Brought to you by the Friends of Crossroads Village Carousel
Crossroads Village, with more than 30 historic structures, takes you back to a simpler time. Friendly villagers in period dress welcome you to the homes, mills, and shops. Experience the thrill of riding an authentic 1912 C.W. Parker carousel or take a ride on the matching 1910 C.W. Parker Superior Wheel. Go for a train ride on the Huckleberry Railroad or tour Mott Lake on the Genesee Bell, a full-size paddlewheel riverboat.
The whole family can enjoy a full day of fun at Crossroads Village. We hope you enjoy our website and look forward to seeing you at the Village soon!
For information about Crossroads Village operating hours, ticket prices, reservations, and group sales, visit the Genesee County Parks & Recreation website.
1912 C.W. Parker Carousel
History
American amusement king Charles W. Parker (1864-1932) manufactured the Crossroads Village Carousel at Leavenworth, Kansas in 1912.
The carousel is 40 feet in diameter and illuminated by 476 7.5-watt incandescent bulbs. Thirty-six hand-carved wooden jumping horses are arranged in three rows, each connected to a unique v-shaped Parker jumping mechanism that gives riders a forward thrust rather than a simple up and down motion. The carousel also features a dragon chariot and four metal kiddie ponies with a mothers bench. Many of the three sets of inner scenery panels are original. Music is provided by an equally rare Artizan band organ.
For many years this carousel traveled to county fairs, carnivals, and local celebrations throughout the Midwest and Northwest United States and Western Canada. From 1947 through 1978, the carousel was part of a permanent installation of amusement rides at Fairmount Park in Riverside, California where it delighted generations of children.
In 1980, a private collector bought the carousel and stored it in Michigan. On July 1, 1983, it was given a new lease on life when it reopened at its permanent home at historic Crossroads Village. The acquisition of the carousel was made possible by a 1983 grant of $175,000 from the C.S. Mott Foundation and has proven to be a colorful, exciting and musical addition to The Village.
The carousel may be the queen of the vintage amusement rides at Crossroads Village, but she has noble neighbors. The 1910 C.W. Parker Superior Wheel, the Venetian Swings, and the Mangels Pony Carts each have their own appeal. And don’t forget the Mott Lake Flyer Miniature Train where future train engineers can ride the rails ’round and ’round.