History & local legend
Hersheypark’s historic Carrousel stood in Carrousel Circle from 1972 through 2019, before moving to the Chocolatetown entrance. Stories about the ride’s late-night activity belong to that earlier setting, when employees sometimes reported hearing its Wurlitzer organ or seeing the horses turn after the park had closed.
One security officer’s experience, included in Theresa’s Haunted History in 2014, began with something ordinary: the ride’s lights were on. He switched them off and continued his rounds. When the lights came on again, he saw someone seated near the controls.
The officer went back to investigate, but the figure had vanished by the time he reached the Carrousel.
Sources
- Theresa’s Haunted History of the Tri-State, 2014 collection, officer’s sighting, lights and Wurlitzer
- Hersheypark, 2025 National Carousel Day history, Wurlitzer and the three locations with dates
- Hersheypark, unveiling the ride’s new home in Chocolatetown
- OpenStreetMap, original Carrousel Circle pavilion
