Great Northern Carousel

The Great Northern Carousel is a family affair for Alan Nicholson, wife and five children. All have contributed in one way or another. Molly, eight years old, helped by having her class test ride the Carousel.

The carousel has two chariots and features 38 animals. Some of the hand sculptured animals are otters, bears, horses, fish, rabbits, and even a dinosaur. The animals that dance around the carousel were hand-painted by Bette Largent of Spokane, WA.

The enclosed year-round carousel is decorated with stained-glass murals of the Capitol, the fire tower, the civic center, elk, and grizzly bear. Mary Harris, a Helena artist, made the glass scenery panels. The west facing windows of the building are original stained glass from the Old Broadwater Hotel of Helena and over one hundred years old.

After a wind sweeping ride, step up and taste our locally made premium ice cream. We offer 24 flavors including a flavor of the month, plus seasonal favorites like apple, watermelon, cantaloupe and peach. Then to help relive your trip, stop in our gift shop and purchase a treasure.

Seasonal Hours or closures:
We are closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Christmas Eve we are open 11:00 - 4:00
Easter Sunday 1:00 - 6:00
We are open all other holidays
Customers can always call 406-457-5353 for a current list of hours of operation and any special changes in our regular business hours due to private parties or special events (an example is that on Super Bowl Sunday we may close early depending on when the game begins because traditionally we have NO business once the big game begins).