Exceptional. I thought it would be a 30 minute stop. Family spent 2.5 hours in the factory/museum. This is a must stop, our 7 and 10 year old loved it. Us parents loved it as well.

My family visited the Buffalo area on vacation, primarily to see Niagara Falls. I saw information about this museum online as I prepared for our trip and thought it would be a fun in-between stop. Little did I realize what a treasure this museum is! Even if you have never ridden or care nothing about carousels (😲), the history and beauty contained in this spot was more than any one of us could absorb. The engineering feats, entrepreneurial genius, artisan display, and all-around fun were a delight to all of us. We had male and female, ages 60 to 11 in our group, but we were all eager kids when it came time to ride the carousel. Riding a carousel will never be the same because our appreciation is deepened. Not just carousels, but band organs, player pianos, and music boxes. The volunteer guides were very interesting: our party ended up divided and when we met up later, we found it helpful to give each other a tour to fill in any details each might have missed. Plan to spend at least a couple hours here and make a donation to keep the joy alive.

We visited Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum as part of a little weekend getaway from Canada. My two daughters (3 and 4) were so excited to discover all the beautiful animals, music instruments and carrousels. We were pleasantly greeted by the staff and were invited to participate in a scavenger hunt throughout our visit, which made things even more interesting and interactive. The director was so kind to personally show us the different instruments. Overall, a surprising personable adventure! I’d go back without hesitation.

If you are in North Tonawanda, NY, do not miss this great museum! We had such a wonderful time. Burt, the volunteer working the carousel the day we went, found himself without any riders, so he gave us a marvelous tour of the carving area and the music and everything else. He was incredible. We rode the carousel when we first got there and again right before we left and it was so much fun. This is a place for kids of all ages.

The site built wooden carousel horses for most amusement parks in the US. They have a display of Wurlitzer machine that played music for the carousel. They have a punching machine that makes copies of the sheet music for the Wurlitzers. You can get a ride on a carousel there.

Thoroughly enjoyed my visit with a group to this museum. Learning about the history, checking out all the beautiful work, and of course getting a chance to ride the big carousel was very cool! There’s a whole kid area outside that for an extra fee kids can ride unlimited for 30 minutes. I was jealous, haha. not a very big place but totally worth the price of admission.

Excellent! Great history, exhibits, knowledgeable staff; seriously take the time to cone and rode the only carousel in the country operating where it was manufactured. The carousel animals were hand carved and you can see the detail, glass gems and glass eyes, the real horsehair tails as well. Great for kids of all ages. Great place for birthday parties, events, and they do tours as well! Farini & I Highly recommend!

We took three kids and two adults to the Halloween Spooktacular and it was such a fun experience. They have four outdoor rides for small children, and adults can ride with kids on one of them. Inside you can find so much information on the history of carousels and our guide was really great about making it interesting for the kids. They also have two indoor carousels, a small one for children as well as a large carousel that the whole family can enjoy. Parking was super easy right by the entrance. Everything was right on schedule for our time slot so we were able to enjoy it all and get some candy too!

I Loved this place and so happy our flight was delayed and gave us a chance to visit! It is a must if you have kids or are a kid at heart! It really needs to be on a Niagara Falls to do list! Worth the short drive from Buffalo or Niagara Falls. The tour call system was very informative and took a bit to figure out, but worth the price of a ticket and made some fond memories!

It is a very good place to visit, don't worry about the entrance fee, you will be enjoying two rides for that little fee and you can enjoy all the engineering design models put up for showing. They had most of the antique models on display which we can't find anymore. We are glad that, we found this place.

This weekend we took the kids to the Museum to meet 🎅 Santa. It was our family's first time there. The kids including us adults had a great time. Very organized holiday event. I loved that it was an event for ticket holders only, meaning it wasn't overcrowded. All the staff were really nice and they had one of the best Santa's I've seen in awhile. My little ones loved the smaller carousel, the larger carousel was alittle too fast and induced some minor motion sickness (short lived), otherwise a great time for the family. We will be visiting again in the near future.

Had a fun time here, the kids loved it! You actually get to go on the rides! It's brilliant. Worth the visit.

What a hidden gem! The staff is super nice (special shout out to the carousel operator Burt) and this non-profit museum is just darling and so sweet. We had our first visit last week after moving to the area 3 years ago and totally wished we had come earlier. We became members right after because my 6 year old just loves the carousel and wants to ride it all the time. The annual family membership ($55 for 2 adults and 4 kids plus various discounts) is totally worth the price since it'll pay for itself over the regular admission ($10 for adults, $5 for kids and free under 2) so quickly. There's an adult/everyone and a separate toddler- only carousel. Such a classic place for some old school and interesting fun for families. We can't wait until theKiddieland area opens on Memorial Day weekend! Definitely recommended for locals and tourists alike. The only feedback is that the party room should update the generic decorations. I bet they'd get a lot more bookings if they had an awesome carnival-themed display.

