After walking two friends in to Silverwood Theme Park with my Gold Pass this morning, I decided I might as well drive on into town and do some shopping for birthday presents. I found what I wanted very quickly, and I could have gone home then. But it was a beautiful day, and I was in the mood to do something different. So I drove all the way to downtown Coeur d'Alene to ride on the restored carousel.
From 1942-1974, this merry-go-round was part of Playland Pier, an amusement park along the shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene. After the park closed, the rides were dismantled and the carousel disappeared for ten years. Then it showed up at an auction in Puyallup, Washington, in 1986. For the next twenty-or-so years, it was leased out to various places around the country. In 2010, some local history buffs became interested in bringing the carousel back to Coeur d'Alene. By 2017 it was once again open for riders, not far from its former location. If you would like to read more details, there is a great article here.
An enlargement of this photo hangs inside the building housing the carousel. This is what Playland Pier looked like many years ago.
The carousel is now housed inside of this attractive building.
Its original 2 chariots and 20 ponies are all still present.
Having thoroughly enjoyed my $2 carousel ride, I strolled across the street to the city park.
Some of the city's oldest homes are in this section of town.
What an amazing playground this is, right in the city park.
And just beyond the city park lies sparkling Lake Coeur d'Alene. The beach is nearly empty this time of year, but a few folks were in the water.
My stomach reminded me it was past lunchtime, so I was pleased to find a food truck at the edge of the park.
And I also discovered I was just in time to sit and listen to a free concert by the local band, Tuxedo Junction. They were playing Big Band era music, and doing a great job.
All photos taken on my Android phone.
