This Certainly Isn’t Your Ordinary Carousel!

Alan Nicholson, the visionary behind the Great Northern Town Center, has loved carousels since he was a little boy. When he envisioned the various eateries, boutiques and entertainment businesses in the town center, he also envisioned a carousel for the people of Helena and our tourists. In 2002 his dream became a reality and the fun hasn’t stopped since! 

This world-class, hand-carved work of art consists of 37 animals carved by a renowned Walt Disney World carver and 14 Helena scenic-carved rounding boards and stained glass artwork. In fact, the National Carousel Association said it is the finest carousel in the nation, if not one of the finest in the world. 

Riders can choose to whirl around on animals found in the state of Montana, such as a big horn sheep, buffalo, cutthroat trout, grizzly bear, otter, bobcat, and mountain goat. After you’ve had the ride of your life, enjoy the best ice cream in Montana. The carousel is also a great place to hold your next birthday party, summer barbecue, company social or private party. Every Thursday all summer, from 11:30 – 1:30, join us for Out To Lunch – live music and food vendors in the fresh air and sunshine of the Great Northern Town Center. 

The Great Northern Carousel is dedicated to good, wholesome fun for kids of all ages. All folks and families are welcome to ride and smile and sing and make friends with all of the carousel animals, their caretakers and each other. May it be a place where the everyday world is left in the dust while you and your critter leap with boundless energy along the most glorious trails of your imagination.  

– Alan and Nancy Nicholson and Family