes. This is a biker's dream place to ride!!!!!

Oh. My. Gosh. Its great. $1 per ride. I had my 13 mo old on one of the stationary horses and sat behind him on it. He loved it. Even not moving up and down. His cousins (6&4) had a blast too. Especially when they realized that you can win a free ride by grabbing the “gold” ring from the dragon! Sit on one of the outside horses and as you go by snag a ring from the dragons mouth. Dont worry mom/dad they do have to wear a belt the entire time.
Another fun fact is most of the horses on the carousel have REAL HORSE TAILS that were donated by the horses owners after the horses natural passing. Gives the whole thing a more magical look and feel.

Ok I am not proud of myself but I raced a CHILD and got the horse we both wanted ... alll good... there are plenty of awesome creatures to ride .. it's fast and a good Long ride ... also you can catch the rings... if you get gold you get a free ride !!! Oh and it's UNDER A DOLLAR to ride

Went to a private birthday party where my friend reserved a private area. Awesome entertainment and lots for kids to do. Carousel was great for all ages.

We had to pay to park but it was worth it to ride. An antique carousel covered with a building. When we were there they were remodeling the snack bar. The ride was nice and long. We will be back!

This carousel is beautiful! The artwork on each pony is amazing. Definitely stop inside the small museum to check out some of the history.

A neat place located in a very pretty park on the river in downtown Missoula. The park is nice, it's near lots of good dining and the carousel itself is really well kept up. It's a fun way to spend a few minutes in the downtown area.

Recently reopened, this is a nice local attraction. This carrousel is well done and in a stand alone building next to the Dragon Hollow Play Area. It is one of the few carrousels we have seen recently that allows a rider to reach for a ring - if you get the brass ring, it is good for a free ride. Plenty of parking nearby, and an easy walk to restaurants and shops nearby. They have a very small gift shop, mostly with items geared to a younger audience.

The carousel is great for the whole family and the kids can take some time to play at Dragon's Hallow, a fabulous playground right next door.

This is a wonderful carousel located along the river walk. So many different horses and even a great dragon! Grab a ring and get a free ride! My dad used to catch the ring at Cedar Point 80 years ago. I caught a ring in memory of my dad! Fun time!

Beautiful carousel, friendly staff and conveniently located (close to children's museum). Can get very crowded though and being indoors it's easy to start to feel claustrophobic.

This was a great day activity for us when we were passing through. The carousel runs pretty fast, so be advised if you are expecting a slow ride. The staff was very friendly, and the Dragon Hollow park is perfect for a game of hide and seek with the kiddos.

Lots of fun here! Good ride on the carousel - buckle up - great slides, swings, and maze up to the slides. Location is right along the river and paths and a block away from good restaurants.

Heartwarming story about how the town of Missoula acquired this free carousel. It's a gem, and kids obviously love it. Glad I stopped.

Beautifully hand carved carousel horses. Very open in the front of the carousel for photos of the children. Opens at 10:00 am, located in Caras Park. Recommend for families.

awesome, little and big kids love it!!!!
Make it a point to visit with or without kids and take a ride.

Love the carousel we brought our nephew and he had so much fun the only downfall we didn't like is how expensive the gift shop is. Otherwise great place and dragon hollow is fun too

This carousel was just good, old-fashioned fun! It was a last-minute decision to visit and take a ride but we ended up going on it 3 or 4 times. Fun for kids and adults both!

This is a delightful way to take a break from all the great activities one can do in and around Missoula. And there's a wonderful story of community in how it came to be. So, buy the requisite "coins" to board the carousel, try for a horse or other figure on the OUTSIDE (I forgot to do this) so you can try for the brass ring, and enjoy the ride. You don't have to be a kid to have a good time on this gift for all generations.

Go for the golden ring and win another ride! I enjoy going there with my kids. I sometimes ride the rides myself, but I mostly just watch the kids and they love it. They have their favorite horses.

Loved it! Cheap entertainment for the younger set and a trip down memory lane for the older set. Getting the brass ring earns a free ride on the carousel. Allow time for the playground attached.

If you are in Missoula then swing by the Carousel. My kids love going there every time. Each horse, dragon and other art around the ride is hand-painted. Easy stop by the river walk as well.

We just wanted to see the wooden wonder that spins round and round. It didn't take much convincing to take a turn. Surprisingly faster than I expected whipping me back in time to a carefree youth.

Classic old carousel located down by the river in downtown Missoula. Grab a ring from the dragon's mouth as you go around. They also have a small snack stand and gift shop. Nice to visit if you are in the area, but you should also combine it with a walk along the river.

We had our 40th anniversary here and everyone raved about the fun of riding their "chosen horse" The facility has a pavilion that you can use to gather your guests.

Even if you don't want to have a party here, you really need to go here for a ride and to watch the kids. It is a blast and you might catch the golden ring.

Dwain and Judy Helm Wright

I'm a grandma and I love this carousel! This is the 2nd time we've been here, both times as a couple. It's a beautiful carousel with a great story. I didn't feel a bit out of place as an oldster on it. Grabbing the rings as you fly around is fun too.

Absolute highlight for my toddler. Easy and walkable to all things downtown. Great park area and river views. Friendly staff who really cares about the kids having fun. Don’t miss if you have littles! Parents sit on outside horse and grab the rings for a chance to get a free ride!

A Carousel for Missoula is a great experience. Hand carved and painted horses. Great place for the kids or grand kids. They can actually try to get the ring as they go around, just like in the old days.

We brought our grandson for a ride on the carousel but the adults had fun too. Try to get a horse on the outside so you can grab rings as you go around. Cute little gift shop with snacks. All of the people working there were so happy!

Who doesn't love the Carousel? It's also a great spot for birthday parties. This is a very fast moving carousel, and being an older gal, it had my head swimming! But, I am the minority and it's always crowded! Buy your tokens and have a try at grabbing the brass ring! Just make sure your "safety belt" is secured as you DO need to lean out a bit. Get the brass ring, and get a free ride! The music is fun also!

The carousel and Caras Park make downtown one of the best parts of Missoula. Great place where people of all ages can enjoy.

Found this while walking the riverwalk. This is a wonderful carousel that has been created by the community. The children all had smiles on their faces.

Kids of all ages love the carousel and Dragon Park. It's fast so hang on! Our young teens are getting too old for the park playground but they still want to ride the carousel and try to grab the gold ring whenever we visit Missoula.

The Carousel for Missoula is a great place to visit. The horses are hand carved and very beautiful. There is a gift shop to purchase things such as t shirts, carousels and little horses. Bust the best thing for all is riding the carousel, adults as well as the kids all come off the ride smiling and remembering times gone by.

A Carousel for Missoula was on our list of places to visit while travelling around Montana. (We live in Alberta and it was our first time to Montana). This place did not disappoint and was one of the highlights of our trip. Our children loved reaching for the Golden Ring while riding the carousel(as did the adults as well:)
Friendly staff, fun atmosphere and cheap rides- great family fun:)

What a wonderful trip for a Kindergarten class. Staff was very friendly and informative. The Children loved the Carousel and Dragon Hollow Park.

Wouldn't miss the chance to ride this charming carousel set in a fabulous location in downtown Missoula. Top it off with a short walk to Big Dipper Ice Cream to make the afternoon perfect!

Great place to take your kids if they are young, they love it. My husband and baby had a lot of fun together trying to get some rings from the dragon.

We visited the Carousel for Missoula during a trip in Caras Park. It's a beautiful carousel and the hand-made and hand-painted horses are marvellous. It's not expensive to ride, just a few dollars, and parents can share the horse with children for less than the cost of two horses. You can even try win another ride if you're on an outer horse.

There's a great park next to it. It's a little stuff in there. Would be great if sides were open when warm. It's so fast for kids too but overall great fun. Very affordable too

There was a great little park right by the restaurant we ate at and found this cool little carousel right too it. For only a quarter the kids rode the carousel.

This is a fun little activity for kids and it gets you down by the lovely park on the river. Make sure to walk the whole area and watch the river surfers on Brennan's wave.

My Aunt took me here since I had no idea this was in Missoula & it was one of my dad's favorite places to go. Beautiful wooden horses hand painted & it is a very hot spot to be so lines can get long. They have an elongated penny machine (4 total to collect) & a great gift shop. Very friendly & helpful staff. Very much worth the time spent there. I'm looking forward to bringing my children here on the next visit in Missoula, MT.

While this is a typical carousel for the kids, it is hardly the top attraction in Missoula. We would recommend a walking tour along the river or perhaps a hike in the Rattlesnake National Recreation area.

I stopped by to see the Carousel after being out of state for the last 20 years, and was so pleased to see it still a central element of the community. I was intricately involved in the inception and early construction of the carousel, ultimately securing tickets so my young daughters could be among those riding the first time around when it was christened. My daughters are professionals now and time has done it's worst to my girlish figure, but the carousel looks like it was just made yesterday. Three cheers to the wood carvers from all over the world who converged on Missoula in the mid-90s to create what was at the time one of the only operational hand-carved carousels in the nation!

My kids loved the carousel and they had a great time playing at Dragon's Hollow playground next door. Carousel is affordably priced. Parking is free after 5pm, at least during the week. Can't wait to visit again!

Been to The Carousal at Caras Park with children and adults many time and is such a special time. Dragon Hollow is just a great place for kids to let their imagination go wild.

Busy on special occasions, but fun activities for the kids. Lots of different things for the kids. Seemed well suited for them.

I grew up right outside of Missoula and going to the Carousel was one of my favorite things to do in town! It hasn't changed! I love it as an adult and my toddler-aged daughter loves it too! It is open year-round, except for a week or so in the winter when they clean and touch-up the carousel. The horses are all hand-carved and so unique! I have had a favorite horse since youth, Midnight Rose, but have collected other favorites as well. It is a lot of fun! You can collect rings as you go around, and if you manage to grab the brass ring you win a free ride! The tokens for the carousel are also pretty neat - they have different horses stamped on them. You can have birthday parties there, and the gift shop is small but has some fun items. You can often see into their workshop and view horses that are in the process of being created.

There is also a really fun playground, Dragon's Hollow, right next to the carousel. It even has a toddler area for the smaller kids to play.

The staff is more than willing to tell the interesting story behind the carousel and there is a nice castle themed kids' park there too.

My family had a fun evening here! My two kids (8 and 5) loved the carousel and they had a great time on the playground next door. We got tokens using the Groupon deal so the kids could have a few rides. They loved being able to ride, then play, then ride, then play more! It was nice for us adults to be able to give them a little freedom to do that!

The carousel is fast, so hang on to little ones for sure. Older ones will love sitting on an outside horse and trying to grab the golden ring (lots of other colors too, but the golden one is a free ride). At first we were nervous to let our 8 year old try for it, but then we realized it was fine.

