A magical menagerie featuring 56 whimsical, hand-carved animals on a restored 1910 Looff carousel, turning to the music of a 1913 Wurlitzer band organ.
Happening at the Carousel
The Moose Wins Carousel Mayoral Campaign
With more than 1,400 votes cast in the Carousel’s spring mayoral election, The Moose swept to a decisive victory, winning 59 percent of the final tally. The Peacock and The Mermaid trailed with 24 percent and 17 percent, respectively. Voting
Watch the Film, Carving Joy
Film About the Carousel Now Available for Streaming! Carving Joy is an award-winning, short documentary film about the origins of the Carousel of Happiness and its founder, Scott Harrison. Produced by Reel Inspired Media, the film debuted at the 2020
Kids “Safari” Offered by Beanstalk
Join Mr. Josh of Beanstalk.com on a special safari as he visits Nederland’s own Carousel of Happiness! Thanks to Beanstalk for providing this free, one-hour recorded program for kids ages 3-6. https://vimeo.com/506278475/64d97bc8e9
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.
Meet Mr. Mayor
The Moose sweeps to a decisive victory in our spring mayoral campaign with 59 percent of the vote. More than 1,400 votes are cast by visitors.
Shop the Carousel
Our gift shop is full of items sure to intertwine our story with yours. Your purchase helps fund the Carousel, magic and all.
Birthday Parties
Celebrate your birthday or other special event at the Carousel to create lasting memories for your family and friends.