Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum Tour — North Tonawanda, New York

Discover the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum Tour in New York

Step back in time and experience the magic of American craftsmanship at the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum Tour in North Tonawanda, New York. Located inside the original 1910 Allan Herschell Company factory, this interactive museum invites visitors to explore how hand-carved wooden carousels and band organs were made during the golden age of amusement rides.

Why it’s special: The Herschell Carrousel Factory is the only surviving historic carousel factory building in the United States. Visitors can watch restoration work, ride a vintage carousel, and see authentic machinery and carving tools used over a century ago — a perfect blend of art, engineering, and nostalgia.

History/Story of the Herschell Carrousel Factory

The Allan Herschell Company was founded in 1873 and became one of the nation’s most prolific manufacturers of wooden carousels and amusement rides. From its North Tonawanda factory, Herschell produced more than 3,000 carousels that entertained generations of fairgoers. Saved from demolition in the 1980s, the site was lovingly restored and reopened as a museum in 1983, preserving a vital part of America’s industrial and cultural heritage.

What You’ll See & Do on the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum Tour

• Tour the historic woodshop where carousel horses were hand-carved

• See original machinery, paint shops, and assembly rooms from the early 1900s

• Learn about the artistry of carousel design and music-making

• Visit the Children’s Gallery for interactive exhibits and model rides

• Ride a restored 1916 Allan Herschell Carousel

Hands-On Elements: Ride the antique carousel, explore carving demonstrations, and enjoy family-friendly exhibits.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography encouraged throughout the museum.
Souvenirs & Extras: Gift shop with books, toys, and vintage-style carousel memorabilia.

Pricing of the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum Tour

Admission:

• Adults: $10

• Seniors (60+): $8

• Children (2–16): $5

• Children under 2: Free

Carousel Rides: Included with admission.
Group Tours: Available by reservation for schools, families, and organizations.

Practical Info for Visiting the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum

Duration: 60–90 minutes
Format: Self-guided and guided tours available
Schedule & Seasonality: Open April–December; Wednesday–Sunday, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Audience: Families, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in craftsmanship
Accessibility: Fully accessible
Safety & Restrictions: Supervised children required; hands-on exhibits suitable for all ages
Languages: English
Group & School Visits: Educational group tours and field trips offered
What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable shoes and camera for photos
Facilities: Restrooms, picnic area, gift shop, and parking
Closures & Downtime: Closed January–March and major holidays

Nearby

• Platter’s Chocolate Factory — sweet local favorite nearby

• Niagara Falls State Park — just 20 minutes away

• Erie Canal Discovery Center — interactive museum in Lockport

FAQs About Visiting the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum

Do I need to book in advance?
Walk-ins are welcome during open hours; group tours should be reserved in advance.

Can I ride the carousel?
Yes — admission includes one ride on the restored 1916 Allan Herschell Carousel.

Is the museum good for children?
Absolutely! The museum features hands-on exhibits and interactive learning areas.

Are guided tours available?
Yes — guided tours are offered at scheduled times and for groups upon request.

Can I see restoration work in progress?
Yes — depending on the day, visitors may observe carousel restoration in the workshop.