The Choo Choo Barn Foundation is proud to partner with the Rocky Springs Carousel Association to restore and return the historic Rocky Springs Dentzel Carousel to Lancaster County, where its story first began.

Originally built around 1899 as a showcase piece for the renowned Dentzel Carousel Company, this extraordinary carousel quickly became the centerpiece of Rocky Springs Park, delighting generations of families for nearly a century. When the park closed in 1982, the carousel began a journey that eventually took it to Dollywood at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, where it continued to entertain visitors throughout most of the 1990s. During that time, it was enjoyed by countless guests — including well-known figures such as Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, and Burt Reynolds.  In 1999, funds were raised to return this Carousel to Lancaster, PA, its place of origin.

Today, we have the unique opportunity to bring this treasured piece of Lancaster’s heritage back to life again — not just as a restored attraction, but as a living, working experience for future generations.

Where We Are Today

Together, we have already taken important first steps:

  • The carousel’s beautifully hand-carved animals — its one-of-a-kind menagerie — are now on public display in a Lancaster gallery for all to enjoy
  • The remaining components have been relocated to a secure warehouse where they are being inventoried, evaluated, and prepared for restoration
  • Restoration planning is actively underway, with a clear path forward to bring the carousel back into operation

The Restoration Effort

Restoring a carousel of this size, age, and craftsmanship is a detailed and multi-phase process. Our work is currently focused on:

  1. Evaluating and repairing the main mechanical systems
  2. Restoring the vintage Gavioli band organ to full musical operation
  3. Upgrading and restoring the lighting and electrical systems
  4. Cleaning and restoring the decorative rounding boards and ceiling panels
  5. Carefully repairing and preserving each of the carousel’s horses and animals

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Why Your Support Matters

This is more than a restoration project — it is the revival of a shared community treasure. By partnering with us, you are helping to:

  • Preserve an irreplaceable piece of Lancaster County history
  • Create a hands-on, family-friendly attraction for generations to come
  • Support educational and community programming through the Foundation
  • Bring new energy, tourism, and pride back to the region

With your help, we can take this carousel out of storage and return it to where it belongs — spinning once again, filled with laughter, music, and memories.

Be Part of the Journey

We invite you to join us in bringing the Rocky Springs Carousel back to life. Every contribution moves us one step closer to restoring this remarkable piece of history and sharing it with the world once again.

Together, we can make history come alive.