We went to the museum for the first time in April 2021 and quickly became members. My son was 3 at the time and we just celebrated his fourth birthday there today. Each time we go, the staff is incredibly friendly and seem to genuinely love sharing the carousel and rides with children. There are several small games perfect for kids too. It’s a nice way to spend some time out of the house. For the birthday party, they took care of so many details and really made it simple to enjoy our guests. Highly recommend!

Super cool historical place!! I used to come here as a kid, and was happy to be able to take my daughter! It's such a neat piece of history! Very reasonably priced! The staff were all very kind and very helpful. This place is a local gem! It has museum exhibits and so much history to read about and see (for the adults). The giant carousel is the main attraction and is loved by all ages. There is also a kiddie carousel for the young riders inside, and there is a section of 5 or so rides outside for kids called kiddie land!! Was very cool! You have to reserve a timeslot for kiddie land, so that the staff can santize rides between riders, but my daughter and nephew just absolutely loved it!

Very charming little piece of history that deserves the attention and is worth stopping by especially if you have a love for truly artistic creations. Its absolutely fascinating to witness the craftmanship that was put into these amusement rides.

An absolute must-visit for fans of carousels and band organs. But even if you are not, it is a place not to be missed. Entrance prices are more than reasonable and include two tokens to ride the carousels with the accompaniment of an operating band organ. The museum is filled with fascinating exhibits and unique items. The staff is very friendly, knowledgeable and enjoy answering questions. Each area offers an audio- guide you may access through your smartphone, if desired. A wonderful place for children of all ages!

The love and care that has been out in this museum is very apparent. The history is relevant and interesting. The information is wonderful and the exhibits are beautifully done. The staff is knowledgeable and really wants the history and knowledge to be passed down. I will be taking one of their carving classes so I can also help keep these beautiful machines alive.

Found this place by happenstance, and sooooo glad we did. We went on the museum's first ever Lantern Tour and it was beyond amazing!!!!! The Lantern Tour is geared more towards adults dark history wise. Tour started at 7pm and lasted 2 hours. Loved the creepy lighting effects mixed with the fact that you are exploring a museum at night and you end up with a great Halloween tradition. Our Tour Guide (*I am horrible with names, but I believe he is the Museum Director*) was personable, friendly, welcoming, and passionate about his job and the community, which took the tour to another level (*even if he is Canadian 🤣😂😅*). He provided us with food and drink suggestions and even took the time to write it out for us. We have never had the opportunity to ride a 100+ year old carrossel before and it was magical. Definitely worth the visit. Can't wait to bring my kids. -Morris's from Arkansas

This is a Great place for kids and Adults alike. Interesting History of the Carousel and Wurlitzer factory. Active duty Military ID free with ID. We would get a membership if we lived locally, we would return often!!

If you can don't miss the opportunity of visiting this museum; it really is a hidden gem. I learned so much of the history of carrousels and it was so interesting. The staff is super knowledgeable and friendly. With the admission ticket you get 2 tokens per ticket to ride the carrousel and you'll love every minute of it. Went in thinking I would be out in half an hour and end up spending 3hrs there. PS we even did the scavenger hunt

Wonderful time was had by my family from Nashville. The museum, carousel, organ & gift shop were enjoyed. The staff was amazing--friendly & knowledgeable!

While visiting New York, we had Niagara falls on our itinerary. I booked a hotel in Tonawanda, and after I booked it I was shown a brief list of attractions in the area. The Hershell carrousel museum was at the top of the list. This was a "must see" for my family, because my wife's Dad restored an Allen Hershell carrousel, and Lord knows I got roped into doing a lot of the set up work. We thoroughly enjoyed going to this museum, and my kids enjoyed riding the carousel.

Great!

Loved the beautiful merry go round, and the part about the Wurlitzer Organs! Great place to visit!

Very cool place to learn about the history of carousels

My son and I attended the “Teddy Bear Parade” event here and I am so glad we did! I’ve saw many events posted at this museum and would just never end up attending but it is a cute little museum equipped with carnival rides and snacks along with a full lunchroom and play area. My son also won a teddy bear in the raffle.

Our family of 10 had a fabulous time! Our 20 year old special needs son was welcome to ride the kiddie rides...a rarity for him. Only 3rd time in his life that anyplace would allow him to ride alone. Very clean, very interesting, extremely enjoyable day

Very interesting and people friendly.

I brought nephew and he had a great time on the rides. I learned quite a bit in the museum also. Nice afternoon for low cost and it was all 3 miles from home.

Absolutely fantastic museum with wonderful and happy employees. Had such a. Great time there with my mom and 3 kids. Kids loved the kiddie rides as well as the big carousel. Very informative walking through the museum, we learned a lot and it was neat to see how the carousels were made and the different models they had from so many years ago. Love this place and will visit again!

Cool and quirky little museum in the original historic factory. Fun for kids as you get tokens to ride the carousels they have on site. Self guided tour takes you though the different workshops of the factory. Very neat!

Highly recommend a visit! A tour is available where you learn the history of the factory and you get to ride on an original carrousel!

Besides housing both a whimsical museum and sweet play area for kids, these guys are the gold standard in upholding excellent safety procedures in light of Covid. Between adherence to reservation policies for the rides, sanitation after each ride, usage of red/green card to notify visitors and workers alike of cleanliness statuses and strict mask rules, you can color any parent on the conservative end of CDC guideline followers HAPPY! Whatever your take on all this, the museum was a great little side trip for families.

