Great Northern Carousel

The Great Northern Carousel will re-open on May 25, 2019!

Typically, Buffalo, Bighorn Sheep and Grizzly Bears are found wandering the backwoods or enjoying life in their own territory. But in Helena, Montana, you’ll find these wild animals frolicking with each other right here in our very own downtown! No, we haven’t opened a zoo or even a wildlife park. These animals, 37 in all, have joined with other indigenous Montana animals such as Cutthroat Trout, Bobcats, Antelope, Otters and traditional horses at Helena’s favorite family entertainment attraction, the Great Northern Carousel. Complete with grand-sounding organ music and distinctive glass work from local artist, Mary Harris, the Carousel is in itself a work of art.

The rounding boards at the Carousel all reflect local scenes, such as the Helena Civic Center, the state Capitol Building, the Historic Blue Stone Castle, the Sleeping Giant, and Lewis and Clark’s Gates of the Mountains, to name a few.

Ice Cream!

With over 24 flavors — from Moose Tracks to Cotton Candy — your cone, shake, float or sundae will stand out.

Parties!

The Carousel also offers the best party room in town. Whatever your celebration — kid’s birthday, family friendly business event, anniversary part, ice cream social — call us today and make your reservation. Whether for amusement, appreciation of the arts, yummy ice cream or special occasions, the Great Northern Carousel is sure to tempt and delight all your senses!

Interesting Tid-Bits

• “The finest new Carousel in the nation and possibly the finest built Carousel in the world,” said the National Carousel Association who visited here in 2010.
• Carver: Ed Roth carved all of the unique animals. He is a top professional carver doing carousel commissions all over the world. Among his clients is the Disney Company for whom he carved the outside row animals for Disney’s Japan Carousel.
• Painter: Betty Largent gave life and color to the animals. She was instrumental in the restoration of the Loofe Carousel in Spokane’s River Park.
• Machine: Todd Goings built the machine in his shop in Marion, Ohio. Todd is one of very few folks out there who repairs and builds these amazing machines that spin 60,000 pounds with a 10 horse motor. Properly cared for, this machine should be good for more than 100 years.
• Stained-Glass: Helena artist, Mary Harris, produced the wonderful glass-fired Helena area scenes depicted on the carousel rounding boards and the transom windows.