On Thursday nights in the summer they have food trucks gather and live music, too, so we stayed a long time since there was so much going on!

If you have young kids, love art, or history, you must take a ride. It goes faster than I thought it would and the kids have the opportunity to win a free ride by snagging a gold ring.

We all loved the carousel. It is a much longer ride than others that we have been on and is a very good price.

Great place to bring kids. Right downtown. Clean, and by the river and park. Restaurants, coffee shops nearby.

Pure relaxing enjoyment. Fun for young children to adults. Good old time fun at its best. Extremely well done carousel with fine detail. The Clarks Fork of the Columbia River is a short distance away. Frequent kayakers and surfers can be seen playing on a large standing wave. Close to downtown shopping as well as classic restaurants and nightlife.

My family and I visited this past weekend and we had a wonderful time. We went during the Down the Hatch festival which was right across from the carousel and even with the crowds, there wasn't a line. Not expensive and they have a cute little gift shop. All the workers were very polite. We'll definitely be back.

I grew up working at an amusement park as a ride operator and my favorite was the Carousel. So this was a treat. Be sure to visit the little museum as it explains the history and really the love affair this community has for this ride and undertaking. Beautiful work of art. thanks for keeping the dreams of children 1 to 100 a live.

Carousel was beautiful and the ride lasted long enough you got your money's worth. I caution adults with motion sickness issues. It goes very fast for a carousel, which makes it super fun, but a few of us felt a bit queasy after riding twice in a row. I recommend at least taking a look at this work of art and also the adjoining park. It was a great family activity!

A very cool area of Caras park for the kiddos. Lots of interesting designs and options for the kids to burn off energy on.

This carousel travels fast! And it's great fun to try to collect rings at the same time. Sit on an outside horse to participate in the ring game. The horses are beautiful and it is so impressive that this whole area was created by volunteers. We were traveling with adults and teens and had to visit twice.

I wasn't sure I'd enjoy this, but it's a really unique and fun attraction right in the heart of Missoula. It's filled with history, inexpensive, and provides a good laugh for people of all ages. In an interesting twist, there is a dragon beside the carousel whose mouth is filled with rings. As the carousel soars by, one reaches for the rings, and the person who grabs the last, golden one gets a free ride!

There is a gift shop on site, as well as a concession stand with nice lemonade. Give it a go!

The carousel is a modern reworking of the old fairground ride. It is only a couple of dollars a go and is good fun for young and old alike. Sit on the outside and grab rings from the dragons mouth on each lap - get the brass ring for a free ride.
The attraction isn't worth a trip on its own, but there is a children's play area attached and you can walk 2 minutes to the river to watch local kids surf in the Rapids or tube down the river.

Fast, fun, beautiful and right on the bank of the river next to an awesome playground. A must-stop-and-do if you have kids under 10.

Cheap and faster than most carousels I’ve ever been on. Make sure to grab the rings from the dragon mouth on the way around once you can win a free ride, which my daughter got and went around for another turn.

I took my 3 year old nephew to the Carousel. First, he was VERY excited about all of the dinosaurs in the gift shop, so that was a struggle to get him OUT of the gift shop and all of the cool things there and ON to the Carousel.
He had to ride with an adult (Me) because of his size and age, which was fine....at first. HOLY COW does this Carousel go fast!!! I remember as a kid going on them and being bored because they were going SO SLOOOOOWWWWWLLLLLLYYYY but man oh man does this one clip!! I was actually afraid to let go of my nephew and the bar (let me also tell you, I am not much for rides in the first place but still....) and can def tell why you need to be strapped on.
I myself could only go 3 times....which was great because I got to experience 3 different ponies.
Unfortunately for me, once you get a 3 year old on the carousel, it is extremely hard to get him off! Thankfully I went with a friend and he was able to take over and could also only ride 3 different ponies....
Speaking of the ponies, they are beautiful! Each one is so incredibly different and have so many fun details to find! Also, some of them are not the most comfortable ponies to be on....the ones that look super cool and painful....well, they were!
BUT this is def a great place to take kids!!! Just make sure to hold on for the fast ride!!!

Hold on because you’re going on a very fast ride on this carousel. You really have to hold on. It’s supposed to be the fastest in the West. If you have any injuries, think twice before going on. Kids love it though. Great location and a big attraction in Missoula. If dipper ice cream just around the corner from the carousel.

Best carousel ride you can have. This one has been beautifully restored and still uses the rings to keep the kids interacting through out the ride. You can win free rides if you get the last ring. The lady working it was very friendly and did an awesome job! The even include a small museum room to take you through the history of it all. It's a true piece of art! It's .75 cents to ride if you are a kid. Great value!

The ride was faster than most carousels. The hand-carved horses are amazing, as is the glass in the ticket booth. The music occasionally sounded really off-key, but I am not a fan of most organ music (the people who paid for the carousel organ are listed as "organ donors") See it even if you don't have kids - 20-minute visit without kids, at least an hour with kids!

This is a beautifully restored carousel that is a nice asset to Caras Park. Small children will love riding it, but so will adults.

The Carousel for Missoula is a land of dreams. It is a landmark for our community involvement and the magic that Missoula offers to people of all ages. It is also one of the fastest carousels I have ever ridden on -- buckle up! The more you ride, the more you appreciate the beauty of each of the hand-carved horses and the sensational calliope music. I seldom miss an opportunity for a quick spin...

The ponies are all hand carved and beautiful to ride and see. In addition, the organ is very old and amazing to listen too. This carousel is a treasure for children of ALL ages.

