Just steps from the bustling shops and eateries of Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs, the Flying Horses Carousel continues to enchant visitors as it has for well over a century. But this isn’t just a carnival ride — it’s a national treasure with a fascinating backstory that reaches from Gilded Age Brooklyn to the shores of Martha’s Vineyard.
From Coney Island to the Vineyard
The Flying Horses Carousel was built around 1876 by Charles W. Dare, a Brooklyn-based carousel maker known for his hand-crafted, elaborately detailed amusements. Originally located in Coney Island, the carousel was a marvel of its time, featuring finely carved wooden horses suspended from chains — hence the name “flying” horses, as they appear to float outward when the carousel spins at speed.
In 1884, the carousel was moved to Oak Bluffs, then a thriving Methodist summer community and rapidly growing seaside resort. At the time, Oak Bluffs was one of the country’s first planned resort towns, and the arrival of such an attraction was a perfect fit for the growing number of vacationers looking for leisure and entertainment by the sea.
A Unique Survivor
Over the decades, many carousels from this era were lost to time, weather, or neglect. The Flying Horses Carousel, however, has endured — making it the oldest operating platform carousel in the United States. It’s also the oldest carousel in the world still in its original condition. While many Victorian-era carousels used mechanisms to make horses go up and down, the Flying Horses is a “stationary” carousel, with the horses fixed to the platform.
What makes it even more special is the ring game — one of the few remaining in the country. Riders on the outside horses can reach for a brass ring from a mechanical arm as the carousel spins. Catching the brass ring earns a free ride — a tradition that continues to thrill children (and competitive adults) to this day.
Preserved for Generations
In 1986, the Flying Horses Carousel was purchased by the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving the island’s historic landmarks. Since then, the Trust has carefully restored and maintained the carousel, ensuring its mechanical integrity while preserving its vintage charm — including original oil paintings of Martha’s Vineyard landscapes that adorn the interior.
It was officially designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987, cementing its status as a living piece of American history.
A Timeless Tradition
Today, a ride on the Flying Horses is a rite of passage for Vineyard families and a must-do for visitors. Generations return year after year to relive childhood memories or to introduce their own kids to the simple joy of carousel magic. It’s a place where time slows down, laughter echoes through the historic arcade, and everyone — from toddlers to grandparents — gets a little swept up in the wonder.
Whether you’re exploring Oak Bluffs for the first time or a longtime islander revisiting favorite haunts, don’t miss the chance to take a spin on the Flying Horses. It’s more than a ride — it’s a piece of the island’s heart.
