Looff Carrousel and Gift Shop is a working 1909 wooden carrousel in Riverfront Park on W Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201, in downtown Spokane. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this Charles I. D. Looff creation draws travelers for its hand-carved animals, brass-ring challenge, and a classic ride beside Spokane Falls and the park’s major attractions.
What to Expect at Looff Carrousel and Gift Shop
The centerpiece is an unusually intact early-20th-century ride: 54 horses, one giraffe, one tiger, and two Chinese dragon chairs rotate beneath the carved canopy. Rather than being a static historic display, the Looff Carrousel invites riders to choose a figure and reach for the brass ring, an old amusement-park tradition that gives repeat rides a small competitive edge. Its 1909 construction predates Riverfront Park itself and connects Spokane’s present-day riverfront to the city’s earlier amusement-park era.
Look closely at the individually carved wooden animals, from the energetic raised-leg horses to the more unusual giraffe, tiger, and dragon seating. The carrousel is compact enough for a short stop between park sights, while the adjacent gift shop is the practical place to pick up Riverfront Park and Spokane souvenirs. The attraction is especially well suited to mixed-age groups: small children can ride with a paid adult chaperone when they are under the 42-inch height requirement, while history-minded visitors can appreciate the craftsmanship from the platform.
- 1909 Looff craftsmanship: A National Register-listed hand-carved wooden carrousel associated with master carver Charles I. D. Looff.
- 54 carved horses: The large horse roster gives riders a wide choice of traditional carousel figures.
- Rare animal figures: Find one giraffe, one tiger, and two Chinese dragon chairs among the horses.
- Brass-ring game: Reach for the brass ring during the rotation, a surviving amusement-ride ritual.
- Gift shop stop: Browse souvenirs after the ride without leaving the Riverfront Park attraction zone.
Looff Carrousel and Gift Shop at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | W Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown Spokane, Riverfront Park |
| Operating Hours | Mon–Thu 11 a.m.–4 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Admission / Price Range | $3.75 single ride; $9.95 unlimited day pass; ages 2 and under free, before sales and admission tax |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 20 to 45 minutes; allow longer with a day pass and other park attractions |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Downtown STA Plaza; Riverfront Park parking and nearby downtown paid garages |
| Official Website & Phone | City of Spokane Looff Carrousel; 509-625-6600 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive close to the 11 a.m. opening for the calmest first ride, particularly on summer weekends and school-break days. Buy an unlimited day pass if children are likely to ride more than twice, and purchase in person if eligible for the 10% military, veteran, or senior discount; groups of 10 or more of the same adult ticket type receive 15% off. Discounts exclude value day passes. Check the official Riverfront Spokane visitor information before traveling, as attraction hours can change seasonally or for park events.
Downtown’s STA Plaza is the most useful transit hub for reaching Riverfront Park on foot. Drivers can use Riverfront Park parking or downtown paid garages, then follow signed pedestrian routes toward Spokane Falls Blvd. The carrousel can accommodate wheelchairs; call ahead for boarding assistance or particular mobility needs. Pair a ride with the Rotary Fountain, about a minute away, then walk to the Upper Falls and the Gesa Pavilion. The Numerica SkyRide and Numerica Skate Ribbon are also within an easy park walk, making this an efficient anchor for a half-day downtown outing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Looff Carrousel’s hours, and when is the best time to go?
The carrousel opens at 11 a.m. daily, closing at 4 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Go at opening or on a weekday for shorter waits; Riverfront Park itself is open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight.
How much does a Looff Carrousel ride cost?
A single ride costs $3.75 and an unlimited day pass costs $9.95, with sales and admission tax additional. Children age 2 and under ride free, while riders under 42 inches need a paid adult chaperone.
How long should I plan for the carrousel and gift shop?
Budget 20 to 45 minutes for one or two rides, photos of the carved animals, and a browse in the gift shop. Families using the day pass can return between nearby Riverfront Park activities and spend longer.
Is the Looff Carrousel suitable for wheelchairs and young children?
Yes. The carrousel can accommodate wheelchairs, and its varied figures and gentle, short ride format suit young children. Call the attraction before arrival to discuss boarding assistance, and remember that the 42-inch chaperone rule applies.
When planning your Spokane travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Spokane, pair this stop with standout local spots including Cannon Hill Park, Gander and Ryegrass, Rotary Fountain, and Riverfront Park (nearby).
