Ride History at the Little Rock Zoo!

Over-the-Jumps Carousel

The Arkansas Carousel, An American Treasure

The Little Rock Zoo is honored to be the permanent home of the Arkansas Carousel, Over-the-Jumps, a one-of-a-kind antique treasure and the only fully operational carousel of its kind in the world.

Constructed by the Spillman Engineering Company of North Tonawanda, New York, during the golden age of American carousels (1887-1935), the Over-the-Jumps Carousel first graced Arkansas at the 1924 Arkansas State Fair. It’s the last known “over the jumps” carousel in existence, with its unique undulating track that creates a mesmerizing ride experience—one of only four ever built. Unlike standard carousels, where horses are attached to poles that move vertically, the horses on this carousel move up and down with the track itself.

In 1942, Little Rock resident Tom Fuzzell saved the carousel from destruction by purchasing it, ensuring that it would continue to delight generations of Arkansans at War Memorial Amusement Park.

The carousel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. When its owners, Mokey Choate and Doc O’Kelley, decided to sell it, the future of this Arkansas gem was in jeopardy. Thanks to the leadership of State Senator Mike Kinard, Governor Bill Clinton, and other visionary leaders, the Friends of the Carousel was formed, raising the necessary funds to purchase and restore the beloved attraction.

After 16 years of dedicated efforts, the Friends of the Carousel donated the Over-the-Jumps Carousel to the Little Rock Zoo in October 2007, securing its place in Arkansas history. Expert restorer Becky Witsell meticulously led the restoration, revealing the original colors of the horses and chariots by painstakingly removing more than 30 layers of paint. Today, apprentices trained by Becky continue to maintain the carousel, preserving its historical integrity.

In 2020, the National Carousel Association awarded the Arkansas Carousel the prestigious Historic Award, recognizing its national significance.

A key partner in the ongoing preservation of this American treasure is the Little Rock Repair Shop, whose skilled artisans contribute to the maintenance and restoration efforts. To learn more about their crucial role in this project, explore their 2024 blog series on the restoration process here.

Thanks to the hard work of the Friends of the Carousel, the generosity of the community, and the support of dedicated professionals like those at the Little Rock Repair Shop, the Arkansas Carousel continues to spin, enchanting visitors for generations to come.