Butte’s Spirit of Columbia Gardens Carousel – A place you need to check out.

Have you taken a look at Butte's amazing Spirit of Columbia Gardens Carousel at Stodden Park?  If you haven't, you should.  You're going to be amazed at what you'll find.

The carousel building itself is very unassuming and almost masquerades the wonders that lie inside its doors.  The carousel music that greets you as you walk in is just a small taste of the wonders that are about to come your way.  Sights and smells. Sounds.  Even memories.  It's incredible.

Of course, the beautifully carved and colorful carousel is the first thing you'll notice, but there is definitely an amusement park-like feel to the entire grounds.  There is an ice-cream station.  A snack bar with pizza, hot dogs, pretzels and, of course, pasties.  You will find an awesome souvenir stand.  But there's more.  There are two separate pavilion areas for picnics and parties and the entire venue is beautifully decorated in the, well spirit of Columbia Gardens.  It's got a true feeling of, well, home.  But it didn't come fast or easy.

The carousel project got its start with the Spirit of Columbia Gardens Carousel Foundation's inception in 1996.  Their goal was to re-create a carousel like the one that was enjoyed by Butte's previous generations at the legendary Columbia Gardens.  Through the generosity and skill of sponsors and donors, the Foundation was able to purchase a carousel mechanism and to carve the beautiful horses and trappings that you will find on the carousel today.  The Foundation was able to find a suitable home for construction and after many years of hard work, the carousel opened to the public on July 27th, 2018.

The Spirit of Columbia Gardens Carousel hosts numerous birthday parties, class reunions and other special events.  During the summer, Thursdays are "Kids Day" with free carousel rides and its summer operating hours are 12pm to 8pm Tuesdays through Saturdays and from noon to 6pm on Sundays.

The Spirit of Columbia Gardens Carousel will be celebrating its 6th Birthday this Tuesday, complete with cake and free carousel rides.