I have ridden the horses (and once in a cart, but won't repeat that!) of this carousel so many times. Every time someone comes to town we go to the carousel. We have attended countless birthday parties there. Christmas parties. Corporate events. It is such a fun place! Adults love it too because there are big horses with saddles big enough for adult sized back sides and two lengths of stirrups. These horses move fast! At 8 mph you really feel the centrifugal force and need hang on tight! Seat belts are required (no seat belt in cart so I won't be doing that again). You can double ride with a smaller child. They have a brass ring to try and grab that comes from a dragon's mouth. The lights and music and sights are all a delight.

Me and my sister went here on one of our stays. We took her Boys ,they were both late teens and had a blast. There was also a Farmers Market there too.

Well we've only been to Missoula twice now, but we always stop at the Carousel. It's a great piece of local culture, a long ride for the money and beautiful art.

Located near the river in downtown Missoula, the Carousel has been a hit with families. It's a little like going back in time and the music associated with the ride is amazing. My two 6 year old boys absolutely love it and there's a children's park next to it. The venue is clean and the staff very friendly and helpful.

A great, old fashioned merry-go-round. Excellent family activity. With small children you need to be with them so they don't fall. This carousel goes FAST. Has the "grab a metal ring" device that you can access on the outer horses. Get a gold ring, get a free ride.

My children love to go to the carousel every time we are in Missoula. It is not chintzy, plastic horses, but hand-carved and painted horses and animals. The carousel is very beautiful and worth a visit. You can also walk along the river after visiting or the kids can play at the playground.

There were so many people in the Carousel for Missoula. When people finished, more people come.

I see all the children smiling.

The carousel is attractive and worthwhile to have fun with it.

Worthwhile for the fun!

Kids and adults love the carousel, and a chance to grab a ring as you go round and round. It's also next to a large playground which kids love.

We had a few minutes before meeting a friend for an early dinner ... and happened upon The Carousel. The operator encouraged us to take a ride, and we had a wonderful, wonderful time! He told us the story of the merry go round and each of the hand carved horses that we chose. I’d highly recommend this activity regardless of your age!

We went with my family including my parents and my 1 year old niece. The place was clean and inexpensive with a fun playground but the carousel went way too fast. I almost felt sick to my stomach due to the motion! I would have liked the ride much better had it gone slower.

So fun to watch my friends fly by on this extra fast carousel, while trying to grab the rings, in hopes of getting the brass ring.

The workers were kind of curmudgeons, though.

The carousel is 20 this year, and is still very well kept. All the horses are hand carved by Missoula artists, and over the years they have added many more horses (and dragons and many other creatures) to the carousel's rotation. The Carousel also has a hand carved organ as well as the traditional "gold ring" pole. One of the best things about the carousel is the sliding doors that are thrown open in the summer. As you are riding on the pony you get views of the Clark Fork River, Dragon's Hollow, Caras Park, and Downtown. It is a must stop for visitors of all ages.
The one thing about the carousel that is off putting is the price. I understand that it is self supporting (profits, donations, grants) however for many the cost is a bit prohibitive. Even if you can't afford to ride it is worth the trip to see the beautiful and well kept Missoula Gem

My son loves the carousel! We visited this past weekend for a second time and my 3 year old had a blast. The wait was short and we were able to go a few times before moving on - also played in the adjacent playground for some time and this was fun as well. Always on our list to stop when traveling through zootown with our kiddo :)

This was a small, quick ride around. I think it made 3 passes and that was it. It is an indoor carousel. Very pretty with an antique quality to it. Kids had fun. All said it was over too fast. I think they are used to Disney one. Worth a whirl around. Plus the fees keep it us as well as the surrounding park.

The Carousel and playground are worth a stop! You can also watch people surf the river nearby at Brennan's Wave. Love the misters in the playground keeping children cool!

Best carosal around acorrding to my kids. But is fun for all ages. Also love the playground next to it.

My wife and I took our 2 young children this past weekend and had a wonderful time riding the carousel. We felt the price to ride was minimal and of great value.

Fun for all ages! Beautiful hand carved horses, Eagles, dragons and more. To add to the fun there's a friendly game to see who can grab the rings out of the dragons mouth as you go around on the carousel and whoever gets the last one wins a free ride on the carousel! SO FUN! Great price too!

Each year for the last three years when I've visited my grandchild in Missoula, we've gone on the Carousel. It's a super fast ride, so exhilarating. Buckle up. The horses are beautiful, and we usually go around two or three times. My grandson is turning three. I'm a LOT older and still love it. Plenty of fun things to look at as the area is enclosed and there's a gift shop with snacks that comes in handy after the ride, and an excellent outdoor wooden castle play area with jungle gym right next door. The Carousel is inexpensive, so an excellent family treasure to donate to.

I love to go to the carousel as much as the kids. It's an inexpensive, fun way to spend some time while browsing in downtown Missoula or taking the kids to play at the park as well as a nice break if taking a walk down by the river.

Only open 11:00 to 5:30. Adults $2.25. Kids and Seniors $.75. Beautifully restored. Goes around faster than many carousels.

We always go to the Carousel when in Missoula. We took an elderly gentleman to enjoy the Carousel. It was beautiful

It is a fun spot for big and little kids alike. The park was a little difficult to find for us but not bad once you understood the locals directions. My kids enjoyed the park around it as well. This isn't something for long-term entertainment but it is a fun spot to see.

