The Arkansas Carousel

The Little Rock Zoo is the proud home of the Arkansas Carousel, a one-of-a-kind Over-the-Jumps antique carousel that is the only fully operational carousel of its kind in the world.  

The Over-the-Jumps Carousel was constructed as a traveling carousel by the Spillman Engineering Company of North Tonawanda, New York, during the heyday of carousels in the United States (1887-1935).  It first appeared in Arkansas at the 1924 Arkansas State Fair held at State Fair Park, now known as War Memorial Park.

It is the last known “over-the-jumps” carousel known to exist with an undulating track, one of only four built in the world.  The undulating track moves up and down with the horses attached to the track.  Standard carousels feature horses attached to poles that move up and down to create motion.  

Little Rock resident Tom Fuzzell purchased it in 1942, saving it from destruction and allowing several more generations of Arkansans to enjoy it at War Memorial Amusement Park.

The carousel was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.  Owners Mokey Choate and Doc O’Kelley decided to sell the carousel in 1991, putting its future in Arkansas in peril.  Under the leadership of then-State Senator Mike Kinard and other visionary leaders, Friends of the Carousel was formed to raise the funds necessary to purchase and fully restore the beloved carousel.

After more than $500,000 and 16 years of hard work, the Friends of the Carousel donated the Over-the-Jumps carousel to the Little Rock Zoo in October of 2007 making the Zoo the permanent home of the carousel.  

During the restoration process, more than 30 layers of paint were removed from each pony and chariot, layer-by-layer, to reveal the original color coat of paint on each piece.  Mechanical parts were pieced back together and identical copies of old, worn-out parts were custom made to make the old carousel run again.

Thanks to the hard work of the Friends of the Carousel, the generosity of the community and dozens of contributors, the carousel spins again.  

Fundraising efforts for the carousel continue, as the carousel requires regular upkeep and maintenance to maintain its beautiful splendor.  You can help preserve this historic treasure by making a donation to the Arkansas Zoological Foundation toward the Over-the-Jumps Carousel. 

 

SEE MORE PHOTOS OF THE OVER-THE-JUMPS CAROUSEL ON THE NATIONAL CAROUSEL ASSOCIATION WEBSITE! 

Buy a Carousel Brick

 

If you'd like to contribute to the restoration and continued preservation of the

Over-the-Jumps Carousel then consider purchasing a brick in the carousel plaza at the Little Rock Zoo.  Bricks are only $125 and a special inscription of your choice can be engraved on the brick at no additional cost.  For more information or to purchase a brick stop by the Safari Trader Gift Shop during your next Zoo visit or click here to purchase online!

 

Over-the-Jumps Carousel Society

Help preserve Arkansas’ carousel by joining the Over-the-Jumps Carousel Society, an annual group of donors committed to the preservation of the carousel at the Little Rock Zoo.  Carousel Society members receive unlimited rides on the Over-the-Jumps Carousel for one named individual.  As an annual member of this society, you will also get first-hand information about the carousel and its continued preservation.  Members of the Over-the-Jumps Carousel Society will be recognized annually at the site of the carousel.  Membership to the society is $500 per person, family, or couple per year (only one named rider may ride with presentation of card at the carousel).  Click here to join today or call (501) 661-7208 for more information.  

Annual Carousel Gala

The Little Rock Zoo hosts an annual Carousel Gala in October of every year to open the carousel for special rides for the community and raise funds toward the continued restoration of the carousel.  Tickets are only $50 per person and all proceeds go toward the Arkansas Carousel.  For more information, to sponsor this event, or to purchase tickets, please call us at (501) 661-7208.

Ride the Carousel

The Arkansas Carousel, Over-the-Jumps, is available to ride when visiting the Zoo.  Cost is $2 per person.  Please note:  during winter months the carousel may not be in operation for seasonal repairs and maintenance.  Please inquire at the Little Rock Zoo ticket counter for information about carousel hours of operation.

Book a Carousel Party

 

Looking for a unique way to celebrate a special occasion?  The Over-the-Jumps Carousel and pavilion area is available for rental for special events.  Contact our Guest Services department at (501) 661-7222 for more information.

Volunteer!

The Friends of the Carousel, a committee of the Arkansas Zoological Foundation, is recruiting volunteers to help with our annual carousel gala and other important initiatives to continue the preservation of the Over-the-Jumps Carousel.  If you would like to help, please contact us at (501) 661-7208.