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

Join us for a magical evening, September 10th 2024, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Over-the-Jumps Carousel, a cherished landmark in our community and a beloved piece of Arkansas history. Since finding its permanent home at the Little Rock Zoo in 2008, this whimsical carousel has delighted thousands with its nostalgic charm.

To honor this iconic carousel's century of joy, the Zoo has planned an unforgettable after-hours event that families of all ages will enjoy. This event promises to be a night of enchantment and celebration, honoring a piece of our heritage that has brought joy to countless Arkansans.

This grand celebration, generously sponsored by Centennial Bank, features:

• Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances that will captivate and entertain guests throughout the evening.
• Free Carousel Rides: Experience the magic of the Over-the-Jumps Carousel with complimentary rides all night.
• Historic Exhibits: Take a journey through time with special exhibits that showcase the rich history of the carousel.
• Food and Refreshments: Savor delicious food and refreshing beverages available for purchase.
• Games and Activities: Engage in a variety of fun games and activities designed for kids and adults alike.

Mark your calendars and bring your family to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Over-the-Jumps Carousel at the Little Rock Zoo! Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime event to honor a century of memories and magic!

Thank you to Centennial Bank for sponsoring this event.