Hear the cheerful calliope music. Feel the gentle sway of the Balboa Park Carousel. This isn’t just any carousel. It’s a time machine. A journey back to 1910.
The Dorothea Laub Balboa Park Carousel stands before you. Built by Herschell-Spillman in North Tonawanda New York it’s a true menagerie. Fifty-two hand-carved animals circle. Original except for four miniature horses added in the 1970s. The carousel’s journey is as captivating as its ride. First shipped to Los Angeles it found a home in Coronado’s Tent City in 1915.
Then in 1922 it arrived in Balboa Park. Its first location was near the Fleet Science Center. In 1968 it moved to its current location. This made way for the Bea Evenson Fountain. This carousel is special. It’s one of the few in the world still offering the brass ring game. Try your luck at grabbing a brass ring for a free ride.
The hand-painted murals surrounding the carousel’s upper portion are original. So is the military band organ. They add to the charm of this historic landmark. In 2021 the City of San Diego’s Historical Resources Board recognized its significance. They renamed it the Dorothea Laub Balboa Park Carousel.
Each year on National Carousel Day July 25th free rides celebrate its joyful history. Listen to the stories whispered by the wooden horses. Hear the laughter of children. This isn’t just a ride. It’s a living piece of San Diego’s history. A testament to craftsmanship. A reminder of simpler times. A legacy of joy passed down through generations.
Tickets are $4 per ride or four for $14. Take a ride on the Dorothea Laub Balboa Park Carousel. Experience its magic. Make your own memories. Create a story to share. Your time on the Dorothea Laub Balboa Park Carousel is more than a ride. It’s a living piece of history.