HAMPTON — After being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hampton is set to reopen its historic carousel on June 1.
The Hampton Carousel, located at 602 Settlers Landing Road, adjacent to the Virginia Air & Space Center in downtown Hampton, is operated by Hampton History Museum, 120 Old Hampton Lane.
The carousel was built in 1920 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and was a fixture at Buckroe Beach Amusement Park. After the park closed in 1985, it was a labor of love for members of the city to restore the beautiful ride and have it functioning so that future generations could enjoy it. A beautiful work of art from its hand carved horses to its calliope music, it has become an anchor in Downtown Hampton since its reopening in 1991.
For over a year, the carousel sat dormant due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, on June 1, the horses will come back to life and the tender sounds of the carousel’s organ will fill the air once more.
The Hampton Carousel will operate under federal, state, and City of Hampton protocols. Guests will be required to practice social distancing, wear a mask while inside the carousel building, and to use hand sanitizer before and after rides.
Hours of operation will be closed Mondays but will be open Tuesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-8:00 p.m. A ticket to ride will cost $1.00 and can be purchased at Hampton History Museum or at the carousel.
For more information, call the Hampton Visitor Center at 757-727-1102 or visit the website for Hampton History Museum.
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