If you're looking for a unique and antique treasure, it's time to visit The Historic Carousel at Lighthouse Point Park located on the east side of the New Haven Harbor in the community of Morris Cove.

Built in 1916 the carousel has 72 figures mounted on a 60 foot platform.  Decorating the carousel are original oil paintings of New Haven local scenery along with mermaids, trains, lighthouses, sailboats and beveled mirrors.

During the 1920's there were more than 10,000 such carousels in existence but today the Lighthouse Park Carousel is less than one of a hundred still in operation.

The highlight of the day for many years on a visit to Lighthouse Park was to ride the carousel.  Over the years hurricanes and deterioration from it's location on the water took its toll on the carousel and the pavilion causing the building to be boarded up and closed down in 1977.

A group of citizens was appointed by the Mayor of New Haven in 1980 to come up with ways to restore the carousel.  Through the dedication and commitment of many volunterrs who spent hours cleaning, painting and scraping along with an "Adopt "A Horse" prgoram that was developed to help pay for the restoration and funds allocated by the City of New Haven to rehabilitate the pavilion the carousel was brought back to life.  In 1983 the Lighthouse Point Carousel was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The 5,000 square foot pavilion that is home to the carousel is available for rental and the perfect spot for weddings, banquets and private functions with its magnificent views of Long Island Sound and the New Haven Harbor.

Hours of operation during the summer season (Memorial Day to Labor Day) are:

Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Cost: 50 cents

There is a $10 parking fee for non-residents between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Private rentals are available and group reservations are accepted.

For more information call 203-946-8327.

Take a ride today and enjoy a little bit of history and fantasy on the Lighthouse Point Carousel.