So glad we were in town while this charming and informational museum was open! Admission includes a ride on one of the carousels, well worth the $5. Our guide was helpful sharing history and making sure we didn't miss anything; she has been a volunteer at the museum 18 years! While hours are limited to the weekend, rentals are available other days and times. read more

CW Parker Carousel Museum - View from the balcony - Museums Near Me - Leavenworth, Kansas

Wonderful and wholesome experience! An absolute must when visiting Leavenworth. We had the blessing of meeting some of the nicest people who work and volunteer here. Nancy gave us wonderful rich history. We enjoyed the movie and the self guided tour. Can't wait to return. read more

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A visit to a peaceful, scenic park directly across the railroad tracks from the museum is totally being ruined by the constant blaring music of the museum. Way more visitors at the park so how about exercising some courtesy and take down the loud speakers blaring throughout the area. read more

Great fun for everyone. The museum has something for everyone and the self tour has lots of different types if carousel animals to view and to wrap up the tour riding the restored carousel was the best fun. read more

CW Parker Carousel Museum - Museums Near Me - Leavenworth, Kansas

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My ex-boyfriend and I spent several hours here one Saturday and had an enchanted visit. He wasn't my ex at the time and the rest of the relationship was definitely a carousel ride so this is Oh-So-Appropriate. lol. We were taking a day trip and looking for adventure when we ended up here. What a treat to find this lovely museum. We watched a video and then were given a tour of the facilities. It was enchanting. I never knew so much about carousels or about Leavenworth history. The staff was exceptional. Everyone was so nice and helpful. You could tell they really enjoyed what they were doing. There was so much to look at and take it. This museum is packed with goodies. Everything is displayed nicely and in an eye catching manner. We enjoyed every minute we were there. The high light was getting to actually ride the carousel and relive childhoods. They have the oldest carousel in North America there on display and it was so interesting. Parking was not a problem. Everything was easy to access and the museum was not overcrowded the day we were there. I don't remember the admission charge but it was not very much. They also have a lovely gift shop. Great place to go back to your childhood, spend some time learning about carousels and just enjoying life for a bit. I will definitely go back just not with the boyfriend. lol. read more

Great time for kids. I learned a lot about something I would have never researched. Recommend stopping in if you are in the area to take a ride. read more

The historic carousel in the main area is fast and exhilarating to ride for children and adults. Even if you don't come to see the museum, at least ride the carousel a couple times. The museum is neat too. I learned many new things about the carousel history and manufacture. read more

We had a great time here! The ride over from Kansas City wasn't bad at all, and the admission was cheap. Our (volunteer) guide was friendly and informative. Great displays and (best of all) wonderful carousel music galore. You must indulge yourself and try a spin on the 1906 carousel in place -- it's a blast that'll take you straight back to childhood. read more

Riding a carousel never gets old. Even if at first you're reluctant to go on, you are charmed by the grind of the organ and within seconds of the first spin, you feel carefree, like a kid again. As cliche as that sounds, it's true! And you leave, an adult again, stomach queasy because somehow you've acquired motion sickness over the years. Anyway, let's rewind a bit. When I was a little kid, the highlight of my Friday night would be to go to the local Farmer's Market. This was on Long Island and was more of a flea market, as I don't recall it being anything like the Farmer's Markets I've experienced as an adult. I don't recall the presence of any actual *produce* for example. The reason it was the highlight of my week was because I'd get to ride the merry-go-round. This was an indoor market and, obviously, so was the merry-go-round. It's kind of strange to ride one that is completely indoors, so anytime I do so nowadays, I think back to my experiences at the Farmer's Market merry-go-round. I used to like holding the pole and throwing my head way back so I could gaze up at the tons of dust caught in the hinges. OK, fast forward to the present...(sort of) The Cw Parker Carousel Museum is a delight, something truly unexpected in Leavenworth and it has a 100-year-old restored working carousel that is completely indoors like the one of my childhood. Cue the joy! (not the "Joi." You should never cue me). I'm one of those nerds who has to read every damn sign in a museum (you should have seen me at the Glore Psychiatric Museum in St. Joe!) and there's a lot to read here. The 1913 Carousel is irresistible. There are rabbits you can ride! I love that. Each animal has been restored (in 2005) to its former glory. If you look at the website, you'll notice that each of the animals has a name, and, this is pure speculation on my part, I daresay a soul. Next to the operating carousel, there is a "primitive" carousel, that is, the oldest operating carousel in the US (possibly from the 1850s) on permanent loan to the Parker from the National Carousel Association (can I join that?). Although it's too fragile to ride, the museum will have someone give you a demonstration, if you so desire. Apparently the last time it was used was in a Baltimore park in the 1920s. Before leaving the museum, you'll want to visit the gift shop (you know you want to buy one of those carousel horse statues, or even a CD of that evocative carousel music) and press a penny. read more

