Our History

The carousel's history at Conneaut Lake dates back to the early 1890s. Historical research shows that at least two earlier carousels operated at the park before the current machine was constructed.  A carousel existed at the park as early as 1893. It was either heavily damaged or completely destroyed by a summer hailstorm.  A June 1894 newspaper article describes the park's as a steam-powered, first-class, fully enclosed in a canvas pavilion merry-go-round. It sat on Brown Avenue near the Hotel Conneaut and was owned and managed by Chris Smith, of Columbiana,  Ohio. He had two sons, Christopher M. and Ed Smith. Per C.M. Smith's obit, while at Conneaut Lake's Exposition Park , Ed Smith invented the first jumping horses for merry-go-rounds.  In 1900, T.M. Harton's carousel, costing $7500.00, was reportedly 60 feet in diameter and the "largest and most elaborate" one in the State.  The new steam- powered carousel was erected along the shore of Exposition Park. That early structure featured a canvas top and canvas sides to protect riders from the weather.                 

 Just before the 1906 season, the carousel was moved to the corner of Comstock and Park streets .  In 1907,  the machine was electrified, replacing its original steam-powered system.  At that time, the carousel still operated under its canvas  enclosure. In 1909,  a permanent wooden structure was built to house and protect the new Muller-carved carousel,  featuring jumpers --and that historic building still stands today.                                      

 A RARE SURVIVOR

During the 1950s, approximately 4200 wooden carousels operated throughout the United States. Today, fewer than 170 remain.  The Conneaut Lake Park Carousel is among the finest surviving examples from the golden age of American carousels. It features the beautifully detailed and realistic carvings of the  renowned artisans Daniel Muller and Carl Muller, considered two of the greatest carousel carvers in history.                                                  

This three-abreast carousel includes 48 animals:

13 standers

18 jumpers                                                               

5 inside row jumpers

2 full chariots  

The menagerie includes:

1 goat

1 giraffe

1 llama

1 hippocampus

3 bears 

3 rabbits

PRESERVATION and RESTORATION

In February , 1988, 11 of the 16 outside  original carousel figures were sold to help support  a struggling amusement park.  May 7, 1988, other animals were sold off including  the Indian Pony, Butting Goat, the Ribbon Horse, and the Zebra . In November 1989, middle row horses began showing up in dealer ads. Today only 5 original horses remain on the carousel.  Through the generosity of The Carousel Works of Mansfield, Ohio, faithful replicas of the missing animals were created and returned to the carousel, restoring much of its historic appearance.

The carousel community has also played an important role in preserving the ride's legacy.  Mr. Brock Allen, of Tech Tank of Erie, has purchased back two original Muller figures,  a Lion and a Outside row Stander from the Waldameer Park Carousel and has generously donated it to the CLP Carousel . The Lion is scheduled to return to operation during the 2026 season. The original stander from Waldameer  Park is currently being restored and is expected to rejoin the carousel in the 2027 season.

SAVED FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

In January of 2022,  the carousel once again faced an uncertain future. It was placed up for sale. The ride had been sitting idle for several years and required major repairs. In May of 2022 new ownership stepped forward to preserve this historic treasure.  Extensive restoration work soon began:

* The main ring gear had 4 broken teeth and needed removed and rebuilt.

* The motor was professionally rebuilt.

* A modern variable frequency drive was installed to automate safe starting and stopping.

That same year, a 1925 Wurlitzer Band Organ was acquired. Today, visitors once again experience the authentic sights and sounds of a traditional American carousel as the Band Organ plays and the carousel spins.

Additional improvements followed in the fall of 2022 with the installation of new doors and side panels on the building. Future plans include the installation of a new roof, painting of the building and continued restoration of the horses as funding allows.

EXPERIENCE LIVING HISTORY

For more than 117 years, generations of families have ridden the Conneaut Lake Park Carousel. More than just an amusement ride, it is a living piece of American craftsmanship, artistry,  and history.

Today, the music still plays, the horses still gallop, and one of America's great carousel treasures continues to delight visitors of all ages.