Please join us for a ride on one of the greater Washington area’s true treasures! Installed at Glen Echo Park in 1921, the canopy and the carved figures were made by the Dentzel Carousel Company of Germantown, Pennsylvania. It is a classic example of hand woodcarving popular during the early 1900s. From 1983 through 2003, the carousel was fully restored – including each animal. The carousel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The carousel is open May through September.

Heritage Award Winner!

On January 13, Maryland Traditions, the traditional arts program of Maryland State Arts Council, announced the winners of its 2021 Heritage Awards, which recognize long-term achievement in the traditional arts. Three Heritage Awards are given annually: one each in the categories of Person or People, Place, and Tradition

We were thrilled to be recognized with the award in the "Place" category for our historic Dentzel Carousel.

100th Anniversary Celebration!

We are planning many events - mostly virtual - and activities to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our beloved Carousel. We will have information available about these events in mid-February 2021.

Learn about the history of the carousel in a short video.

Watch the video!

Download the Carousel Fact Sheet >>

Download carousel coloring pages! >>

Hours of Operation 2021 

NOTE: Due to Covid-19, the carousel did not operate for the 2020 season. We hope to be able to open the carousel in May 2021 for the 100th anniversary season.

We hope to be able to open the carousel in May 2021 for the 100th anniversary season. All updates to carousel hours and tickets will be posted here. We are committed to operating the carousel as safely as possible when COVID restrictions allow.

The Carousel Building Restoration Project was completed in May 2020. Watch a short video (below) featuring photos and video from the project.

The 2019 season was shortened due to major repairs/restoration to the carousel building. The carousel was closed beginning July 1, 2019 and for the remainder of the summer season. 

Read the Media Advisory >>

Watch the video!

Thank you to the generous funders of the Carousel Building Restoration Project!

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This video was financed in part with funds from Heritage Montgomery and Montgomery County Government.

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This video was financed in part with State Funds from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, an instrumentality of the State of Maryland.  However, the contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority.