Porter Park!

Porter Park, named in honor of Arthur Porter, Jr., is situated in downtown Rexburg. It has picnic tables, playground equipment, tennis courts, a basketball court, a baseball field, a waterslide, and a volleyball area. The jewel of the park, however, is the historic "Idaho Centennial Carousel," which is one of 170 antique carousels still existing in the United States. The Idaho Centennial Carousel is Idaho's only antique wooden carousel. It is one of 170 antique wooden carousels still existing in the United States. It has authentic carousel music from an organ run on paper rolls, providing old-fashioned original sounds. The carousel is housed in a new building at Porter Park.

This beautiful antique wooden carousel was built by Spillman Engineering Company of New York in about 1926. It began life as a traveling carnival machine. In 1947 it was moved to Liberty Park in Salt Lake City, Utah and then to Ogden, Utah. In 1952, a public spirited group in Rexburg were disappointed by a cancellation of their expected 4th of July carnival. They heard of the merry-go-round for sale in Ogden, Utah, raised $5,500 in cash and pledges and went down and got it. It was set up with 2 days to spare and the community had a wonderful celebration. Two years later a dome was built on it to protect it from the weather. In 1976 the Teton Dam flood waters damaged it severely and several horses were lost. In 1988 the carousel was dismantled and skilled craftsmen restored it. It was renovated by 1990 in time to commemorate Idaho's 100th birthday. It has 12 newly carved horses and 26 repaired horses along with repaired chariots. Music is by Stinson Band Organ Company in Ohio. The organ runs on a paper roll, providing the old-fashioned original sounds.

This carousel is a major attraction in Rexburg and a delight to people of all ages. It is considered a "jewel" of Porter Park in Rexburg. Although it is unique and has a rich history, it is not considered a museum piece but rather a working carousel for people to ride.

While at Porter Park, some of the amenities you can use include, tennis courts, a baseball diamons, a children's playground, picnic and barbecue areas, spray park, jogging paths, basketball courts, and the Idaho Centennial Carousel.
 The spray park is available for public use from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Covered picnic areas can be reserved by calling 208-359-3020 Ext. 0.