A magical menagerie featuring 57 whimsical, hand-carved animals on a restored 1910 Looff carousel, turning to the music of a 1913 Wurlitzer band organ.

Nederland CO carousel merry go round fund day out with family

Happening at the Carousel

One Million Rides and Counting!

Olive and James – Our 1,000,000 and 1,000,001 carousel riders! On Wednesday July 20, the Carousel of Happiness saw it’s one-millionth rider! Since opening in 2010, over 1 million tickets have been sold or given away. And we have seen

Fourth Friday Art Walk

4th Fridays at Caribou Shopping Center May through September, join our amazing local businesses for music, specials, artist demonstrations, snacks, treats for the kids, special vendors, and Carousel Rides until 7pm! Date, Time, Location: May 27 June 24 July 22

Join our Family!

You can now become a member of the Carousel of Happiness and enjoy some awesome perks. See our Membership Plans & Pricing page to sign up!

How It All Began...

As a young Marine in Vietnam Scott Harrison received a tiny music box that he held to his ear to distract him from the horror of the war going on around him. The music, Chopin’s “Tristesse,” brought him a peaceful image of a carousel in a mountain meadow. After returning home, he rescued an abandoned Looff carousel in Utah and spent 26 years hand-carving animals to bring it back to life.

Scott had never carved before, but starting with the rabbit that is now on the sign in front of the carousel in Nederland, he went on to create more than 50 one-of-a-kind animals, 35 of which can be ridden. As he was finishing, the small community of Nederland (pop. 1,500) came together and raised the $700,000 to build it a home.

Membership

The perks of becoming a member are more than just discounts. Join our family today and “Don’t Delay Joy!”

Shop the Carousel

Our gift shop is full of items sure to intertwine our story with yours.

Your purchase helps fund the Carousel’s operation and mission, magic and all.

Birthday Parties

Celebrate your birthday, or other special event, at the Carousel to create lasting memories for your family and friends.

"This is hands down the most magical place I've ever been. The carousel has such a rich and interesting history and the environment it's been placed in shows just how much love has gone into it."

"A carousel in the middle of a mountain town?! Fun for the kids and an interesting history for the adults. Second time we've stopped in after doing something else in the area..."

"Glad to see history saved. They took great care documenting the history of the carousel and its restoration. If you pass through Nederland, CO, you need to stop and take a ride."

"Beautifully carved animals, an antique Wurlitzer music box and a fun place for kids."