Our Story

In 1999-2000, local Saranac Lake wood carver Karen Loffler, while working on a master’s degree in creative studies, came across an article in a woodcarving magazine that showed a small children’s carousel fitted with woodland animals. The combination of a creative approach to problem solving, her love of woodcarving, and a desire to foster imagination and strengthen her local community, inspired Karen’s dream of building a full-size carousel complete with hand-carved figures of animals indigenous to the Adirondack Mt. area.

In 2001 Karen and a dedicated and committed group of local residents met to address the logistics of building a “community carousel built with community hands.” Fueled by one woman’s dream, and supported by the close-knit community-minded people in the small village of Saranac Lake, the Adirondack Carousel project became a reality. That same year the group incorporated and was granted not-for profit status.

Since then, the staff and board of the Adirondack Carousel have worked tirelessly, recruiting woodcarvers to donate their skills and sponsors to underwrite the cost of production, meeting with local government groups, and working with the community, local artists, builders and volunteers to garner support to build the Carousel.

The response to the search for woodcarvers was immediate, and in 2006 the Village of Saranac Lake generously donated land at the historic William Morris Park for the Carousel’s permanent home.

Karen’s dream has now expanded to include a year-round 3,500 sq. ft. pavilion that will house the full-size carousel, a gallery and workshop/classroom area, and an adjacent playground.

The work continues–Nineteen Carousel figures have been completed and are already in Saranac Lake, five are in the process of being carved, and sponsorship has been received for all but one of the animals. In addition, the Carousel will include a handicap-accessible carved wooden chariot boat.

Groundbreaking took place on June 20, 2011. We are humbly overwhelmed and excited at the outpouring of so many generous donations of in-kind services and materials, ensuring The Adirondack Carousel, when completed, will be one truly “built with community hands.”