BEST carousel we have ever been on, and we have been on many! It is located in the center of town in the beautiful Caras Park. All of the horses were hand carved and are kept in immaculate condition. The people working there were very nice and informative. The carousel also goes much faster than others, which is awesome! BONUS is that it is not expensive at all! My husband and I are seniors and tickets were only .75 cents each! You are never too old to ride a carousel!

I recommend seeing all the places I acknowledged. If you love beautiful scenery and babbling brooks. The Carosel was a blast...brought back the kid in me.

Great atmosphere, nice folks who are compassionate toward kids. not making money. Lots for the kids to do. dragon hollow has been updated and is better than it was previously, ample room to sit in the shade and watch your kids play, sip an ice tea and people watch, close to caras park and the river, neat place!

Beautiful hand carved carousel, a work of the heart. Everyone should see this and it would be perfect for children and children at heart to see. Benches to ride on if it is a difficulty to mount a steed !

The carousel is a stand-alone attraction in downtown on the river. It is a classic carousel and fun for all ages. Note that this goes around very quickly. You probably would need to stand by a younger child. I have never seen a line so it's an easy visit. It also has a gift shop with carousel-related items.

Young and old are thrilled with the ride, atmosphere and gorgeous ponies. For the young, it's exciting and for adults nostalgia at its best.

My children have loved this place for 13 years! It's great for family fun! The park next door is wonderful, though, I wish you could see your children 100 % of the time in the park for those parents who don't climb jungle gyms. Lol

One of the most beautiful carousels I've ever seen. Good ride - faster than most. Grab the rings for a possible free ride!

We stopped here while we were walked down the river and had a blast. They do have a ring catching thing where you must try to get the brass ring so you can get a free ride. Even if you don't get the brass ring it is fun to try and grab rings. It goes very fast which is much nicer than slow carousels. This great fun for all ages!!

The carousel was wonderful entertainment for our grandchildren. It went a little fast for the younger ones but was good for older children.

Loved feeling the outdoors with this attraction while letting my inner child out. This along with my walk along the park and the river close by was a true treat to my day of play.

The hand-carved horses, and other critters, at this carousel are spectacular. A local carver was determined to create this ride, so he recruited locals to become his carving crew. Most were new to carving, but you would never know that by looking at what they created!

This carousel was created by locals through donations, penny drives to "buy" horses, and lots of love and hard work by hundreds who came together to give Missoula a carousel of their own.

If you like carousels, or if you enjoy laughing or watching people have fun, make sure you stop here. You will be in awe of the ponies created by our local carvers!

If you go, much of the parking in the immediate area is reserved or lease parking. After business hours this is not a problem, but during the business day you may have to hike a short way. It is handicap accessible, and there are handicap parking spaces available near the carousel. The carousel also accommodates handicap viewers and riders.

Lovely if rickety ride on a carousel - great community project that says a lot about Missoula's commitment to arts and families. Really interesting to read about the history and development of the carousel. Fun for kids to have a chance to catch the brass ring!

The horses themselves seem a bit rickety, but every passenger is belted in for safety.

There isn't even a view or anything to make this unique. It's just like any other carousel. It did go a little faster than most.

A very cool area of Caras park for the kiddos. Lots of interesting designs and options for the kids to burn off energy on.

We apprecitate the workmanship that goes into creating a cool experience and gives the park a heightened feel from your standard pkaygrounds.

From the hand carved, beautifully painted horses and other rideable animals, to the music and helpful staff, this is a must visit. Right along the Clark Fork River in Missoula, this locally built and volunteer maintained carousel is perfect for young and old, and if you get the brass ring, you get a free ride.

Beautiful, charming, nostalgic-come here to enjoy the simple pleasures. Great park for the kids next door and some good eating venues nearby. Downside? Parking in the area can be a bear.

Checked it out after a yummy lunch at Tamarack Brewery just across the parking lot. Beautiful. Brings back great childhood memories. A special preservation of times gone by.

Wowza! This carousel is a fast one!
The horses are beautiful! Each one is so different!
The artwork on the walls are magical!
The kids can reach out and grab rings on their way around (the gold ring wins a free token) for some added fun and challenges!
If you're not into riding, there are several seats you can watch from!
It's a beautiful thing to do and it shows Missoula history and beauty all in one! If you have the chance, definitely check it out!

This apparently is the fastest carousel in the world and I believe it. It is just a lot of fun to ride and see some of the custom built horses. And you can grab the rings and hope for the golden one which gives you a free ride.

It doesn't matter what your age is - THIS IS FUN. The horses are of different sizes to accommodate all, and there are also "sleighs" and other more sedate places one can sit in and still enjoy the ride.

The Carousel is fantastic. All the ponies are hand carved and sponsored and named by families, organizations, even classrooms of kids. It is fun to ride for all ages. It is a favorite for me and my granddaughter. We ride an outside horse as they go the fastest. A must see

A great mix of single and double horses. There are also some sitting options as well. They move fast and the staff is very friendly and helpful. Prices are reasonable. Consider getting an outside horse. Catch the rings out of the dragons mouth. Get a golden one, you get a free ride!

Want to feel like a child again??? Get on this beautifully restored carousel!!!!
But be warned, this is not a ride for the faint of heart. One of the fastest carousels in the world, it spins at a heart racing 8mph!!! (Yes, they provide seat belts)
Be sure to grab for the brass ring as you spin around... it's one of the only carousels in the world that still let's you win a prize!!!

Had a half day to play around in Missoula. Went for a long walk, checking out the architecture of this lovely old city, then stopped in for a ride on the carousel.