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From the moment you leave your car, The journey back to your childhood begins. Carousel music playing outside the museum. Inside you find a turn of the century carousel that is one of the fastest I have ever ridden at a speed of 9 mph . Hang on for a fun and nostalgic ride. The volunteers that staff the museum are extremely friendly and informative. One ride is $1.50 or four for $5.00. I must've met after four consecutive rides I was a little nauseous. This is a great day trip from Kansas City and a unique experience. read more

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We went by during the holidays when they had the Elf Christmas for kids. The kids shop with the elves for their family and were able to pick from tables of great items, have them wrapped and meet back up with the parents. My son, who was 12yr really enjoyed the event and felt like he was able to find his own gifts for the family and asks about this event this year as well. It will be a family tradition for sure! I love the gift shop and the history of the carousel. read more

We like unusual kinds of museums and this one definitely qualifies. I love going someplace, knowing nothing about the product or industry, and then coming away with a head full of new knowledge. Within the walls of this small museum, I learned about CW Parker and his amazing craftsmanship on wooden carousel horses. It was a treat to see how the carousels developed - from the first very primitive example in the museum itself to pieces representing the evolution of work on the carousel horses. Who knew a painted corncob on the horse signaled where it was actually made???? In addition to wandering through the exhibits finding out all kinds of interesting facts, you can also ride a CW Parker carousel. Probably the world's fastest moving circle of wooden horses ever! If you put a child on this carousel, better stand close by and get ready to catch them if they fall off in the rush of movement. A nice little addendum to the carousel lore is an exhibit on the Wurlitzer organs that play for these carousels. The people running the museum and teeny little gift shop are great. Our guy was knowledgeable and seemed very proud of how the museum was laid out. This is what you want when you visit a place like this - folks who are invested in what they're telling you about. Parking was on the street but we had no problems finding a space. After we'd toured inside the museum, we kept the car parked and went across the street to a walking path along the river. The little pocket park is beautifully maintained. read more

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Leavenworth's claim to fame used to be a Carousel factory around the turn of the century. Turn the page a hundred years and the demand is long gone, but the nostalgia remains. They were having a celebration here with free cake (of a Rice Krispie Treat Horse), ice cream carousel cake, and inexpensive carousel rides. My wife begged me to take her. I think most of the staff were seniors and volunteers and quite friendly. The detail on these carousels is quite amazing. They have some fully restored. We didn't tour the whole museum, but it was neat. I liked the getup the older man wore that befit someone from the 1920's carnival. Don't forget to check the river park across the street! It's beautiful. read more

Wow, I am really impressed with this museum! I didn't expect to enjoy this museum but I walked away with a new appreciation for CW Parker and the master craftsmen who designed/built carousels at the turn of the last century. Jerry, our tour guide, is a true craftsmen and historian. His passion for the innovation, engineering and craft involved in producing 1910-era carousels greatly enhanced our appreciation of the subject. I had no idea that Leavenworth was at the center of the carnival industry and CW Parker was an extremely rich man before he turned 30 by controlling the every aspect of the Midwestern carnival industry. Again, Jerry's ability to convey historical context greatly enhanced our understanding of the magnitude of Parker's influence. Of course, the highlight of the tour for my 10-year old son was the ride on the restored 1913 Carry-Us-All Parker carousel. The museum spent 10 years restoring the carousel and it is much, much more fun than a Mall carousel. We made a day trip from KC stopping in Weston for lunch at a 1870's era Irish Pub before traveling to Leavenworth to visit a few museums. read more

