A new attraction is ready to welcome families to the Ohio State Fair after Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine officially cut the ribbon Saturday on the Ohio Children’s Carousel at the Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus.
The hand-carved carousel was designed to celebrate Ohio’s history, wildlife, agriculture, and communities. Governor DeWine said the attraction is meant to be more than just a ride.
“Fran and I think the new, permanent carousel will be a central gathering place for families at the Ohio State Fairgrounds,” DeWine said. “We created a carousel that is more than a ride. It’s a journey through the Buckeye State.”
The carousel features 30 hand-carved characters, including traditional fair animals such as goats, pigs, sheep, rabbits, llamas, roosters, and steers, along with native Ohio wildlife including a bison, white-tailed deer, bobcat, river otter, beaver, bald eagle, monarch butterfly, trumpeter swan, and the state bird, the cardinal.
Horses representing different chapters of Ohio’s history are also part of the ride.
Two themed chariots add to the experience. One highlights Ohio woodland creatures and native plants, while the other features artwork by Ohio author and illustrator Loren Long and celebrates Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio.
First Lady Fran DeWine noted that more than 428,000 Ohio children currently receive free books each month through the program.
The carousel also incorporates the names of all 88 Ohio counties and includes artwork depicting landmarks and historic moments from across the state, including Serpent Mound, Clifton Mill, Marblehead Lighthouse, Old Man’s Cave, Neil Armstrong’s moon landing, and the Wright Flyer III.
The attraction was designed and built by Carousels and Carvings of Marion, Ohio.
The Ohio Children’s Carousel opens to the public Wednesday, July 29, the opening day of the 2026 Ohio State Fair.
Rides cost $3, and adults standing alongside children may accompany them free of charge.
The fair runs through August 9 and features concerts, exhibits, educational activities, and one of the nation’s largest junior livestock shows.
