Silver Beach Carousel

Imagine a place where memories of the "golden age" of amusement parks come to life—this is exactly the atmosphere offered to guests by the Silver Beach Carousel. Located in the picturesque Benton Harbor region of the USA, this attraction is a magnificent modern reconstruction of a legendary 1910 carousel. Officially opened in early 2010, it quickly became the heart of the cultural revival of the Lake Michigan coast.

This is not just a ride, but a unique work of art. The carousel features 48 magnificent figures: here you can see not only classic carved horses but also exotic animals from a menagerie, as well as elegant chariots shaped like sea serpents. Every detail is meticulously thought out—from the alternating light and dark shades of the figures to the intricate carving that creates a sense of movement and life.

Of particular value are the 18 unique rondo panels decorating the upper part of the structure. They depict historical scenes of Southwest Michigan, created using an innovative technique of colorizing archival photographs. This makes the Silver Beach Carousel the first in the world to turn its decorations into a true digital chronicle of its home region.

To ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible, it is helpful to save the contact details for this location in advance. Below is the up-to-date information to help you find your way and contact the center's administration if needed.

The main attraction here is, without a doubt, an unforgettable ride on one of the 48 carved figures. You can choose a stately horse, a majestic lion, or even a rocking peacock. To the sounds of classic organ music, the carousel whisks guests away into a world of childhood, bringing genuine joy to both little ones and adults. Be sure to pay attention to the details: each figure has its own character and unique design.

Beyond the ride, it's worth taking time to study the historical panels. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the region's past by examining rare archival footage integrated into the attraction's design. The atmosphere of the Silver Beach Center lends itself to leisurely relaxation and contemplation—it’s an ideal place for a family photoshoot, where every frame is imbued with the spirit of nostalgia.

Outside the carousel itself, other interesting sites await. Right nearby is the Curious Kids Museum, where young explorers can discover the world through play. On a hot day, the Whirlpool Compass Fountain is a must-visit, with its water jets delighting visitors of all ages. You can end your stroll at the elegant Shadowland Ballroom or by simply walking along the promenade, enjoying the fresh breeze from Lake Michigan.

The Silver Beach Carousel is located at 333 Broad Street in St. Joseph, which is in close proximity to Benton Harbor. This part of Michigan is famous for its lake views, and the carousel is just steps away from the sandy shore. If you are driving from Chicago, the trip takes about an hour and a half to two hours (approximately 140 km) heading northeast along the scenic coastal roads.

For those using personal transportation, convenient parking is available near the site. The exact coordinates for your GPS are: 42.1100061° N and -86.4846952° W. Upon arrival, you will immediately notice the Silver Beach Center building, which houses this engineering marvel.

If you plan to reach the area by public transport from neighboring regions, it is most convenient to use a local taxi or rideshare service directly from the city center. Thanks to its central location, the attraction is easily accessible to all tourists vacationing on the shores of Lake Michigan.

The history of this amazing attraction began back in 1910, when entrepreneurs Logan Drake and Louis Wallace decided to grace their Silver Beach amusement park with a magnificent three-row carousel. Created by master carver Fred Doll, it became a symbol of joy for many generations, offering visitors not only rides on carved horses but also the excitement of a brass ring machine.

Unfortunately, after the original park closed in 1971, the historic carousel was sold and moved out of state. However, the townspeople did not forget their heritage. In 1997, a special society was founded with the goal of bringing the beloved attraction back. When it became clear that the original could not be returned, a bold decision was made—to create a new carousel that would fully capture the spirit and grandeur of its predecessor.

The new project was executed with incredible precision and love for detail. The official opening took place on January 2, 2010, and the first honorary rider was Marcie Schalon, the project's primary benefactor and inspiration. She rode a white horse named in her honor, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the city's history.

Interestingly, modern technology allowed for a unique touch: for the first time in the world, colorized historical photographs of Southwest Michigan were used on the carousel's panels. Today, it is not just an attraction, but a true open-air museum that even survived a temporary closure during the global pandemic, triumphantly returning to operation in July 2021.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere and take a ride on the Silver Beach Carousel, 1–2 hours is sufficient for most visitors. During this time, you will be able to not only take a few spins on your favorite figures to the sound of the organ but also carefully examine the unique artistic panels telling the history of the region.

If you plan to visit other parts of the Silver Beach Center, such as the Curious Kids Museum or the famous fountain, we recommend setting aside about 3–4 hours. This will allow you to spend your time without rushing, especially if you are traveling with family and want to take beautiful photos against the backdrop of a sunset over the lake.

Currently, the Silver Beach Carousel welcomes guests primarily on weekends: Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. On weekdays (Monday through Friday), the attraction is typically closed to the public.

Since the schedule may change depending on the season, holidays, or private events at the center, we strongly recommend checking the current schedule on the official website before your trip. This will help you plan your visit to ensure you get to experience this wonderful attraction.

A visit to the carousel is just the beginning of your introduction to this charming coastal region. There are many nearby places that can help make your day rich and interesting, whether through park walks or sampling local cuisine.

Exploring the surroundings will allow you to dive deeper into the vacation atmosphere of Lake Michigan. Below are the most notable sites within walking distance or a short drive.