Bear Mountain Merry-Go-Round
The Bear Mountain merry-go-round is a carousel by Hessian Lake with 42 hand-carved seats shaped like the park's native animals, including black bear, wild turkey, deer, raccoon, skunk, Canada goose, fox, swan, bobcat and rabbit, under hand-painted scenes of Bear Mountain. It runs on weekends year round and on more days in summer; NYS Parks asks riders to confirm fares and hours with Guest Services at the Bear Mountain Inn, 845-786-2731.
The Merry-Go-Round at a Glance
What Makes It Different
Most carousels have horses. This one, as NYS Parks describes it, has 42 hand-carved seats of animals that live in the Hudson Highlands: black bear, wild turkey, deer, raccoon, skunk, Canada goose, fox, swan, bobcat, rabbit and more. Hand-painted panels show scenes of the park. It is a small, quick ride, and a good reward after the zoo or a lap of the lake.
Hours (2026 Schedule)
The Bear Mountain Inn, which runs the merry-go-round, publishes a seasonal schedule:
- November to February: Fridays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. During school winter break, Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- March and April: Fridays 11 to 5; weekends 10 to 5. Spring break: Wednesday to Friday 11 to 5, weekends 10 to 5.
- May and June: Fridays 11 to 5; weekends 10 to 5; Memorial Day 10 to 5.
- July to Labor Day: Wednesday to Friday 11 to 5; weekends 10 to 5; Labor Day 10 to 5.
- After Labor Day through October: Fridays 11 to 5; weekends 10 to 5.
- Wednesday car-show evenings (May to Labor Day, only when a car show runs): 5 to 8 p.m.
Weather and staffing can change the schedule; call before a special trip.
Fare
NYS Parks' web page does not list a fare and asks visitors to confirm with Guest Services (845-786-2731). The park's printed general-information map gives $2 a ride, marked "subject to change." Bring small bills.
Birthday Parties
Guest Services at the Bear Mountain Inn takes birthday party bookings at the merry-go-round. Call 845-786-2731. Note that Trailside Museums & Zoo does not allow birthday parties inside the zoo.
Where to Find It
The merry-go-round is on the park map by Hessian Lake, close to the Bear Mountain Inn and the ice rink. The 1777E Trail's paved path from the back of the Inn passes it on the way south. Park in the main lots ($10 per vehicle). See parking.
Combine It With
- The zoo: Trailside Museums & Zoo, about a 20-minute walk.
- Skating: the ice rink next door is open from November to mid-March.
- Pedal boats on Hessian Lake from spring to October.
- Lunch at the Inn's Hiker's Café.
Good For / Maybe Skip If
- Good for: toddlers and young children, a rainy-weekend stop, birthday outings.
- Maybe skip if: you are visiting on a Monday or Tuesday outside school breaks, when it is usually closed.
Bear Mountain Merry-Go-Round FAQ
How much is the Bear Mountain merry-go-round?
NYS Parks asks riders to confirm the fare with Guest Services at the Bear Mountain Inn, 845-786-2731. The park's printed map lists $2 a ride, subject to change.
Is the Bear Mountain carousel open in winter?
Yes, on Fridays and weekends, and Tuesday to Sunday during school winter break (2026 schedule).
What animals are on the Bear Mountain merry-go-round?
42 hand-carved native animals, including black bear, wild turkey, deer, raccoon, skunk, Canada goose, fox, swan, bobcat and rabbit.