Ride the Cafesjian Carousel at Como Park FREE select days this summer.
Have you noticed a large, colorful and musical carousel as you walk through Como Park? Check your calendar, as there are a few days this summer you can ride the carousel for FREE!
The Cafesjian Carousel is named after the late Gerald L. Cafesjian. It is one of only three operating carousels in its original paint. This carousel has been restored to its 1914 beauty.
The Cafesjian Carousel spent its first 75 years at the Minnesota State Fair. In 1988 it was headed for a New York Auction. Gerald L. Cafesjian contributed the major share of money needed to rescue the carousel from auction, restore it, and build its pavilion in Como Park.
Ride Cafesjian’s Carousel at Como Park FREE
There are a few opportunities to enjoy a free ride on the Cafesjian Carousel at Como Park this year:
- May 28th
- June 25th
- July 30th
- August 27th
- September 24th
On Saturday, September 7th the carousel will be celebrating it’s 110th birthday so all rides will only be $2 instead of the usual $3! Then on Sunday, September 8th, it’s Grandparents’ Day at the Carousel — Grandparents ride free with the purchase of a grandchild ticket.
The carousel operates 11 am – 4 pm Thursdays – Mondays from May 1 through Labor Day. It is also open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am – 4 pm in September and October. The carousel does not operate when the temperature is below 45 degrees or above 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are not riding on a free day, carousel ticket prices are $3, with a few exceptions. Children under the age of 1 ride free with a paying adult. In addition, adults 90 and older may ride free.
Cafesjian’s Carousel by the Numbers
Notice the intricate details as you ride the Carousel:
- 68 hand carved horses and 2 hand carved chariots
- 4 rows of horses that move up and down as the carousel turns
- 18 scenic paintings located around the upper rim, created by volunteer artists
- 1 fully restored Wurlitzer 153 band organ which replaces the original organ that was destroyed by fire in 1939
Cafesjian’s Carousel is located in St. Paul’s Como Park, south of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory and Visitor Center.
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Kristi is married with twin daughters. She grew up on a small dairy farm, but now lives in the south metro area. She enjoys finding free or thrifty things to do whether they are outings close to home or last minute adventures to far-away places.
Kristi can also be found enjoying estate sales, attempting to garden, volunteering in the wetlands or a favorite thrift store, or maybe just enjoying a good play in one of the many theatre venues in the area.
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