We travel often through Missoula and always have to stop if the carousel is open. The whole family has a ball in this area with great places to eat and the river nearby. Quite an experience trying to grab the "golden ring" to get the free ride! Plus there is an amazing park connected to the carousel and ample parking. Worth the visit!

We stumbled onto this Carousel on the Clarkfork River front park in downtown Missoula. I just had to ride it. It was early evening and they were close to closing. Only 5 of us 'older' ladies wanted to ride. The ticket was a mere 75 cents! What a ride we were given. It went FAST! I had to hang on. What a fun ride! I loved it.

Great place for kids of all ages! Clean, neat and very friendly staff. Would not hesitate to recommend to all.

Love the story about the maker of the carousel and the promise to/from the city of Missoula to take care of it. It's very inexpensive for kids-- just 75 cents to ride and has a brass ring that kids can try to grab to win a free ride. Not much else to do in the immediate area, and has inexact hours in summertime, but definitely a must-do if in Missoula with kids! Very much a local highlight.

Visitors and riders of all ages. As many seniors as tots. Nice long ride on beautiful animals--try the green dragon. Very fast moving with big kids trying to grab the plastic rings as they pass by. The climbing area just outside is great for young kids.

This is an awesome stop for kids of all ages. There's a small gift shop as well. It's worth the stop while in Missoula

The artwork and craftsmanship that was poured into this is amazing. Our daughter is only one. She’s not quite big enough to ride yet because it goes pretty fast. She loves to stare at the horses though. She gets excited anytime we are near this attraction. It is a must see attraction no matter if you have kids or not.

The carousel is cool but it really is meant for kids. As an adult it was interesting to see for about 2 minutes.

We always take the grandkids here when we visit! The carousel is indoors and it is fast! We have been taken our granddaughter on it since she was about one year old. She loves it and now can ride by herself. A nice rainy day attraction..

My wife and I took our niece and nephew to the carousel last summer. They had a wonderful time. It was great watching them trying to catch the gold ring and then they played in the play ground.

Fun for young and old thanks to a faster than typical top speed and an old-school ring dispenser (final metal ring = free ride).

Who doesn't enjoy a nice carousel ride? It's a good place to go to be a kid again. It's enclosed which makes it a good thing for when the day isn't so nice.

While in Missoula for a retreat, we got to spend 2 extra days in town. This is the cutest little place with a Main Street and hand crafted items galore! You will find jewelry, woodwork, ceramics, t-shirts, lawn ornaments, local paintings, and some of the best food! Then we went down to the river area that has a path to walk along and a farmers market on Saturday. Next to that is an old Horse carosaul that will bring back memories of being little. There is no age limit and many adults were riding with or without children.

This carousel may not be old (1995), but it is in old style, lovingly carved by many volunteers. It's a great example of people coming together to realise a dream. We were very impressed. Very knowledgable volunteer. Kids and big kids enjoy the carousel. Best 75 cents worth in Missoula. Don't miss it.

My kids love the carousel. It's the fastest one I've ever seen, and my competitive 9 year old loves trying for the golden ring. It makes me too dizzy, but plenty of adults take a ride. It is attached to a lovely, imaginative playground. It's a fun place to bring families who are visiting Missoula.

Great fun the kids and the adults too. U do not have to go far away to a amusement park for this enjoyable ride.

While visiting the University of Montana, we stopped by the carousel for a diversion. It's fabulous! It consists completely of uniquely decorated horses with real hair tails except one dragon and a couple of benches. We included a couple of teenage girls and two eight year old boys, perfect for them as the carousel moves at an amazing pace. The music is all old 30's and 40's era... great fun!
In addition, behind the building is an incredible playground; my son declared, "This is heaven!"

Beautiful carousel and is fast for a carousel! I think it is the last hand-carved carousel built in the US.

Love this old timey, charming slice of Americana. Nestled in a park, the carousel was bustling with children and their parents, grandparents and nannies. It was so cute to listen to the children picking out the horse they were going to ride with while waiting in line. Their voices were filled with excitement and anticipation.

I can't remember seeing a carousel that actually has a brass ring to grab but this one does. In fact, my adult daughter had never even heard of it. You get a free ride if you grab it.

Hours are a bit loosey goosey. The sign actually says that it will open by a certain time but it could open earlier.

Very fun place to take the grandkids. Reasonably priced and you can do it over and over. The gift shop has some unique gifts from Missoula, too!

My friend and I only purchased two tickets (for a 1 yr old and 2.5 yr old), because we thought we could stand beside the kids and ride. We were surprised when we were told that there was no standing allowed, and we needed to sit on a horse by ourselves, or share a horse with the kids. Once the ride started it became clear why...this carousel was on speed! There is no way someone could keep their balance on that thing standing. Best suited for older kids, as it is hard to share a horse with a young child (and unfortunately the bench was taken by some elementary aged kids..). Also the penny press is right inside the door which can cause a log jam when trying to exit/enter

Loved it!!! The fastest carousel that I have been on in years and I even got the brass ring. Beautiful craftsmanship. A definite to visit when in Missoula.

Many volunteers made this beautiful addition to Missoula possible. I have went there several times for birthday parties and just to see the happiness on the faces of my grandchildren. The craftsmanship on the horses is beautiful. I have never seen anyone that did not enjoy a visit there. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

I love bringing our granddaughter here she a phase the best time! Precious moments never forgotten! The staff is always kind and friendly and take concern for the younger kids ... very other week we have to stop by!

