Last updated: November 9, 2023
Thing to Do
Ride the Historic Dentzel Carousel
NPS / Nathan King
Ride a piece of history!
In the summer months, you have the opportunity to ride the Dentzel Carousel and hear the sounds of a rare Wurlitzer Organ! Check the current carousel schedule for operating hours and seasons.
If not for the dedicated work of local citizens, this incredible piece of history and art might have been lost forever. Because of their dedication, you can enjoy this whimsical piece of history.
The Dentzel Carousel is operated by our partner, the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture.
About the Carousel
During Glen Echo Amusement Park's glory days as an amusement park, the Dentzel Carousel was the jewel of the park. The carousel remains the park's treasured centerpiece.
The Dentzel Carousel Company built the carousel, which the amusement park installed in a 12-sided canopy building in 1921.
Dentzel Carousels are known for their realistic, graceful animals and elaborate carvings. The Glen Echo carousel is called a "menagerie carousel" because of it is made up of many different animals. The 40 horses, 4 rabbits, 4 ostriches, giraffe, deer, lion, and tiger stand in three concentric rings. The carousel moves to the music of a Wurlitzer band organ, which pipes out music using a system similar to a player piano. Only 12 Wurlitzer organs of this style are known to exist.
The carousel was fully restored in 2019-2020.
Civil Rights and the Dentzel Carousel
For many years, Glen Echo Park was a segregated area. In 1960, the Dentzel Carousel became the object of a civil rights demonstration when Black protesters, with tickets purchased by White sympathizers, attempted to ride the carousel, only to be arrested. The protest sparked continued demonstrations at the park, until it was finally desegregated the following year, 1961. Those who were arrested in 1960 were eventually cleared by the courts in 1964, who cited that their arrest violated the 14th Amendment.
Today, you can ride the same animals the protesters sat on.
Details
Duration
5-10 Minutes
Activity
Hands-On
Choose a steed and take a spin on the carousel while a rare Wurlitzer organ pipes out cheerful tunes.
Age(s)
0-99
All riders, regardless of age, are required to purchase a ticket.
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
Yes
$2 per ride, or $5 for an all-day pass.
Location
Dentzel Carousel
The entrance and ticket booth for the carousel is on the northeast side of the building.
Reservations
No
Season
Summer
The carousel typically operates from late April until late September. See current calendar on the Glen Echo Partnership website.
Time of Day
Day
When in season:
Typically open 10-2 Wednesday-Friday.
Typically open 11-5 Saturday and Sunday.
Typically closed Monday-Tuesday.
Typically open 10-2 Wednesday-Friday.
Typically open 11-5 Saturday and Sunday.
Typically closed Monday-Tuesday.
Accessibility Information
The carousel is on a wooden platform approximately 12" above the floor. The platform may move slightly while boarding and off-boarding passengers. A ramp is available to board the carousel.
The majority of the animals must be mounted using a stirrup with one foot and swinging the other leg over the animal. The height of the stirrup may vary based on how the ride has come to rest, both before and after the ride. Some riders may require assistance to mount and unmount the animals. Animals on the two inner circles of animals move up and down in a gentle motion as the carousel rotates. Animals on the outermost ring do not move up and down. A pole to hold with the hands is provided for stability; riders may need to grasp the pole to maintain stability.
The carousel has two chariots with benches for seating. Each chariot has two rows of benches, with room for two riders on each bench (total of 8 bench seats). These seats do not require climbing or grasping to ride safely. Wheelchair users must transfer to the seats to ride; there are no anchor points for mobility devices on the ride.
Music from the Wurlitzer Organ may be quite loud while on the ride, including a wide variety of instruments such as organs, horns and percussion. Once the ride is in motion, riders are not allowed to move about or exit the ride until the ride has come to a complete stop.
The majority of the animals must be mounted using a stirrup with one foot and swinging the other leg over the animal. The height of the stirrup may vary based on how the ride has come to rest, both before and after the ride. Some riders may require assistance to mount and unmount the animals. Animals on the two inner circles of animals move up and down in a gentle motion as the carousel rotates. Animals on the outermost ring do not move up and down. A pole to hold with the hands is provided for stability; riders may need to grasp the pole to maintain stability.
The carousel has two chariots with benches for seating. Each chariot has two rows of benches, with room for two riders on each bench (total of 8 bench seats). These seats do not require climbing or grasping to ride safely. Wheelchair users must transfer to the seats to ride; there are no anchor points for mobility devices on the ride.
Music from the Wurlitzer Organ may be quite loud while on the ride, including a wide variety of instruments such as organs, horns and percussion. Once the ride is in motion, riders are not allowed to move about or exit the ride until the ride has come to a complete stop.