Flying Horses Carousel
Ride America's oldest platform carousel, a National Historic Landmark, and try to catch the brass ring for a free ride!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy the classic carousel magic
Flying Horses Carousel
Best Time
Enjoy the classic carousel magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride America's oldest platform carousel, a National Historic Landmark, and try to catch the brass ring for a free ride!
"It's not just a carousel, it's a piece of living history that brings pure joy."
🎯 Aim for the Brass Ring!
The ultimate goal: snag the brass ring for a free ride! It's a fun challenge for all ages.
🐴 Admire the Artistry
Take a moment to appreciate the detailed, hand-carved horses – they're true works of art.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Brass Ring Game
Test your skill and luck by reaching for the brass ring for a free ride! A truly iconic carousel experience.
Hand-Carved Horses
Admire the intricate details of the stationary, hand-carved horses, many with real horsehair manes.
Living History
Experience a piece of American history at the oldest operating platform carousel in the country.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Brass Ring Challenge
+1Historic Charm & Pricing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Aim for the Brass Ring!
The ultimate goal: snag the brass ring for a free ride! It's a fun challenge for all ages.
🐴 Admire the Artistry
Take a moment to appreciate the detailed, hand-carved horses – they're true works of art.
💰 Consider the Cost
Tickets are $5 per ride, which some find steep, but it supports preservation.
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera to snap photos of this iconic and nostalgic attraction.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Aim for the Brass Ring!
The ultimate goal: snag the brass ring for a free ride! It's a fun challenge for all ages.
🐴 Admire the Artistry
Take a moment to appreciate the detailed, hand-carved horses – they're true works of art.
💰 Consider the Cost
Tickets are $5 per ride, which some find steep, but it supports preservation.
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera to snap photos of this iconic and nostalgic attraction.
⏳ Ride Multiple Times
If you love it, consider multiple rides, but be mindful of the cost.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Flying Horses Carousel as a piece of living history and a source of pure, simple joy. The hand-carved horses and the iconic brass ring game are consistently praised, creating a magical, nostalgic experience for all ages. While the $5 per ride cost is noted as a drawback by some, most agree the historical significance and timeless charm make it a worthwhile visit.
"If you ever find yourself on Martha’s Vineyard, you must stop by the Flying Horses in Oak Bluffs. It’s not just a carousel, it’s a piece of living history. Built in the 1870s and still going strong, it’s actually the oldest operating carousel in America. And when you walk into that little red barn and hear the music start, you feel like you’ve stepped straight into another time.
The horses themselves are works of art, hand-carved, with real horsehair manes. They don’t go up and down like modern rides, but trust me, the magic is still there. Especially because of the brass ring game. As you spin around, you lean out and try to catch a ring. Most are steel, but if you snag the elusive brass one, mazel tov, you’ve earned yourself a free ride. That’s what happens to my son. It was so fun! And honestly, there’s something so joyful and pure about seeing both kids and adults stretch, laugh, and cheer each other on.
What I love most is the feeling it gives you. It’s not about thrills or flashing lights. It’s about simple joy, shared tradition, and that sweet reminder that happiness is often found in the little things. Riding it with my family, I could feel generations before us doing the same, smiling and reaching for that brass ring. It’s not just a ride, it’s a metaphor for life.
So yes, go ride the Flying Horses. Laugh, grab the rings, and let yourself be carried for a few minutes into a world where joy is uncomplicated and timeless."
Rabbi Yisroel Bernath
"Such a cool historic place to visit with this still active and beautiful carousel."
Susan Macbeth
"Historic site. Very busy. Great spot for kids. Pick up a copy of the Vineyard Gazette near the checkout counter and complete the Treasure Hunt."
Michelle C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Flying Horses Carousel is located in Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard. You'll typically arrive by ferry from mainland Massachusetts (e.g., Woods Hole, Hyannis). Once on the island, Oak Bluffs is easily accessible by bus or a short taxi ride.
Parking in Oak Bluffs can be challenging, especially during peak season. It's often best to park in designated lots and walk or utilize public transportation on the island.
