405-445-7080

301 W. Reno
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Crystal Bridge: Ticket Required
Open daily, 9am-5pm;
Sunday, 11am-5pm
Outdoor Grounds: Open daily 6am-11pm

This charming attraction near the Children’s Garden is a must-do in downtown Oklahoma City. Mo’s Carousel provides a perfect picture moment sure to bring a smile for many years to come.  Family PLUS members ride for free all year long. 

MARCH/APRIL HOURS

Spring Break
March 18-22, 12-6pm 
Saturday and Sunday, 12-6pm

Tulip Festival
March 30 & 31, 10am-6pm

Credit Cards Only | $3 per rider  |  Free for Family PLUS members
To join, visit Myriad Gardens Membership

Mo’s Carousel History

History

With the closing of Crossroads Mall/Plaza Mayor Mall in south Oklahoma City, owners Michael Dillard and Roddy Bates had a carousel on their hands that needed a new home. When Oklahoman business reporter Steve Lackmeyer learned of the situation, he got in touch with Maureen Heffernan, executive director of Myriad Botanical Gardens, to suggest the Gardens as a possible venue for the carousel. Heffernan reached out to Dillard and Bates who ultimately offered to donate the carousel to the Gardens because we had the perfect location – the covered pavilion near the Children’s Garden. We just had to move it here.

As the donation was finalized, Lee Allan Smith stepped up to raise operating funds by coordinating and securing sponsorship of each of the carousel figurines from private donors. Smith, who has been a champion of the Gardens from its beginning, also facilitated a naming opportunity with LaDonna and Herman Meinders, longtime supporters of the Gardens. They chose to honor their friend and executive administrator, Mo Grotjohn. Starting Thursday, September 19, the carousel will now be referred to as Mo’s Carousel at Myriad Gardens.

Mo’s Carousel includes everything from its previous location, excluding the blue and white canopy top. It features hand-carved wooden horses and figurines from the Allan Herschell Company which at one time was the most prolific makers of carousels in the country.

The addition of Mo’s Carousel contributes to the evolution of the Gardens as Oklahoma City’s award-winning green space and urban park. It also will serve as a revenue source to help support Myriad Gardens Foundation.