Over-the-Jumps Carousel Centennial Celebration

Over-the-Jumps Carousel since 1924

Over-the-Jumps Carousel Turning for a Century!

The Little Rock Zoo is the proud home of the Arkansas Carousel, Over-the-Jumps, a one-of-a-kind antique carousel that is the only fully operational carousel of its kind in the world.  This unique model is believed to be the only survivor of four over the jumps merry go rounds built by the Spillman Engineering Corp. of North Tonawanda, New York. It's design differs from other carousels in that the undulating wooden platform goes up and down as it turns giving riders the sensation of jumping hurdles as they ride. First appearing in Arkansas at the 1924 Arkansas State Fair, the Little Rock Zoo’s Over-the-Jumps Carousel has officially been turning for an entire century! That’s 100 years of fun and generations of families enjoying this unique antique attraction!

In 2020 the National Carousel Association awarded The Arkansas Carousel with the prestigious Historic Award – a national award recognizing a carousel for its historic significance.

Thanks to the hard work of the Friends of the Carousel, the generosity of the community and dozens of contributors, the carousel continues to spin!

Share your Experience

As part of our Centennial Celebration, we're on a mission to weave a colorful tapestry of memories that spans a century of joyous rides on the Over-the-Jumps Carousel. We extend a heartfelt invitation to our cherished community to share your most cherished photos and fond memories of this enchanting carousel throughout the years. Join us in commemorating 100 years of the beautiful Carousel by contributing to our collective journey down memory lane. Share your carousel adventures - email them directly to Zoo100@littlerock.gov . Let's unite in celebrating the rich history behind this unique attraction at the Little Rock Zoo—a cherished part of our community for generations.

Celebrate with Us

Celebrate this historic moment with us!

Join us for a Carousel Centennial Party. Check back soon, additional details will be announced later!