Onsite carousel ride

W.E. “Bill” Mason Carousel

At the railroad in Oak Meadow Park

A separate onsite carousel ride operated with the Wildcat Railroad at Oak Meadow Park, useful for families but governed by its own ticket, animal, child, and boarding rules.

The place

About W.E. “Bill” Mason Carousel

The W.E. “Bill” Mason Carousel shares the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad organization and Oak Meadow Park station area, but it is a distinct ride. A current standard ticket costs $5 and is valid for one train or one carousel ride, not both. Children age two and under ride free with a paying adult. Ordinary tickets are purchased at the onsite booth and do not reserve a time.

The operator publishes a carousel ride of about three and a half minutes. Only one person may ride each horse. A child under three must have an adult standing beside the child during the ride. Everyone exits at the end and joins the line again for another ride, even when holding additional tickets.

Train and carousel schedules move together through the published 2026 seasons: fall weekends 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. through November 1, then winter weekends 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Weather can override the schedule. The operator closes the rides for rain and at temperatures of 98°F or higher, with the decision normally made shortly before opening.

Riders with disabilities and a necessary attendant ride free on both attractions. Guests unable to wait in the standard queue can ask the manager on duty for assisted boarding through an exit, though demand can still produce a wait. The current access page explains a wheelchair car for the train but does not publish the same detailed carousel transfer specifications, so contact staff about the carousel itself.

What stands out

Onsite pairing

No second drive is needed; the train and carousel share the Oak Meadow visit.

Short independent ride

The carousel is a separate 3.5-minute experience, not an automatic part of a train ticket.

Named horses and decoration

The operator maintains a current horse directory while openly acknowledging that its deeper carousel history is still being researched.

Access assistance

Free disabled-rider admission and an alternate queue process are explicit first-party policies.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad trip

The carousel sits with the railroad in Oak Meadow Park and is the closest possible add-on. Allow 20–40 extra minutes for separate ticketing, queueing, a 3.5-minute ride, and loading rather than assuming it is included with the train.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • Ride lengthAbout 3.5 minutes, plus a separate first-come queue and loading cycle.
  • Ticket$5 for one train or carousel ride; a separate ticket is required for each attraction.
  • Young childrenChildren two and under ride free with a paying adult; children under three need an adult standing beside them on the carousel.
  • Seasonal hoursFall weekends 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. through Nov 1; winter weekends 11 a.m.–3 p.m. beginning Nov 2.
  • WeatherClosed in rain and at 98°F or hotter. Call 408-395-7433 for the near-opening decision.
  • PetsDogs and pets are not allowed on the carousel, even though leashed pets are allowed on the ordinary train.
  • AccessibilityDisabled riders and a necessary attendant ride free; request queue assistance and ask staff about current carousel transfer options.
  • ParkingUse the shared Oak Meadow Park parking plan; a Town fee may be collected when an attendant is present.

Continue the park day

Add Vasona Lake County Park

Walk or ride into the adjacent County park for the lake, trail, picnic areas, and nature center.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

Is the carousel included with the train?

No. Each $5 ticket covers one train or one carousel ride, so doing both requires two tickets per paying rider.

How long is the carousel ride?

The operator publishes a ride time of about three and a half minutes.

Can a young child ride alone?

Children under three need an adult standing beside them, and only one person may sit on each horse.

Are dogs allowed?

No. Dogs and pets are not permitted on the carousel.

What accessibility help is offered?

Disabled riders and a necessary attendant ride free, and alternate queue assistance is available. Contact staff about a specific carousel transfer need.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-14. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.