We operate five days a week from May 1 through Labor Day, and weekends through October, weather permitting.
Thursday, 11 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Friday, 11 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Saturday, 11 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Monday, 11 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Thursday, Friday of MEA week, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
5/28, 6/25, 7/30, 8/27, 9/24, all 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Weather note: The carousel does not operate when the temperature is below 45 or above 95 degrees.
Our carousel can accommodate one wheelchair per ride. A rolling ramp provides access to the carousel platform, where one chariot is modified so that one person using a wheel chair can sit ‘in place’ in the chariot’s front seat.
Cafesjian’s Carousel is located in St. Paul’s Como Park, just south of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory and the Visitor Center.
Cafesjian’s Carousel was built in 1914 by Philadelphia Toboggan Company. It is known as PTC 33 because it is the 33rd machine they made. The carousel is 50 feet across at the platform and 54 feet at the upper rim. It weighs 30 tons and is suspended from a center pole.
One of only three operating carousels still in original paint, the carousel has been restored to its 1914 beauty. The carousel is named for the late Gerard L. Cafesjian, who contributed the major share of money needed to rescue it from auction, restore it and build its pavilion in Como Park.
The men and women supervising the ride, selling tickets and merchandise, answering your questions, and keeping things running smoothly are volunteers for Our Fair Carousel, the non-profit group that owns and operates the carousel. We invite you to join us!
Volunteers receive training, sign up for two or more four-hour shifts each month, and enjoy the satisfaction of helping “kids of all ages” enjoy this historic treasure. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. There is no upper age limit, and if you can’t tolerate going in circles we have other jobs that allow you to keep your feet on the ground.
We also need volunteers who can help with office work and special projects. Finally, we often welcome help with specialized assignments such as marketing, publicity, fundraising, special events, and other aspects of maintaining a historic work of art, promoting an attraction, and sustaining a nonprofit organization. Some of these roles might dovetail with service on the board of directors.
Cafesjian’s Carousel is operated by Our Fair Carousel, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created in 1988 to save the carousel and to operate, restore, and preserve it. OFC’s annual financial report is filed with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. Tax-deductible contributions help preserve the quality of the carousel and keep it running strong. If you would like to make a charitable donation, please visit GiveMN.org or use the link below to fill out a donation form:
Individuals and groups may participate in the Adopt-A-Pony program with a tax-deductible donation of $10,000 to $25,000 (all of the $5,000 opportunities are taken). A name plate will be placed on the carousel platform beneath the horse you select, and your name or that of someone you wish to honor will be added to the comprehensive plaque on the wall of the pavilion. Ask for an informational flyer at the gift counter or e-mail us, or call (651) 489-4628.
