Flying Horse Carousel Watch Hill RI — America's Oldest Carousel
Dawne LundahlThe Oldest Flying Horses Carousel in America
Watch Hill Rhode Island
The Carousel in Rhode Island holds a special place in American history which is a national historic landmark — it is the oldest operating carousel in the United States with a hipped roof where horses are held by chains for an exciting ride.Built in 1876 by the Charles W.F. Dare Company of New York resembling the merry go round in coney island, the carousel has been delighting visitors for nearly 150 years and remains one of the most beloved landmarks on the New England coast.
The carousel was originally part of a traveling carnival built 1876 until 1879, when the carnival was forced to abandon it in Rhode Island. It was powered by a horse at that time, with music provided by a hand-cranked organ.
Power was provided by water in 1897, and by 1914 the carousel had electricity. It was extensively damaged by the New England Hurricane of 1938 which devastated the east coast. However, its horses were recovered from the sand dunes and the carousel was restored to operation; three chariots were lost which were not replaced.
Catch The Brass Ring and Get a Free Ride
Unlike modern carousels where horses are fixed to a platform, the flying horses are suspended by chains and hang freely from a center frame. As the carousel spins, centrifugal force causes the horses to swing outward — giving riders the magical sensation of flying. Each horse is hand-carved from wood and features real horse hair tails and glass eyes, making them true works of folk art.
The Brass Ring Tradition
The most beloved tradition in this quaint sea side village is the Carousel and catching the brass ring. As the carousel spins, the riders reach out to grab rings from a dispenser at the side. Most rings are iron — but one is brass.
Catching the brass ring earns the lucky rider a gets a free token ride, and the thrill of the attempt keeps children (and adults) coming back again and again. It's one of the last carousels in the country where this tradition is still practiced.
A Summer Tradition For Generations
The Flying Horse Carousel
The Flying Horse Carousel operates seasonally, typically from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Lines form early on summer mornings, and the wait is always worth it.
For generations of Watch Hill families, a ride on the Carousel is as essential to summer as East Beach, ice cream on Bay Street, and a walk out to Napatree Point.
A Little Explorer's Guide
Discover Watch Hill through the eyes of a little explorer! The Watch Hill Touch and Trace Interactive Book takes young adventurers on a journey through the village — from the Carousel at the end of Bay Street to the harbor, the beach, and beyond.
The carousel is open to children only, a tradition that has been in place for generations to preserve the magic for the youngest riders. Adults are welcome to watch, photograph, and cheer from the sidelines. It's the perfect companion for your family's Watch Hill adventure.
SHOP WATCH HILL CHILDREN'S BOOKS
National Register of Historic Places
The Flying Horse Carousel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior — a recognition that speaks to its extraordinary place in American history. Operated by the Watch Hill Fire District, it has been a cherished part of this seaside village for nearly 150 years.
That vintage photograph tells the story beautifully: the striped tent, the white picket fence, the American flag flying overhead — Watch Hill families have been gathering here since 1876, and the scene has changed remarkably little. The same wooden horses, hand-carved and suspended by iron chains, still carry children through the same summer air.
To ride the hl is to step into living history — one of the last places in America where the past isn't preserved behind glass, but experienced firsthand, one brass ring at a time.
SHOP THE FULL CAROUSEL COLLECTION
Celebrate Watch Hill with apparel, souvenirs, gifts, and accessories inspired by the charm of Rhode Island's most beloved seaside village.
From East Beach and the Flying Horses Carousel to coastal keepsakes and beach-ready styles, discover collections designed to capture the spirit of Watch Hill.