A nonprofit arts & culture organization  •  Nederland, CO  •  303.258.3457

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.” 

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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

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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

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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. 

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HOURS

Monday:

11am to 5pm

Tuesday:

CLOSED

Wednesday:

CLOSED

Thursday:

11am to 5pm

Friday:

10am to 5pm

Saturday:

10am to 5pm

Sunday:

10am to 5pm

Last ride of the day at 4:45pm

Call (303) 258-3457 for more information

Join us for our Annual Gala

ANIMALS AFTER DARK

Film Showing of “Carving Joy”

Film Q&A with Filmmaker Shane Matthews and Carousel Founder Scott Harrison

Dinner, Drinks & Dessert

Silent Auction – Live Auction – Happiness!

Sign up for our Newsletter!

Before you go, sign up for our e-newsletter for monthly updates, stories, and more…

We are a 501c3 Arts and Culture organization on a mission to promote happiness, well-being, and service to others through stories and experiences.  Your donation today will keep us spinning for another year!