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

Enjoy the Fall Colors in Nederland

Make plans to stop by the Carousel of Happiness this fall and see the aspen changing colors along the Peak to Peak Scenic Highway. Nederland is a prime viewing area for fall colors, which usually peak in late September/early October.

Carousel Named Top 3 Family Favorite

The Carousel of Happiness has been named a Top 3 Family Favorite by Colorado Parent magazine. And, the recognition comes in two categories — Family Day Trip and Birthday Party Spot. Make plans to visit us today!

Adopt a Carousel Animal

As part of the Carousel’s 10th Anniversary Campaign, we are discounting Carousel animal adoptions to $600 per year if you adopt an animal by August 31st. And, if you have adopted an animal in the past, you can re-adopt for

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.

10th Anniversary

Help us celebrate our 10th Anniversary and keep the Carousel spinning for many generations to come!

Shop the Carousel

Our shop is full of items sure to intertwine our story with yours. Your purchase helps fund the Carousel, magic and all.

Rent the Carousel

Rent the Carousel outside of regular hours for your small group or party to create special memories for all.

"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."