As we all know cuckoo clocks are highly associated with Black Forest in Germany. Black Forest is credited with the origins of the unique chalet style clock with the bird call. The designs have taken on other forms. Aside from the projecting bird, they now also display animated figurines. This includes woodcutters, moving beer drinkers and turning water wheels. Most will include some form of music.

Many of these traditional and contemporary designed cuckoo clocks are still made in Germany but there are just as many manufactured in other countries especially Italy. River City cuckoo clocks remain a major importer or cuckoo clocks from Black Forest. Carvers choose from a selection of wood from Black Forest which are processed and dried to a long time before carving can start. They have hundreds of designs available. This includes the traditional wood cabin design as well as a variety of clocks in different shapes.