So much fun on this beautiful carousel located in the park along the river and what a surprise when it got moving! No wonder they make you strap in! We laughed ourselves silly on this whirlwind ride! Thanks Missoula for the ride of our lives!

Very cool place to bring young kids! Neat river front location near other attractions. Fun walkway along the river and place to watch river surfers.

We stopped on a cold winter day to let the kids ride the carousel prior to taking a 3 hour road trip. The carousel is located inside a small building with many beautiful horses to choose from. The cost was 75 cents a ride and the line was short! The bigger kids had fun reaching for the rings, hoping to get the gold ring which would get them a free ride. The younger kids just enjoyed picking their favorite color horse and riding around. The carousel goes fast, so get photos before it starts!

A joyous place with lovely carousel creatures and carousel music. Go for the brass ring! Young and old come to ride and watch.

Creating the carousel was a community effort and its existence stands as testament to the community spirit of Missoula. The horses are hand carved, many are traditional, but several are "Western" themed, with saddlebags (in one case, with books strapped in a saddle-bag effect), and a dragon dispenses the brass ring. There are two chariots placed next to two stationary mounts (for young children--an adult can sit in the chariot and monitor the child). This is a lovely spot on the riverfront, a step back in time. Worth a short visit, and perhaps even a ride!

The staff is very friendly and accommodates large groups.
We had a group of almost forty people. The wait time was short and the staff was very patient.

We could not get in, as there was a private party, but we viewed the carousel from the windows. Hand crafted, very cute!

A great place to come with kids. You want to try to get an outside horse so you can grab the rings from the dragons mouth and get the golden ring for a free ride. You have to be at the front of the line though because everyone else wants an outside horse too! There is a beautiful playground next-door to the carousel with concessions and bathrooms available.

You can get to the carousel from Holiday Inn by walking or they have parking next to it. They also have Dragon's Hollow next to it which is a small playground!

An amazingly restored carousel complete with a brass ring to try to grab while riding around in the outside "lane." Great fun!

One of the carving group of volunteers delighted me with a private tour and a surprise ride on the carousel on an evening when the mechanic was tuning up the carousel & needed volunteer riders. What an amazing work of art. The ride was amazing. Thank you!

Great attraction for younger children. They added a feature where the kids on the outside horses can try and grab rings from a dispenser. If you get the gold ring you get a free ride. The kids loved it.

Every time I get to Missoula I go here, I have loved carousels all my life even now that I am no longer a child. I have taken my grandkids here but this visit was without them. Most people only come here with the kids but I like it eather way. The river walk is right there also so makes this area really nice

Beautiful carousel that is fun to ride for both kids and adults. I would highly recommend it for anyone visiting Missoula.

We stopped by here last summer and will be back this summer of 2016 as well. THe kids had a blast and the kid inside me had some fun too! Very family friendly place!

Beautiful location. Playground not very secure. Watched several children walk out without supervision. Needs better security. Gate was never closed. Amazing carousel. Horses built on site.

We read and stopped to see what this carrousel was all about and recommend trying this at least once. This goes pretty quickly and you grab rings at a chance for a free ride.

We love carousels and were very pleased to find this one in Missoula. It is clean and well maintained and one of the nicest we've seen.

Great location and a big attraction in Missoula but unfortunately it’s closed right now due to Covid. The children’s park is literally around the corner. And you can still go to dipper ice cream that is just around the corner from the carousel and it’s awesome. We came here years ago and it was great. It’s supposed to be the fastest carousel in the west. And YES it was. Hopefully it will open soon.

Try the carousel (and a trip there isn't complete without ice cream) - this is a really fun place and will absolutely take you back to your childhood!

Great little spot for a quick activity and a couple good memories. Everyone has that good joy of riding horses and saving those keepsake memories for a lifetime. As a mother now. I love seeing the same joy and amazement watching my child. Two thumbs up.

We have been there a few times, there is not too much to do, we just go and leave our son to do a few rides, then we are done.

Wow, this was a fast carousel. Adults and little ones got strapped in together, rather than the adult standing. The young staff was superb at directions and helpfulness. There was of course a ring grab, with a golden ring yielding an extra ride.

We stopped here to see the "Fastest Carousel ever" and the "handmade horses" that were in other reviews. It was good to see, then we were ready to move on.

What a gem of a carousel by the river, a park and an awesome walking path in Missoula. Hand carved horses are a real treat for children and adults alike.

Didn't ride because carousels make me sick, but the carousel and it's attached exhibits are very interesting to look at and read about. Lots of kids having a great time on when we were there.

Fun place to take the kids even the big kids in the family nice staff the area is nice too the view of tbe river is great also

We were the only ones there at 7:30pm on a Sunday night. The ring game that is a part of the carousel was great because we both kept winning (no competition ha!). Every time you make a loop there is a dragons head that you reach up and try to pull rings out of. If you collect the golden ring you win a free ride. The carousel goes pretty fast so it was a great time. Plan to spend more time here if you have younger children as there is also a large playground next to the carousel. It was $2.25 per ride for adults and $.75 for children.

Your never to old for a carousel ride!!😀 We were told this is the second fastest carousel ride in the US and I now believe it😂

We had an afternoon to spend in Missoula and we enjoyed a stroll in the park. We found the carousel and spent o my $2.00 to try for the golden ring. Well worth the time and money. Each horse is special. The ride was very clean and safe.

The carousel is very unique find.. all hand carved and beautiful.. the carousel is setup for a little bit of fun and is located right next to a awesome children park.

