This 1901 Parker carousel is one of the great small-town surprises in Kansas: a complete, working, hand-carved wooden carousel built right here in Abilene and now restored to its original glory. The 24 horses are originals (or faithful replacements), every one of them carved on the inside in less detail than the outside — the "Parker trick" so they could be turned out faster.
It runs on summer afternoons in the small Heritage Center building near the historic district. A ride costs a dollar or two. Children and adults alike find it hard to walk past without climbing on; the band organ playing turn-of-the-century tunes only sharpens the urge. Combine with a visit to the Heritage Center museum next door, which covers the wider story of Abilene's cattle-trail and frontier days.