Melissa Etheridge Tour #5: The C.W. Parker Carousel Museum

320 S. Esplanade Street

In 2003, Melissa dedicated an Artizan A-X-1 band organ to the museum and joked that she is now an "organ donor."

Leavenworth’s #1 attraction, the museum opened in 2005 and features a fully restored and fully operational 1913 "carry-us-all," originally made in Leavenworth by the C.W. Parker Carousel Amusement Company. The carousel was created during the period when this company was famous for its unique amusements. Also on display is the oldest primitive carousel in the United States and a 1950s aluminum carousel made by C.W.'s son, Paul Parker.

PRICES: A self-guided tour of the museum is $5. A guided tour plus a carousel ride is $6. To ride the carousel without a tour, rides are $1.50 each, or buy a punch card of 20 for $20. Allow 90 minutes for tours.

HOURS: Saturdays & Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tours for groups of 20 or more can be arranged by appointment; call the CVB at (913) 758-2948 for more information.