No matter how old you are this is a great place. You can enjoy the ride and watch the smiles on everyone's face

Its the fast merry go round ever-beautiful painted ponies and trying to get the gold ring.All in a 2hour stay- Kids having birthdays -teenager with their braces shining -parent holding there babies.Some sitting on the benches,going round and round.. The carousal will make great memories,smiles and pictures.

take the little one old ones,middle agers everyone will love this

Reading about the community effort to design, build and maintain the Carousel gave a great sense of the community spirit in Missoula. Bravo! Very much worth seeing.

The fastest carousel this side of the Mississippi. It's gorgeously decorated with unique hand-painted craftwork on each pony and an amazing display just to go watch. To ride is fun for kids and adults alike. They have a golden ring game that adds some extra competitive fun for the outside row's riders also.
Only word of caution is if there is a birthday or private party, it can be a bit chaotic for other non-involved parties and kids may feel left out.
This is a must visit in Missoula.

MY wife saw the Carousel and said to the three of us that we all need to take a ride. We agreed, four adults having the simple pleasure of riding a carousel.
Come and enjoy as we did!
Do not walk by - come for a ride!

Enjoyed riding the "fast" carousel in Missoula. don't miss this attraction no matter what your age. A real gem for Missoula.

The carousel goes faster than you would expect but a great experience. Just make sure you get the bronze ring for your kid then you will be able to get a additional free ride.

Super fun for the kids, near Halloween they dress up and the kids loved it!! I had fun watching the kids and their happy faces brought me back to my child hood!!

This carousel features beautifully carved horses and other creatures. It was not operating the day we visited as it was rented out for a private party. However, the folks let us come in and take a few pictures. Parking in the park that houses the carousel is only $1 an hour and offers views of the river and nice walkways. Very inexpensive fare, with a special rate for seniors.

This is a hidden treasure. The carousel was assembled by a team of dedicated volunteers and craftsmen and every horse was hand-carved and painted. Each one has a name and history. If you ride on the outside, you can try to grab a brass ring as you float around in a magical world of music and memories. Don't miss this treat. Re-live your childhood.

Our granddaughter loves the Carousel and the attached Dragon Hollow play area. It is a no-brainer for us to take her there on a Saturday afternoon

At first I went on by myself my daughters didnt want too but after my first time on the Carousel they changed their mind and you couldnt get us off of it, great family fun.

this is an experience that young children will enjoy and not have to go to a fair. The price is right and fun will be had!

What a fantastic job the volunteers did in creating this carousel. There is plenty if parking at the carousel, and children of all ages can enjoy it. The gift shop is well stocked and the staff very helpful. If you are going to be in Missoula, or even passing through, this is a must see.

The rides are cheap and they have an added game that kids can grab rings from the dragon's mouth. Whoever gets the platinum ring wins a free ride.

This carousel is fun! The long ride is fast and exciting. The horses are beautifully carved and decorated by local persons or groups. Reasonably priced, too.

A great place to take the family. Beautiful carousel. We had a great time. Parking is easy, great location, located right by my favorite restaurant in Missoula :)

Great place to take a family with young children. Right next to Dragon hollow and the river trail system. Fun for the whole family!

A Carousel for Missoula provides exciting rides due to the speed of the ride and the fun of grabbing the rings in the hope of grabbing the brass one to be awarded a free ride!

We keep coming back year after year. It's one of those things that young children will remember forever, and they will want to recapture the experience as often as possible.

Children of all ages love to ride. Everyone has a story about a marry-go-round, but this is a genuine hand carved piece of history that you'll be riding, brass ring and all.

This is without a doubt the best community carousel you will find anywhere. The horses are hand painted and designed. The carousel is fast and maintained to perfection. The staff is wonderful and they understand the magic of the place. There is a beautiful park connected to the carousel with swings, slides and towers. This place is just a wonderful family destination.

We were sad to find out when we got to Missoula that the carousel was closed until further notice due to the virus. Prior to our arrival on July 21st, we had not seen one thing posted about them closing down... Oh well, just another good reason to come back when things settle down with the virus.

The carousel is a great place to take your kids for some fun. The venue is very nice with a store and a little museum for interested parties. It doesn't get better than riding a carousel. If you get tired of the carousel then just walk next door to Dragon Hollow and let the kids loose. Simple and easy.

It's a beautiful and fast carousel. They have creative and exciting animals to ride. The history of the carousel is very interesting and the gift shop has some fun and interesting gifts. You can even try your luck at getting the ring from he dragon's mouth. There is an attached playground as well. Great for families with kids of all ages and for anyone who likes carousel you won't want to miss this one. You can also take a stroll along both sides of the river.

The carousel is located close to the river near Caras Park and is just beautifully restored. When we arrived, the carousel was already closed but we were able to appreciate its beauty and the beauty of the carving of the horses. Rides are offered year round. There is an open air parking lot, which is very popular because it is used by people visiting nearby restaurants, walking along the river etc. We had no problem finding a space though.

So much fun for the whole family! This immaculately kept carousel was built by and maintained by volunteers in this amazing community.

Had some time to kill, so me and 2 teenage daughters stopped by the carousel. Really good, old time fun.
Be sure and sit on an outside horse to go for the brass ring, and win a free ride!

You can't beat the price, only costs 75 cents to ride, try to get outer horse to grab at rings when you go by, if you get the last gold ring, you get a free ride. It's a fun classic thing to do and right next to playground.

The kids loved this ride and we enjoyed the building and beautifully painted carousel. Bonus - it's next to the river.