The carousel is housed in a red barn, making it an option even on days with less-than-ideal weather. However, ferry schedules can be affected by severe weather.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A single ride on the Flying Horses Carousel costs $5. This price helps support the preservation of this historic landmark.
Tickets are typically purchased on-site on the day of your visit. It's advisable to check their operating hours before you go, especially during the off-season.
Operating hours vary seasonally. During the summer, they often open from 10 am to 9 pm. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most current hours.
While there aren't typically discounts, catching the brass ring earns you a free ride! Special events or giveaways might occur, so keep an eye on their announcements.
Yes, the Flying Horses Carousel is a timeless attraction enjoyed by all ages, from young children to adults reminiscing about childhood memories.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
It's the oldest operating platform carousel in the United States, built in 1876. Its stationary, hand-carved horses and the famous brass ring game make it a truly special experience.
No, unlike many modern carousels, the horses on the Flying Horses are stationary. The magic comes from the ride's history and the thrill of the brass ring game.
As you ride, you lean out to try and grab a ring from a metal arm. Most are steel, but if you catch the elusive brass ring, you win a free ride! +1
Absolutely! It's a very photogenic spot. Many visitors capture the beautiful hand-carved horses and the nostalgic atmosphere.
As a historic attraction, accessibility can be limited. The carousel platform may present challenges. It's best to contact the venue directly for specific accessibility information.
📸 📸 Photography
Try capturing the full carousel from the outside to show its scale, or get close-ups of the intricate horse carvings. The brass ring arm is also a popular shot.
Yes, the hand-carved details of the horses, including their manes and saddles, make for excellent close-up photography.
Late afternoon or early evening can offer beautiful lighting, especially during the summer months. However, the carousel is charming at any time.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip for families: Consider purchasing multiple tickets if your children want to ride more than once, as the $5 cost per ride can add up. However, the joy and memories created are often considered priceless. The carousel is also a great spot for family photos, so be sure to capture those smiles!
💖 Couples & Nostalgia Seekers
If you're looking for a dose of nostalgia, this carousel is a must-visit. Many adults have fond childhood memories associated with this historic ride, and returning to it can be a deeply moving experience. The preservation of the carousel ensures that these cherished memories can be relived and passed down.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
To maximize value, focus on the brass ring challenge – a free ride is a great bonus! If you're on a tight budget, perhaps one ride is enough to soak in the atmosphere and history, rather than multiple rides. Compare the cost to other attractions on Martha's Vineyard to gauge its value for your trip.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The History of the Flying Horses
+1Unlike many modern carousels, the horses on the Flying Horses are stationary. This design choice, common in early carousels, emphasizes the artistry of the hand-carved steeds, many of which feature real horsehair manes and intricate saddle details. The true thrill, however, comes from the iconic brass ring game. As riders circle, they extend their arms to try and catch a ring from a dangling metal arm. The ultimate prize? Snagging the elusive brass ring, which earns the lucky rider a free return trip. This simple yet captivating game adds an element of playful competition and shared excitement.
The experience of riding the Flying Horses is often described as magical and nostalgic. It evokes a sense of simple joy and timeless tradition, reminding visitors that happiness can be found in uncomplicated pleasures. The sound of the carousel music, the sight of the beautifully crafted horses, and the shared anticipation of catching a ring create a unique atmosphere that resonates with both children and adults. It’s a place where memories are made and cherished, echoing the experiences of countless visitors before.
The Thrill of the Brass Ring
+1While most of the rings are made of steel, the ultimate prize is the elusive brass ring. Successfully catching this golden token not only provides bragging rights but also earns you a free ride on your next visit. This element of chance and reward makes each ride an exciting opportunity, encouraging riders to lean out, stretch, and cheer each other on. It’s a simple concept, but one that generates immense joy and friendly competition.
Many visitors, young and old, describe the thrill of snagging a ring, especially the brass one, as a highlight of their visit. It’s a moment of pure, unadulterated fun that embodies the spirit of the carousel. The shared excitement and the pursuit of this small, shiny prize create a memorable experience that many recall fondly from childhood visits and enjoy recreating with their own families.
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