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.

Happening at the Carousel

The Wonder Project Comes to Life

Carousel visitors are in for a treat! Artist Scott Harrison has carved a new carousel animal – only the second new rideable animal to join the platform since the Carousel’s opening 11 years ago. What is it, you may wonder?

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

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.

Our Newest Ride

The Carousel will unveil a new rideable animal — a giant, wondrous, blue butterfly — on July 17. Plan to attend our special launch party!

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.

"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."