Flying Horses Carousel a Vineyard Preservation Trust Property — Attraction in Oak Bluffs

If you ever find yourself on Martha’s Vineyard, you must stop by the Flying Horses in Oak Bluffs. It’s not just a carousel, it’s a piece of living history. Built in the 1870s and still going strong, it’s actually the oldest operating carousel in America. And when you walk into that little red barn and hear the music start, you feel like you’ve stepped straight into another time.

The horses themselves are works of art, hand-carved, with real horsehair manes. They don’t go up and down like modern rides, but trust me, the magic is still there. Especially because of the brass ring game. As you spin around, you lean out and try to catch a ring. Most are steel, but if you snag the elusive brass one, mazel tov, you’ve earned yourself a free ride. That’s what happens to my son. It was so fun! And honestly, there’s something so joyful and pure about seeing both kids and adults stretch, laugh, and cheer each other on.

What I love most is the feeling it gives you. It’s not about thrills or flashing lights. It’s about simple joy, shared tradition, and that sweet reminder that happiness is often found in the little things. Riding it with my family, I could feel generations before us doing the same, smiling and reaching for that brass ring. It’s not just a ride, it’s a metaphor for life.

So yes, go ride the Flying Horses. Laugh, grab the rings, and let yourself be carried for a few minutes into a world where joy is uncomplicated...

I wish I could give this place less than one star. When I attended the flying horses carousel in the past it has always been a great experience incredibly really nice staff and really well run. this year when I came back they had added some new staff, the staff is now incredibly rude and disrespectful and makes you not want to come On multiple occasions they had called out me my family and my friends for taking more than three rings on the carousel when people behind and in front of us were both taking more than three rings sometimes five, when I attended the carousel today I was the only person on the inside besides my father.we sat right behind each other and we were taking three rings as we were the only people on the inside so no one else had a chance of getting the brass ring. We were greeted by a very rude young girl telling us not to take more than two but we were the only person on the inside. She continue to talk about me and my father with her friends and we felt very targeted. It is incredibly disrespectful to show up to the carousel looking for fun and get talked about by employee especially in front of your face.Honestly do not spend your hard earned money here...

I visited Flying Horses many times during my childhood and look back on those experiences with fond memories. I was able to bring my family yesterday after not having gone for 20 years and I was amazed to see that it has remained the same and they have done an amazing job with preserving it. The only thing that has changed about this place are the prices and one ticket cost $5. The ride probably lasted around 3 minutes and you are essentially paying over 1.50 a minute. My family wanted to go for a second time but I could not see paying another $30 dollars. I recall going on it many times back in the day because it was so...