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Binghamton's six antique carousels

Greater Binghamton has six George F. Johnson–donated Allan Herschell wooden carousels — a rare free-ride circuit. Confirm seasonal hours before you go.

George F. Johnson Recreation Park carousel building in Binghamton, New York
Photo: Ammodramus · CC0 1.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Between 1919 and 1934, George F. Johnson donated six carousels to Broome County parks. Per the City of Binghamton and Broome County, he insisted municipalities not charge for rides. The six are on the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places.

1. Ross Park Carousel

60 Morgan Road, Binghamton. Installed 1920 — 60 jumping horses, 4-abreast; chariots; Wurlitzer band organ. Same park as the zoo and Discovery Center. Seasonal restoration closures have occurred — check the city page.

City listing →

Ross Park carousel horse detail, Binghamton
Photo: Ammodramus · CC0 1.0 · Wikimedia Commons

2. Recreation Park Carousel

George F. Johnson Recreation Park (Beethoven St / Laurel Ave area), Binghamton. Installed 1925 — 60 jumping horses, chariots, Wurlitzer organ. Park also has a reflective pond, GFJ statue, and Rod Serling memorial plaque.

Broome County circuit →

3. C. Fred Johnson Park

98 CFJ Boulevard, Johnson City. Installed 1923 — largest of the six (72 figures, 4-abreast). Park includes courts, fields, playground, and spray features.

4. Highland Park (Endwell)

Endwell carousel on the circuit — confirm address and hours on Broome County's carousel page before visiting.

5. George W. Johnson Park (Endicott)

Endicott park carousel on the Johnson circuit. Binghamton University's Community Archaeology Program notes free rides remain the tradition.

6. West Endicott Park

West Endicott Park carousel completes the six. Details on Broome County's Ride the Carousel Circuit page.