Enjoy One Last Ride On GRPM’s Historic Carousel Before It Closes

We're saying goodbye to a part of everyone in West Michigan's childhood next week, so you better stop by and enjoy it while you still can. The Grand Rapids Public Museum announced on Wednesday that their iconic1928 Spillman Carousel will be closing.

But don't worry, it's not gone forever. They say the Carousel will close for about a year to make way for an expansion project.

You have until January 9th to get one last ride in and say goodbye, so make sure you take a trip out this weekend and enjoy the view

The museum said that the entire Cook Carousel Pavilion is going to be getting a major facelift and all of the temporary changes will be worth the pay off. This is all a part of a project that began last fall and is going to keep going until the end of 2024.

After the work they did last year to restore the Carousel, it's a little sad to see it closing temporarily, but it will all be worth the wait.

The expansion project will cost around $50 million dollars, and it's the first time they've made major changes to the museum since it opened.

What changes will we see from the expansion? The Grand Rapids Public Museum plans to add advanced stair and ramp systems, a geological rock wall and a living roof that visitors will be able to enjoy. The renovation will also add to their outdoor space and link the museum to a 7.5-mile urban trail that will connect to the White Pine Trail, Kent Trail and the Grand River Greenway.

When will we get the carousel back? They say we can expect to ride it again in Spring of 2025. So, stop by and say "see you later" this weekend until we get to see it in it's new upgraded home.