Carousel for Missoula

"If you give it a home, and promise no one will ever take it apart, I will build A Carousel for Missoula." This was a promise made by a local Missoula cabinet maker to the Missoula City Council in 1991. His name? Chuck Kaparich. With Mr. Kaparich's and the help of many local volunteers his dream of building this great carousel became a reality. It opened its doors on May 27, 1995 next to the Clark Fork River.

The Carousel for Missoula is a great place to take the family with over 30 horses to choose from to ride on. Names like Meriwether, Montana Appaloosa, and Big Sky Gaiety will have you thinking about the carousel and this wonderful Montana community that helped make it possible. As well, there are chariots for riders unable to get on the horses or who don't want to ride on a horse. Children and adults of all ages will enjoy the carousel music played by the largest band organ in continuous use in the United States.

A gift shop in the carousel allows for great souvenir shopping. It has candy, toys, collectible carousel horses, tee shirts, games, and much more! Even though I am a Missoula local myself, I can't help but buy a souvenir each time I visit the carousel. In addition to the gift shop the Carousel for Missoula has a penny pressing machine in which you choose a design, put your penny in the machine, turn the handle, and your penny has your design of choice on it. This costs 50 cents plus your penny! (My kids have a lot of these!) In addition to the great gift shop, A Carousel for Missoula offers Carousel Parties. (We celebrated my oldest sons first birthday with a Carousel Party and it was a blast!) Right next to the party section is a window in which you can see new carousel horses being made.

Right next to A Carousel for Missoula is a park called Dragon Hollow. Named because of the dragon theme in the park and the carousel. It has a child size fortress with climbing bars, slides, swings, and suspension bridges. It has a toddler play area as well as picnic tables.

Prices for A Carousel for Missoula are:
.50-children (under 16)
$1.50-adults (16-55)
$1.00-adult and child on same horse]
.50-seniors over 55
People with handicaps can ride for free.

A Carousel for Missoula is open on the following days everyday, the following times of the year:
June through August-11a.m.-7p.m.
September through May-11a.m.-5:30p.m.

I highly recommend A Carousel for Missoula! I give it two thumbs up! Give it a try and see for yourself the fun you will have at A Carousel for Missoula!