I had my birthday party at the CW Parker Carousel so my friends, their kids, and their grandkids could all have fun. The venue is huge and the volunteers made the set-up fast and easy with tables and chairs right where I wanted them. The price is amazingly affordable! Everyone, young and old alike, had a fantastic time. read more

Looking for something to do with the family, a date or just chase away the blues. Stop in here. You can enjoy a tour ($) or just hop on a horse and enjoy a swirl around the fast carousel (very cheap). The music, the colors, the feeling just erases time. Plenty of free parking outside. Lots of volunteer staff to help with any questions. It is clear they love what they do. Have out of town guests? Stop in here and experience a piece of history. They also have a place for birthday parties. read more

This'll be a little different from their other reviews. I rented a large room and the use of the carousel for a rehearsal supper for our son's wedding. The staff, who are all volunteers were so helpful and gracious in their help to make the evening the success it was. The room was perfect for the supper and I'll be suggesting it to everyone I know for gatherings. The carousel was run for us as often as people wanted to ride, and so much fun was had riding. Folks were laughing and riding over and over. They have a cute gift shop attached that our guests enjoyed and a smashed penny machine that was another hit of the evening. Thanks so much! read more

Oh...some good old fashioned fun! This is a museum worked by volunteers. In the main area, there is a giant working carousel, where the center walls are non existent. So, while you go around and around, you can see how all of the machinery works- from the carousel itself to the music. Pretty awesome for kids who are into machinery and engineering. You pay for the rides via tickets. The rides are very long, so they are well worth the small fees. read more

The C. W. Parker Carousel Museum is truly a Leavenworth, Ks gem stone. It has been a family favorite for two years now. We had our son's third birthday party there and it was worth every cent spent. The children and adults had a blast! The staff have always been so friendly and helpful. My son always feels comfortable around them and that's saying something. He tends to be shy. We waited quite a while to do it, but the tour is a must. I'm glad we waited until my Dad was visiting, because we usually don't have much to do when people are in town. Then we realized that we had never taken the tour. It was so interesting and they had way more to the museum than I had ever realized! Again, it was worth every cent. read more

"Say, what is there to do in Leavenworth?" Well, you could stare at the large prison and thank your lucky stars no one's knocked down your door about your pirated movie collection. You could go eat at Subway - we have a million of those, and they're still building them! Or you could just crack the old joke about it being "worth leavin' flipped around" and go to the Legends. Alright, I suppose there is some fun to be had in Leavenworth. The CW Parker Carousel Museum has such a nice, warm environment; great for a family day out. I haven't been in years (unfortunately) and still get the music stuck in my head. read more

I LOVE this Carousel. It runs faster than most carousels and the music is incredible. Your children will love it. Be sure to check the hours as they are not open during the early part of the week. read more

We go to the carousel museum at least several times a year. At Christmas they do a small mall where your kids can go shopping for family and friends. If you have small children this carousel goes really fast so you should stand by them and make sure your feet are planted firmly. read more

This is a great little adventure to get out of the house. It's really cheap and the kids and adults both like it. They have very limited hours early in the week so always double check. It's a really cool experience and we take all of our guests there and they love it too. The volunteers that work there are really sweet and helpful too. read more

The C. W. Parker Carousel Museum is the #1 attraction in the city of Leavenworth, KS and the largest carousel museum in the nation. We send lots of tour groups here for many reasons: the volunteer staff is friendly, the 1913 carousel is beautifully hand-crafted and goes really fast, the ticket price includes a tour and the museum is incredible. It's a fun attraction for almost every age. read more

My 3 yr old daughter touched a puzzle that was laying on a table in the waiting area. The lady at the counter yelled/snapped "don't touch that!" We left before we got to take the tour. Very disappointed! If you don't want children to touch your puzzle put it behind the counter, not on a table in the waiting area. read more