Krape Park Carousel (Freeport, Illinois)

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Krape Park Carousel has been a community favorite and popular regional attraction for years, donated to the Freeport Park District by the late Robert Koenig, who served on the Freeport Park Board of Commissioners from 1942 to 1960. The Carousel officially opened on July 4, 1959, and has remained a focal point in Krape Park averaging 30,000 rides each year.

The 36-foot-diameter Carousel has 20 aluminum hand painted horses that have all been named. 12 paintings in the top oval frames feature portraits of local historical figures and landmarks that depict Freeport’s rich history. Landmark paintings include the old Stephenson County Courthouse, Brown’s Mill, a farm scene, Freeport High School, First Presbyterian Church, and Krape Park waterfall. Freeport Park District records indicate that the carousel was purchased from the Allan Herschell Co. of Tonawanda, New York, for $15,554.