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
Meet Wolf & Owl
The Wolf & Owl are our newest additions to the magical menagerie, seated comfortably on the memorial bench. Scott carved the pair in memory of his sister Chauncey, who loved “the idea that two very different animals can find companionship, kindness and even love together.”
Annual Memorial Day Celebration
The Carousel of Happiness opened on Memorial Day in 2010, in dedication two U.S. Marines who lost their lives in Vitenam while serving with the Carousel’s Founder, Scott Harrison. Each year, we honor the men and women who died while
The Tortoise & Ladybug
He sits atop the old tool chest, near the carousel motor. Ask the operator to help if you’d like to take a photo with him! Scott’s smallest carving, Ms. Ladybug, is now on display in her toasty warm home above
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.
