the dentzel carousel

My cousin had her daughter's birthday party here and the place has no air conditioning. The kids were almost too hot to want to do anything. They still had fun but it was not a pleasant experience. While the place is in a more rough neighborhood, I never felt in danger or unsafe. Two high school minimum wage kids were working the cotton candy machine so it was minimum service. The carousel itself is stunningly beautiful and historic.

One of the only remaining old Dentzel Carousels in the US.. Truly one of the most important and beautiful things to see in Meridian MS... Located near the cemetery containing the graves of the Gypsy king and queen, the carousel is available for birthdays, wedding receptions or just a fun ride. All the animals are beautifully restored.. It's a treasure!!

I have been to The Dentzel Carousel dozens of times since I was a child. My daughter's fourth birthday party was here a couple of years ago and we have been to several parties for her friends. The carousel is beautiful and so much fun to ride. Everyone working there is always so friendly. They also sell cotton candy and popcorn. The only drawback of this beautiful piece of history is its location. Meridian's Highland Park is often featured on the local news as the site of drug deals, and even shootings. It has gotten to the point that the area doesn't feel safe, especially after dark.

This is a beautiful piece of history! And to think, it's not locked away behind glass, it's functioning and you can ride it! There's a little concession stand. They also sell t-shirts. The people who work there go above and beyond to make you feel at home. This is the best thing about Meridian, MS.

Well it does not live up to expectations as researched. It is located in a sketchy part of town right beside a public swimming pool. When entering there were several teenage kids loud congregating by the snack concession area. Once my children (8&6yrs) entered, they did leave. My 6 year old loved the carousel and rode it several times. Disappointed no information available inside on the history or more to see.

Our family visited Easter weekend and with much trepidation we ventured into Highland Park! Coming from out of state I read the crime report for the area and concluded that it probably would be OK early in the day! And praise be to God it was uneventful except for the loud hip hop music that the teen workers were playing.....maybe they could alternate between carnival/circus music with hip hop played sparingly especially when young kids are in to :) Well worth the trip!

The Dentzel carousel is a wonderful part of meridian's history. A must for visitors and locals use it a lot, too, my graduating class recently had our 60th birthday party there! Fun for young and old. Cheap, too!! It's not in a great part of town, though. Maybe the area could be spruced up a little!!

Had lots of fun. Still open on Saturday afternoons in winter. When we first arrived they were playing rap music but did change it back to typical carousel music. The animals are all in good shape although overall it is showing a little age. So glad we went.

I live in meridian and have grown up with the carousel. I didn't know it's true beauty till I was much older. The area around the carousel is not the the greatest but worth a look. Very few of these still exist.

Carousel is neat to see. We have been here several times; sometimes feel unsafe. However, as long as you have a large group and are there during daytime, no reason to worry.We did host our daughters bday party here. Staff was not very energetic or overly helpful.another problem we have run into is that the carousel is closed ALOT.

If you are interested in Carousels it might be worth the trip, however the area is a little sketchy. I'm over 50 and I rode it and had a good time with my 8 year daughter. Be sure to go in the day. Call first to make sure it is open.

I love carousel and feel that it's history and unique beauty is a treat. But frankly I do not go to highland park any longer due to the declining neighborhood and the increasing crime. It's a shame to see such a lovely place being neglected.

If your thinking about going. Then go in middle of the day. Crime is very high back drop is the ghetto, women shouldn't go there at all by themselves at all!

There are too many shootings and gang members in the park. It use to be a nice facility to take the kids but not now. Stay away!!

After lunch at Weidmann's, we made the short 2 mile drive to the carousel in Highland Park. Note that the carousel is open from 1-5 pm daily in June and July, weekends in spring and fall, and Saturdays only in winter. The hand carved carousel animals are beautiful! Rides are only 50 cents, and well worth the short drive from downtown or the interstate if you are traveling through the area.