The Dentzel Carousel Meridian MS visitors find at Highland Park is a historic carousel in a 46-acre city park. The park combines local history with recreation facilities, while the carousel’s distinctive Dentzel design makes it a notable stop in Meridian. For a local outing, you can pair a park visit with a three-star room at Motel 6-Meridian.
- Location: Highland Park, 1720 Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Drive, Meridian, Mississippi.
- Park history: Built in 1908.
- Carousel history: Arrived in Meridian in 1909.
- Typical hours: Seasonal schedule, generally 1–5 p.m.; days vary by season.
- Admission: Rides are $1 each; tours are $2 per person.
The Dentzel Carousel and its history
The Dentzel Carousel is a historic wooden carousel at Highland Park, with a history that reaches back to the late nineteenth century. The City of Meridian says Gustav Dentzel of Philadelphia manufactured it in 1896 for the 1904 St.
Louis World’s Fair, before it was sold to Meridian in 1909. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History gives a broader date range: it may date from 1885–90, but is more likely from 1892–99.
Its two-animal-abreast arrangement is especially rare. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History describes it as one of only two surviving Dentzel carousels with that configuration, and notes that most of its original scenery oil paintings remain.
Highland Park and the carousel and Carousel House were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. The City of Meridian says the carousel and Carousel House became National Historic Landmarks in October 1986; the Mississippi Department of Archives and History records their landmark status on February 27, 1987.
The Carousel House was built in 1909 from Dentzel blueprints and took the name Lucile Rosenbaum Dentzel Carousel House in 1995.
What can you see and do at Highland Park?
Highland Park has a mix of historic attractions, recreation facilities, and places for a park visit. The City of Meridian says the park was built in 1908. Alongside the carousel, its grounds include the Jimmie Rodgers Museum, a swimming pool, a splash pad, a duck pond, and a playground.
Other facilities include the Frank Cochran Center, Kendallwood Craft Center, two baseball and softball fields, four picnic pavilions, restrooms, and Parks and Recreation administration offices. You can plan around the carousel and add another park activity, such as a look at the duck pond or time at the playground.
If you’re mapping out more outdoor time around town, what to expect on trails at Bonita Lakes Park gives you another Meridian park option.
Highland Park also has four picnic pavilions, alongside its playground and duck pond.
For a broader sequence of stops, how to shape a one-day Meridian itinerary can help place Highland Park in a day around the city.
When is the carousel open, and what does it cost?
The carousel’s usual schedule changes by season. The City of Meridian’s seasonal schedule gives hours of 1–5 p.m. on Saturdays from January through March; Saturdays and Sundays in April and May; daily in June and July; and Saturdays and Sundays from August through December. Seasonal schedules and prices can change, so check the official site before you go.
The City of Meridian gives rides at $1 each and tours at $2 per person. Children aged 3 or under must ride with an adult. For a party, a tour, or information, contact the carousel at 601-485-1802. Its address is 1802 Carousel Drive.
The carousel building underwent a major restoration in the early 1980s and was closed for two years. Restoration work on the animals, chariots, and canvas oil paintings took place from 1984 through 1995.
Planning a park visit with children
Highland Park brings several family-oriented facilities together, including the playground, duck pond, pool, splash pad, and picnic pavilions. If you’re planning around the carousel, check its seasonal schedule first, then decide whether a playground stop or picnic fits the visit.
The City of Meridian gives the pool and splash-pad prices as $3 per person each, or $5 for both. They are open May through July, Monday through Saturday, 1–5 p.m. Pool and splash-pad hours are seasonal, so verify the details with the City of Meridian before setting out.
FAQs
Where is the Dentzel Carousel?
It is in Highland Park in Meridian, Mississippi. The park’s address is 1720 Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Drive; the City gives the carousel’s address as 1802 Carousel Drive.
How much does it cost to ride the carousel?
Rides are $1 each and tours are $2 per person. Children aged 3 or under must ride with an adult.
What else is in Highland Park?
The park includes the Jimmie Rodgers Museum, duck pond, playground, pool, splash pad, fields, and picnic pavilions, among other facilities.