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Carrousels
The carrousel has been a mainstay in the amusement industry for more than 125 years and Cedar Point is home to three such pieces of American history. The simple spin on these gentle machines has been the first “real thrill” for many junior fun-seekers.
Cedar Point’s three carrousels, the Midway Carrousel, Cedar Downs Racing Derby and Kiddy Kingdom Carrousel generate more than 1 million rides each summer. All three have been recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. The Midway Carrousel has been in operation since 1946 and is the oldest existing ride at the park.
Midway Carrousel
Built in 1912 by Daniel Muller, the Midway Carrousel was originally carved for John J. Hurley of Revere Beach, Mass. The horses on the Midway Carrousel are examples of Muller’s greatest carvings. It is one of only three carrousels from the period when Muller and his brother Alfred were in business for themselves (1903-1918).
Sixty horses and four chariots, four abreast, adorn the 57-foot turntable. In 1994, the Midway Carrousel underwent a $250,000 complete restoration and was moved into a new building near the park’s main entrance.
Cedar Downs Racing Derby
Built in 1920 by Prior and Church, Venice, Calif., the Cedar Downs Racing Derby was originally located at Euclid Beach near Cleveland. In 1967, it was brought to Cedar Point and is one of only two racing derby rides in the U.S. It is still housed in its original structure.
The ride features an immense turntable with a 90-foot diameter that revolves as the ride begins. The four-abreast horses move back and forth producing a racing effect.
The momentum of the ride increases until it reaches a speed of approximately 15 mph. The Cedar Downs Racing Derby is Cedar Point’s most popular carrousel, giving nearly 500,000 rides each summer.
Kiddy Kingdom Carrousel
Located in the center of Cedar Point’s Kiddy Kingdom, this carrousel was built in 1925 by the William H. Dentzel firm of Philadelphia. It was added to the park in 1968. This popular ride has 52 animals (16 standing and 36 jumping) and two chariots. Among the traditional horses are a menagerie of bears, rabbits, ostriches, a lion, tiger and donkey. A 57-foot-wide turntable and Wurlitzer #105 band organ are present on this ride.
In 1938, the carrousel was refurbished to operate at the Chicago World’s Fair. Daniel Muller was commissioned to decorate the horses, particularly those in the outer row. The armored horse on the Kiddy Kingdom Carrousel was carved by Muller and is one of the finest figures ever produced by the Dentzel Company. It was commemorated on a postage stamp by the United States Post Office in 1988.
