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

Memorial Day at the Carousel – Celebrating 15 Years of Smiles!

15th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony Monday May 26 at the Carousel of Happiness 20 Lakeview Drive, Nederland CO 80466 ~ Begins at High Noon ~ Each year we honor the men and womenwho died while serving in the U.S. military.

Will Lion be the next Mayor? Pig is trying to steal the race!

Lion has a roaring lead, but it’s still anyone’s race! After convening with their candidate, Pig’s campaign partners, Larry and Jane McGrath, the official Campaign to Elect Pig has drummed up a huge announcement – now through May 25, all

Pre-Order Your T-Shirt! 15 Years of Smiles

We will be getting some limited edition 15th Anniversary T-shirts! By special request, these tees will have our logo on the front left chest, and a full-color print of a carousel animal on the back and read “Celebrating 15 Years

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.

"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."