Ride a Giant Chicken at This 113-Year-Old Berkeley Attraction

Photo byGado Images

At a 113-year-old Berkeley, California attraction, your child has a choice–they can ride a unicorn, a griffin, a giraffe, or a giant chicken.

Clearly, they should choose the giant chicken.

Those are just some of the whimsical and lovingly restored animals you’ll find on the Tilden Carousel, a classic attraction in Tilden Regional park that was built in 1911 and is still delighting visitors today.

The Tilden Carousel is a Herschell Spillman carousel with a rich and storied past. Originally built in North Tonawanda, New York, this three-row carousel features menagerie animals and has traveled across various locations before finding its permanent home in Tilden Park.

The carousel was first installed at Urbita Springs, an amusement park along the Pacific Electric Railway in Southern California, where it entertained visitors between San Bernardino and Corona. In 1916, it was moved to Wonderland Park in Ocean Beach, San Diego. The carousel continued to delight children and families until it was sold in 1928 and relocated near Long Beach, California.

In 1935, Oliver Davis, the original buyer, reacquired the machine and operated it at Griffith Park in Los Angeles. However, in 1937, the carousel was dismantled and placed in storage. Its journey didn’t end there; it reappeared in 1939 as part of the Universal Studios film “So Ends Our Night.”

In 1948, Ross Davis and his son, John, moved the historic carousel to Tilden Regional Park, where it remains a cherished attraction. The carousel is housed inside a domed building, featuring a history wall that tells its story.

Visitors can explore the historic machine, which includes 22 hand-carved wooden horses, 17 figures, 2 chariots, and 17 aluminum horses. Among those “figures” are some strange animals, like ostriches, griffins, and the aforementioned giant chicken.

The ride is accompanied by a small Wurlitzer music organ and a North Tonawanda 950 organ, adding to the nostalgic experience.

One thing modern parents will appreciate–the Tilden Carousel has a full cafe, with hot dogs, chicken nuggets, sandwiches and other family-friendly food. On a recent visit, we ate corn dogs and a chili dog which were excellent.

You can even host a birthday party at the carousel!

At $4 per ride, the Tilden Carousel is also one of the Bay Area’s cheapest attractions. Make a reservation to ride on the Tilden Carousel website, or just drop in and check it out.

Read Next

• The Tilden Park Merry Go-Round; Everything to Know
• Oakland’s Best Amusement Parks for Children And Families
• Where Exactly is Silicon Valley? (Local’s Response)
• Here’s When BART’s Iconic Cars Will Take Their Last Ride Ever
• A Giant, New Discount Supermarket is Coming to Moraga