Located on Oak Bluffs Avenue in the heart of Oak Bluffs, this treasured carousel has been enjoyed by Vineyarders and visitors for more than a century.
Acquired by the Preservation Trust in 1986, the Flying Horses Carousel is the nation’s oldest operating platform carousel and a National Historic Landmark. It is one of the two known carousels built by Charles W.F. Dare in 1876. In 1884, the Flying Horses were brought to Martha’s Vineyard.
The carousel is open from Easter Saturday through Columbus Day (schedule varies). Rides are only $1.50, and if you are lucky enough to catch the brass ring, you get a free ride! In addition to the carousel, video games are available as well as refreshments, including popcorn, cotton candy, slush, and soft drinks.
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devin, 4 years ago
This is not a ride for thrills and excitement. It is a step back in history. The horses have real horsehair and real stirrups, not the plastic stuff of today.
There is a lot of history regarding the Carousel. When the summer residents of Martha’s vineyard would return after the winter, it would open on Easter Sunday just so they could all come down in their finery and take a ride. It was a major social event as everyone could see who had survived the winter and returned to Martha’s Vineyard. Since there were many different religions they would not all see each other in church.
I am in my 60′s, and I loved taking a ride back into history. I just wished I could have ridden it in my Easter finery!