Cedar Point in Sandusky in Erie County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Kiddieland Carousel
Cedar Point
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 17, 2025
1. Kiddieland Carousel Marker
It has 54 pieces placed three abreast and a Wurlitzer band organ. The great carver, Daniel Muller, was commissioned to adorn the trappings on some of the outer row horses after it was built.
This machine is said to have been one of William Dentzel's personal favorites. The carousel first operated at Hunting Park in Germantown, near Philadelphia. Cedar Point acquired this beautiful carousel in 1968.
Erected 1978 by National Carousel Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1925.
Location. 41° 28.85′ N, 82° 40.854′ W. Marker is in Sandusky, Ohio, in Erie County. It is in Cedar Point. It can be reached from Cedar Point Drive. The marker is affixed to the carousel in the Kidsy Kingdom section of the Cedar Point Amusement Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Cedar Point Dr, Sandusky OH 44870, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Ohio’s Lake Erie Shore and in the Western Reserve. It is also in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other
this page online
More about this marker. Cedar Point's official website calls this carousel the Kiddy Kingdom Carousel, referencing the current name for this section of the amusement park. The carousel's name on its 1990 registration form for the National Register of Historic Places calls it "William H. Dentzel ca. 1924 Carousel."
Another 1978 marker by the National Carousel Association can be found about 100 yards away on the Cedar Downs Racing Derby carousel.
Regarding Kiddieland Carousel. The Dentzel family's connection to carousels dates to the early 1800s, when Michael Dentzel began constructing them in southern Germany. His son Gustav immigrated to the United States in the mid-19th century and established a company making cabinets and carousels, the latter business flourishing
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 17, 2025
2. Kiddy Kingdom Carousel
The carousel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
This carousel at Cedar Point was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. According to its NRHP registration form, the carousel includes two chariots and 52 animals, including 36 that bob up and down while the carousel is in motion.
Also see . . .
1. Cedar Point: Kiddy Kingdom Carousel.
Excerpt: "The craftsmanship put into designing this classic ride is undeniable, evidenced by the Armored Horses inclusion on a 1988 U.S. Postal stamp. Built by the legendary William H. Dentzel in 1924, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990."(Submitted on May 18, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. Dentzel Carousel Family History.
Excerpt: "The ancient origin of the carousel and its use as a military training device in the early Middle Ages is where the tradition of the ring catcher began with swords and target dummies then switched to rings as it came into public use. The fun and versatility of the centuries old 'flying horses' style of mechanism has also been retained by the DCC. In the Dentzel tradition a variety of menagerie animals are made for the rides, swing seats are also used along with the(Submitted on May 18, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)animals to the great satisfaction of the riders. Adults as well as children can ride these latest Dentzel carousels."Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 17, 20253. Kiddy Kingdom Carousel at Cedar Point
3. Daniel Carl Mόller: The Artist as Carousel Carver. An article in Americana Insights about Daniel Carl Mόller, the artist credited with the carvings in this carousel.
Excerpt: Mόller was an academically trained sculptor who applied his immense talent to carousel design and carving. Working during the Gilded Age, he was also an aspiring businessman who proudly advertised his company as 'Manufacturers of Caroussels [sic] of High Artistic Merit.' Today Mόller is widely considered to have been one of the most gifted and important carousel artists, with his figures represented in major museum collections.1 Mόllers story is rooted in the American experience of immigration, entrepreneurship, and individual artistic expression.(Submitted on May 18, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
4. National Carousel Association official site.
Excerpt: "Since 1973 the National Carousel Association has been working to keep America's remaining carousels in operation. Through a wide range of programs and projects, the NCA has participated in the restoration and preservation of many of the antique carousels in operation in our country today."(Submitted on May 19, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 161 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 18, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
