MERIDIAN
Sights & Landmarks
THE DENTZEL CAROUSEL
The carousel was manufactured in 1896 by Gustav Dentzel of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for the 1904 St. Louis Exposition and later sold to the City of Meridian. A cabinetmaker by trade, Dentzel was a young German immigrant to the United States. In 1860, he established the Dentzel Factory. His family had manufactured carousels in Germany and offered great support to Gustav's American venture. The Dentzel Factory manufactured two or three carousels per year and supplied parks throughout the East and South. All of the animals were hand-carved out of poplar or basswood. The carousels often had original oil paintings as well. The arrival of the Great Depression spelled the end to the factory in 1929. The Dentzel Carousel arrived in Meridian in 1909 and has occupied its same location in Highland Park ever since. Its house is the only remaining original carousel building built from a Dentzel blueprint.
In 1977, Meridian's Dentzel Carousel and Carousel House along with Highland Park were placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In October 1986, the Department of the Interior designated the Highland Park Dentzel Carousel and Carousel House as National Historic Landmarks. This honor was given to 11 carousels nationwide, with Meridian's being the only one located in the South.
Admission:
RIDES: $0.50 per ride
TOURS: $1 per person
Hours:
SATURDAY ONLY: November - March, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY: August - October, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.; April - May, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
DAILY: June - July, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Address: 39th Avenue, Highland Park, Meridian, MS 39302
Phone: 601-485-1904
photos by Kid-Friendly Mississippi
City Murals & Public Art
Located throughout the downtown.
Address: 210 22nd Ave, Meridian, MS 39301
photos by Kid-Friendly Mississippi
DUNN’S FALLS - ENTERPRISE
The 65-foot waterfall was once used as a power source for a gristmill and the manufacture of Stetson hats. Historic Carroll-Richardson Gristmill is open for tours. The park is a natural wildlife refuge with a picnic area with barbecue grills, a gristmill pond, hiking and swimming areas.
Kid-Friendly Features: Not handicap or stroller accessible. Be cautious on the long wooden staircase that leads to the river. Rocks and surrounding areas can be slippery. Bathrooms are located on the property.
Admission: Day use for adults (12 years old and up): $3.25 per person;
Day use for kids (2-11 years old): $2.25 per person;
Day use for kids under 2 years old: Free;
Day use group rate (15 people or more): $50.00
Hours: Wednesday - Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed Monday & Tuesday
Address: 6890 Dunns Falls Rd Enterprise, MS 39330
Phone: (601) 655-8550
photos by Kid-Friendly Mississippi
Steam Locomotive at Highland Park
Address: 39th Avenue, Highland Park, Meridian, MS 39302
photos by Kid-Friendly Mississippi