Spokane’s Antique Carousel in Riverfront Park

Looff carousel in Spokane's Riverfront Park

Take a ride on the Riverfront Park Carousel, also known as the Looff Carousel  and you’ll get a chance to grab a brass ring with each revolution.  Well, not actually a brass ring – it’s a plastic one – but there aren’t many carousels around that boast of a 100 year history.  This antique carousel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is one of the finest examples of hand-carved wooden carousels.

The carousel was built in 1909 by Charles I.D. Looff, a master carver and builder of amusement rides, most notably roller coasters, ferris wheels, and carousels.  The carousel was a wedding gift for his daughter and son-in-law, and he personally hard carved all the pieces.  The carousel was moved to the Riverfront Park location in 1975.  Over the years it has been meticulously cared for and maintained, and the 54 horses, giraffe, tiger, and chariots are in beautiful condition.  The original organ is still at the carousel, although it has deteriorated and is no longer used.  The lively traditional carousel music is recorded.

Whether you’re spending a day in the park enjoying the amusement rides, or just walking through enjoying the sights and sounds, I’d recommend taking a carousel ride.  I had the opportunity to take a horse out for a spin, and after a few go-arounds was even able to grab a few rings.   For the kids, it’s a fun little interlude, for the adults, it’s a little trip back in time.

Hours:  Open daily all year long, except for an annual maintenance schedules (6 weeks starting in late January).  The carousel opens at 11 am and closing time varies, depending on the season.

Photo credit: personal collection