Monroe County Executive Adam Bello invites families to celebrate summer with the reopening of the historic Dentzel Carousel at Ontario Beach Park

Rochester, New York – The sounds of calliope music, the scent of lake air, and the gentle whirl of hand-carved animals are back at Ontario Beach Park. Monroe County Executive Adam Bello officially announced the opening of the historic Dentzel Menagerie Carousel for its 119th summer season, inviting families across the region to kick off the summer with a nostalgic ride—and better yet, at no cost for Memorial Day weekend.

“The Dentzel Menagerie Carousel in Ontario Beach Park has brought joy to countless families who have taken rides on the hand-carved wooden animals,” said County Executive Bello. “Every year we start off the season with a weekend of free rides for any visitor to Ontario Beach Park, so we hope that our residents will get out there and enjoy this beautiful piece of Monroe County history.”

Built in the early 1900s, the Dentzel Carousel is one of the few remaining of its kind still in operation. A testament to both craftsmanship and community, the carousel features an assortment of wooden animals—lions, deer, rabbits, and of course, horses—each intricately carved and lovingly preserved. Its legacy has spun through generations, creating memories for children, parents, and grandparents alike.

Read also: Two Rochester schools will welcome Fulbright teachers from fifteen countries for a semester of cultural exchange

To celebrate the start of the 2025 season, all rides from Friday, May 23 through Monday, May 26 will be completely free. After Memorial Day, the ride schedule shifts slightly: weekends only through June 20, and then daily operation through Labor Day, September 1. Hours of operation run from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. every open day.

As for pricing after the holiday weekend, it remains family-friendly. Single rides are just $1, while a punch card offering 12 rides for the price of 10 is available for $10. For visitors planning a full day at the beach and boardwalk, an all-day wristband allows unlimited rides for $5.

This year, the carousel isn’t just spinning into a new season—it’s doing so with fresh upgrades. As part of a renovation plan launched in 2022, off-season improvements have been completed to enhance the visitor experience. The ride now boasts restored and refinished floors, giving the building a cleaner, safer feel. A new sound system has been installed, capable of playing both classic and modern digital tracks, and it can also broadcast live announcements. Additionally, updated lighting technology allows the building to be themed for various holidays, creating an even more festive atmosphere throughout the summer.

Read also: Drivers in the Town of Hamlin will face a four-month closure on Redman Road as construction crews replace a deteriorating bridge

These upgrades aim to keep the historic attraction vibrant and relevant, while still preserving its original charm. It’s a delicate balance between honoring the past and welcoming the future—and Monroe County officials say the Dentzel Carousel achieves just that.

For many, the carousel marks the start of summer—a gentle reminder of the joy found in simple things. And with free rides to start the season, there’s no better time for families to make the trip to Charlotte and revisit a cherished tradition.

Whether it’s your first ride or your fiftieth, the Dentzel Menagerie Carousel continues to be a source of magic on the lakeshore. As County Executive Bello said, “we hope that our residents will get out there and enjoy this beautiful piece of Monroe County history.”