Herschell Carousel Factory Museum

In the sprawling industrial city of North Tonawanda, directly across the river from Grand Island [1], stands the old Herschell Carousel Factory (180 Thompson St., off River Rd., 716/693-1885, www.carrouselmuseum.org [2], 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Mon.–Sat. and noon–4 p.m. Sun. mid-June–Sept., noon–4 p.m. Wed.–Sun. Apr.–mid-June and Sept.–Dec., adults $5, seniors $4, children 2–12 $2.50). In its heyday in the 1920s and ‘30s, the plant produced over 50 carousels a year. Until 1928, all featured animals were carved entirely of wood; after 1928, the magical creatures were half-wood and half-aluminum.

Now both an informal museum and a workshop, the old factory contains a major exhibit on Allan Herschell, an expert woodcarver who was once the best-known carousel maker in the United States. Also on display are hand-carved animals dating back to the early 1900s, new carved animals in various states of completion, and historical exhibits. Out back spins a working 1916 carousel that adults as well as kids are invited to ride.

A landscaped Heritage Trail connects the museum with other locales of interest, such as, the tiny Railroad Museum (111 Oliver St., 716/694-9588, adults $2, children under 12 free) and the performing arts center of Riviera Theatre (67 Webster Street North Tonawanda,716/692-2413, www.rivieratheatre.org [3]) near Gateway City.