Shelby's City Park Carrousel (circa 1919) is one of a very few 'year-round' carrousels in a traditional park location. Twenty-nine original horses and three hand-carved replacements were restored in a joint effort of the City of Shelby and Shelby City Park Carrousel Friends, Inc. Along with thirty-two jumping horses, the Carrousel features twenty-eight colorful hand painted rounding boards and scenery panels. An authentic working Carrousel Band Organ provides stirring music. The "new" Carrousel opened in October 1998.

Volunteer painters, mechanics, organizers, fund raisers along with park staff spent many thousands of hours bringing this artifact of the American amusement industry back to useful life. Children of all ages may ride the wooden pony of their dreams for a mere 50¢. Parties and group reservations at the carrousel are available. Come to the beautiful "Anne Dover Bailey Carrousel Pavilion" and share our pride and joy.

News Release:

Shelby City Park Carrousel at the Anne Dover Bailey Pavilion selected as the 2007 Preservation Award Winner by the National Carrousel Association.

The criteria for the annual award is the Carrousel must be of historical significance, have an innate quality of character, a proven program of restoration and maintenance, a regular schedule of operation, and an owner or support group likely to ensure that the Carrousel will continue to be available to the public as an operating machine.

Click here for the full letter from the National Carrousel Association

Carrousel Hours of Operation

Spring (March- April-May)
Thursday - Saturday 1:00 until 6:00 PM
Sunday 1:30 until 6:00 PM

Summer (June - July - August)
Tuesday - Friday 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM & 5:00 until 8:00 PM
Saturday 1:00 Until 6:00 PM
Sunday 1:30 Until 6:00 PM

Fall (September - October - November)
Thursday - Saturday 1:00 until 6:00 PM
Sunday 1:30 until 6:00 PM

Winter (December - January - February)
Carrousel Only
Friday& Saturday 1:00 until 5:00 PM
Sunday 1:30 until 5:00 PM

Rates $ .50 Per Ride

Carrousel and Train located at Shelby City Park 850 W. Sumter Street Shelby, NC 28150

Phone: 704-484-6476

Carrousel Friends Gift Shop open most Saturdays and Sundays
Click here to go to the Shelby City Park Carrousel Friends web site.

For Private Parties, Day Cares & Schools, call 704-484-6811
For general amusements information call 704-484-6476


Download Carrousel and Train Brochure 

"Rotary Special" Miniature Train:

The City of Shelby, Shelby Rotary Club members and volunteer mechanics have brought back a ride that has held a special thrill since the Rotary Club purchased it new in 1952. Every piece was meticulously rebuilt and brought up to like-new standards. Along the way, many local businesses and individuals made valuable contributions of time, expertise and money.

After years in storage, planning, and lots of labor, the Shelby Rotary Train, tunnel and track were restored in 2000. The new "Mickey Shull Izzi Depot" with room for parties and picnics was completed in the fall of 2001. Soon afterwards, the City Park Playground was relocated inside the train track to make for a wonderful attraction.

One of the most popular park rides for cities and towns across America, the Miniature Train Company's G-16 Diesel Streamliner recalls the golden age of American rail transportation. If you and your family love trains, you're sure to find your seat (for only 50¢) in one of three coaches pulled by the gleaming classic locomotive. Some things are just too good not to keep around. All aboarrrrd!!!

Train Hours Of Operation

Spring (March - April - May)
Thursday - Saturday 1:00 until 6:00 PM
Sunday 1:30 until 6:00 PM

Summer (June - July - August)
Tuesday - Friday 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM & 5:00 until 8:00 PM
Saturday 1:00 Until 6:00 PM
Sunday 1:30 Until 6:00 PM

Fall (September - October - November)
Thursday - Saturday 1:00 until 6:00 PM
Sunday 1:30 until 6:00 PM

Winter (December - January - February)
Train is closed in Winter

Rates $ .50 Per Ride

Phone: 704-484-6476

For Private Parties, Day Cares & Schools, call 704-484-6811
For general amusements information call 704-484-6476