The Hampton Carousel re-opens for the 2021 season on June 1 after being closed for more than one year.
Located in Carousel Park in downtown Hampton, it is operated by the Hampton History Museum. Built in 1920, it is one of only 170 antique wooden merry-go-rounds still existing in the United States
It was handcrafted by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company originally for the Buckroe Beach Amusement Park.
For 65 years the carousel graced the amusement park. When the amusement park closed in the mid 1980s, it was put in storage. It was moved to its current location on Settlers Landing Road and restored in 1991.
It still boasts its original mirrors and oil paintings, as well as 48 intricately decorated horses. Rising and falling to the strains of the original band organ, many of these carousel horses are so finely carved that the veins in their necks and legs are visible.
Special hours are available for groups or special occasions. The carousel will close for the winter on December 31, 2021, and reopen in April 2022.
The Hampton Carousel will operate under federal, state and City of Hampton COVID-19 protocols. Guests will be required to wear masks when inside the carousel building, practice social distancing, and use hand sanitizer before and after rides.
The Hampton Carousel is located at 602 Settlers Landing Rd. Regular hours of operation: Tuesday-Sunday, 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., closed Mondays. Rider fees are $1.00 per ride. Tickets on sale at the Hampton History Museum and at the Hampton Carousel. For more information, call the Hampton Visitor Center at 757-727-1102 or visit www.HamptonHistoryMuseum.org.
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