You’re driving through central Iowa, maybe headed up I-35 toward Ames or Minneapolis, and you see the sign for Story City. It looks like any other small Midwestern town. But if you take that exit and head toward North Park, you’re going to find something that honestly shouldn't exist anymore. It’s a 1913 Herschell-Spillman antique carousel. It isn't a replica. It isn't a plastic imitation. It’s a massive, swirling piece of American folk art that’s been restored to a level of detail that would make a museum curator sweat.
The carousel Story City Iowa hosts is more than just a ride. It's a miracle of survival. Think about it: how many wooden machines from the pre-WWI era are still functioning in a public park, let alone charging basically pocket change for a ride? Not many. Most were chopped up for their horses—which sell for thousands to collectors—or lost to fires and neglect decades ago.
The Weird History of the 1913 Herschell-Spillman
This machine didn't start its life in Iowa. It was born in North Tonawanda, New York. The Herschell-Spillman Company was the king of "country fair" style carousels. These weren't the massive, permanent machines you’d find at Coney Island. These were designed to be packed up, hauled on wagons, and battered by the elements.
Story City bought the carousel in 1938. They paid $1,200 for it. In today’s money, that's roughly $26,000, which sounds like a steal until you realize the country was still shaking off the Great Depression. It was a massive gamble for a small town. They bought it from a family in Kansas, hauled it up to Iowa, and it’s been the heartbeat of the community ever since.
For decades, it just... spun. It got worn down. Layers of cheap house paint were slapped over the original artistry. By the late 70s, it looked rough. The wood was cracking. The mechanism was screaming. Most towns would have sold the horses to an antique dealer and put in a plastic swing set. Story City didn't.
The Great Restoration of 1980
In 1980, the town decided to go all in. They didn't just fix it; they stripped it. We’re talking about taking every single animal—26 of them—down to the bare wood. Local volunteers and experts spent years meticulously repainting them to match the original 1913 color palettes.
If you look closely at the animals today, you’ll see the "country fair" style. The horses aren't just horses. There’s a pig. There’s a dog. There’s even a rooster. The "lead horse" is usually the most ornate, and in Story City, it’s a stunner. The eyes are glass. The tails are real horsehair. It feels alive because, in a way, the community keeps it breathing.
What it’s Actually Like to Ride
It’s loud. That’s the first thing you notice. Not "modern machine" loud, but "mechanical symphony" loud. The carousel is powered by a 1936 Wurlitzer Military Band Organ (Style 150). This thing doesn't play digital files. It uses paper rolls, much like a player piano, to blast out marches and waltzes that you can hear from blocks away.
The floor is wood. The center pole is massive. When the operator pulls the lever, the whole structure groans for a second before the gears engage. Then, the magic happens.
You aren't just going in a circle. You’re undulating. The horses move with a specific rhythmic "jump" that’s unique to these old overhead-crank machines. You feel the centrifugal force pushing you outward while the music vibrates in your chest. It’s a sensory overload that kids today—used to iPad screens and smooth hydraulic rides—usually find a bit startling at first. Then they beam.
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Why This Matters for Iowa Tourism
Iowa gets a bad rap for being "flyover country." People think it's just corn. But the carousel Story City Iowa maintains is a localized pocket of intense preservation. It’s part of a larger historical corridor in the state that includes things like the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad or the covered bridges of Madison County.
It’s an anchor for the town. Because of this carousel, Story City has a revolving door of visitors who spend money at the local shops on Broad Street or grab a bite at the local diners. It’s a case study in how "niche" historical preservation can actually drive a local economy.
Technical Specs for the Geeks
If you’re into the mechanics of it, this machine is a "three-abreast" carousel. That means three rows of animals.
- Total Animals: 26 hand-carved wooden figures.
- Chariots: 2 ornate benches for those who don't want to mount a wooden pig.
- Original Manufacturer: Herschell-Spillman Co.
- Restoration Status: National Register of Historic Places (added in 1986).
The maintenance is constant. You can't just call a repairman for a 113-year-old carousel. The town relies on a dedicated group of folks who know how to grease the bearings, patch the wood, and keep the Wurlitzer from eating its paper rolls.
Common Misconceptions
People often think these old carousels are fragile. They aren't. They were built to be moved by literal carnies in the early 1900s. They are tanks. The wood is thick, usually poplar or basswood. The real danger isn't kids riding them; it's humidity and temperature swings. Iowa's winters are brutal, which is why the carousel is housed in a protective circular building in North Park. It only operates seasonally, usually from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Another myth is that it's just for kids. Honestly? Go there on a Tuesday evening and you'll see plenty of adults riding solo. There's a nostalgia factor that hits differently when you're sitting on a piece of history that your great-grandparents might have recognized.
Planning Your Visit
If you're going to make the trip, don't just show up in November. You'll be looking at a closed building.
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- Season: Late May to early September.
- Location: North Park, Story City, IA. It’s right off Broad Street.
- Cost: Ridiculously cheap. Usually a couple of dollars per ride.
- Events: The "Greater Story City River Dayz" festival in June is the peak time to go, but expect lines.
Actionable Steps for the Best Experience
To get the most out of a trip to the carousel Story City Iowa, follow these specific steps:
1. Check the Wind and Weather
Since the carousel is in a park, if there are severe storms, they might close early to protect the equipment and visitors. Always check the Story City Parks and Recreation social media pages before driving more than an hour.
2. Bring Cash
While many places are moving toward card-only, these small-town gems often prefer (or only take) cash for the ride tickets. There’s an ATM downtown, but save yourself the walk.
3. Look for the "Signature" Details
Don't just jump on the first horse you see. Walk around the deck once. Look for the hand-painted scenery panels on the center housing. They depict local landmarks and historical scenes. Look at the feet of the animals; the carvings often include tiny details like hooves or claws that are easy to miss while spinning.
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4. Explore Broad Street Afterward
Story City has a surprisingly vibrant downtown for its size. After your ride, walk a few blocks to the antique shops or the historic theater. It completes the "time travel" vibe of the afternoon.
5. Photography Tips
If you want that classic "blur" photo, stand near the outer edge of the pavilion. The lighting inside the carousel house is soft, which is great for portraits on the horses, but you'll need a faster shutter speed than you think because that 1913 motor still moves at a decent clip.
The Story City Carousel isn't a museum piece behind glass. It's a living, breathing, noisy, joyful hunk of wood and gears. It’s proof that some things are worth the effort of keeping around, even when the rest of the world has moved on to digital thrills. Pack the car, grab some loose change, and go see what 1913 felt like.