A middle of nowhere attraction, a bit small, but very interesting for those that enjoy odd random history. I had a great talk with Ian afterwards about my local amusement park rides and Buffalo in general. If I can ever get my friends to do a trip up here, I’ll be sure to make this a stop again. Sorry the girl running the carrousel couldn’t convince me to ride, I felt silly lol

I didn't enter the museum with any expectations in particular but quickly became fascinated by the old machines and carousel horses on display. Ian got us started and was quite knowledgeable and passionate, as were volunteer staff working here and there. I definitely recommend this place if you're in the area; it's a hidden gem.

If you love to understand how things are built, you will be lost in this place for hours. It can just feel the history when you’re here. The craftsmanship is amazing.

Great place to take your kids.

Cool place! Our kids loved it and the people were very nice.

Excellent stop in the middle of traversing upstate NY. Everyone was super friendly and who knew there was so much carrousel history?

Great experience, they've guided us all over the place and we could even try a restored caroussel.

It's a fun interesting place

Great history

Nice for kids

Boring

This is a fun place to visit. Great place to bring the family.

Great place for kids and adults.

Love love love this place. The history and craftsmanship that goes into the pieces are unparalleled.

Wonderful. Bring the kids!

Great place. My 5 year old loved "kiddie land"

Very educational and a fun ride on a 100year old merry go round

Great way to learn how carousel rides were made....nice gift shop.....friendly workers

The museum has a wonderful collection of carousel horses from all periods of the company as well as restored operating carousel, steam engine, and several Wurlitzer band organs and player pianos. Also has several restored and operating kiddie rides. At $7 for adults, admission is very reasonable.

So much info on old Carousels and how they were made and Old Wurlitzer organs. I love old Carousels and this place has them. This museum is worth $ 7.00 Enjoy

I was there on a rather slow day, and had the museum mostly to myself. Staff was kind, attentive, and informative. The horses and other menagerie animals on display were so beautiful to see, but I think what really makes this Museum special is knowing that they are actively preserving local culture. Their current projects are going to be placed in the community for people to enjoy, which is wonderful. They also offer Artisan classes to pass on these skills to others. Overall, a small location doing some very big work, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

Very educational a peek into the early history of our area love the many displays..

A hidden gem in North Tonawanda. Check out the beautiful carousel animals, read the history and photos of their history over a hundred years, take a ride on the indoor carousel. Outdoor kiddie rides in the summer.

Wonderful

Interesting historical place.

Fun place to visit with children. A few vintage ride to go on.

Great piece of history and nostalgia . Includes carousels for adults and wee ones. Also have Wurlitzer organs, player pianos, etc. Volunteers are friendly and phenomenal!! They could use more help. If you live in the area, please volunteer and keep these skills and pieces of history alive and functioning.

Very entertaining and brought back many,many memories of Crystal Beach, Fairs and other places. The craftmanship that goes into these and the music is remarkable.

Such a beautiful piece of local history to visit. Lots to do for kids with gray affordable prices. My daughter had her birthday there and they couldn't be more accommodating and helpful.

Super fun, family friendly...had a blast at their Spooktacular event!!

Amazing! Staff was wonderful and we couldn't ask for a better place to hold pur daughter's birthday ?? party ??!

Great experience. Friendly staff

I would go here with my grandma as a child. It is magical and beautiful and a wonderful experience! Such an interesting museum with a fascinating role in history and entertainment. Make sure to take a ride, no matter your age!

Amazing place!! Great place to take the kids

A nice museum the showcases the history of the Carrousel in North Tonawanda. If you go at the right time you can actual artisans carving wooden horses

Historic and educational location. Two carrousels here. Several band organs and mechanical music making instruments. My most lovable feature beside the carrousels and music roll maker is the Wurlitzer Calliola Band Organ. Hearing this spectacular musical instrument in person surpasses even the great Paul Eakins recordings of them. I will return any time when in the area.

Adorable. I wish this place was bigger.

The tea is a must-do every year. The people who run the tea put a lot of effort into it. The speaker is always very interesting.

Made my wife's day!

A lovely piece of nostalgia. Be sure to interact with the staff. Next to the beautiful displays they are key to making your visit magical.

Kids had a blast! Plenty to see and do.

Awesome to ride one of the first carrousels built on that exact site over 100 years ago! Kids still love it, and the displays are interesting for the adults as well.

This place is amazing! You don’t have to be a carousel lover to enjoy this place - even if you’ve been on a carousel once, or never at all, you’ll enjoy it! It’s fun for adults as well as kids - very interactive and the visitor guide has activities and games to play while you’re in the museum. There is an active carousel on-site and rides are included with admission! The executive director, Ian, was a fountain of knowledge about the history of the museum, but also the surrounding area. He showed us the band organs as well as how to operate the player piano. The repair and restoration work the museum does is truly incredible. Definitely worth a return visit next time we’re in town! I wish I could have stayed for hours.