One of Hampton’s most treasured historic assets is once again running.
Operated by the Hampton History Museum, the former Buckroe Beach carousel opened for the 2018 season on April 3.
Built in 1920, the carousel has been completely restored to its original form and is being housed in its own weather-protected pavilion at Carousel Park on the city’s downtown waterfront, according to a press release.
The carousel is one of only 170 antique wooden merry-go-rounds still existing in the U.S.
The carousel was put in storage with the closure of Buckroe Beach Amusement Park in the mid-1980s. It was moved and restored at its current location in Carousel Park on Settlers Landing Road in Downtown Hampton in 1991.
City leaders say the carousel still has its original mirrors and oil paintings, as well as 48 intricately decorated horses.
The Hampton Carousel is located at 602 Settlers Landing Rd.
Regular hours of operation: Winter (April, September-December) Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., closed Mondays: Summer (May-August) Tuesday-Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., closed Mondays. Rider fees are $1.00 per ride.
