Des Moines Heritage Carousel: a combination of past and present splendours

If you're looking for a unique experience while visiting the city of Des Moines, Iowa, the Heritage Carousel in Union Park is certainly a terrific option to take. One of the few wooden carousels built since the 1930s, the Heritage Carousel of Des Moines has been a source of simple, yet one-of-a-kind amusement for generations.

The 32,000-pound carousel displays a playful and brilliantly painted menagerie of animals, yet has been crafted with a traditional 'feel' and sound, making it a wondrous attraction for children and adults alike. The carousel houses an old-fashioned band organ, two chariots and thirty hand-carved animals which include a tiger, a stork, rabbits, horses, an ostrich, a zebra, a baby elephant, a honey bear, a pirate cat, a giraffe, a sea urchin, and a panda. Each beautiful figure is also hand-detailed with Japanese oils to add to its distinctive character.

In addition, gorgeous scenes of Des Moines - like those of the State Historical Building, the Botanical Center, The Victoria Hotel, Drake University and Terrace Hill - are depicted along the top of the carousel, making it a unique aspect of the city.

The original cost to build the carousel - $300,000, half of which was apportioned to the construction of the animals alone - was raised privately by the non-profit organization of Des Moines Carousel Foundation. But visitors can rest assured that the cost to partake in the carousel's merriment will not reflect its impeccable construction and maintenance; that is to say, the original vision and commitment of the carousel's founders still stands true - to fund all primary expenses of operating the carousel so that rides are affordable to all. At fifty cents per child's ride, with accompanying adults getting to ride for free, the Heritage Carousel is undoubtedly one of the most economical ways to entertain children - and adults!

Furthermore, it's possible to rent the carousel for private parties and events. What better fun for a child's birthday party than to offer all the tiny guests - and their parents - the opportunity to ride a carousel throughout the day? And the venue also regularly hosts special events, publicized on the carousels site, so families and groups always have a great reason to pay the park a visit. What's more, Union Park overlooks the recreational Birdland Marina, allowing guests to make an entire day of their excursion.

If you'll be visiting Des Moines from out-of-town, you'll have loads of great accommodation options to consider, such as the Hilton Embassy Suites in the city centre. And with Union Park's central location, an outing to the Heritage Carousel is virtually effortless; with its history and display of brilliant artistry, this gem of an attraction is guaranteed to add a special touch to your - and your children's - trip.