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 Ceremony May 29th
Annual Ceremony Memorial Day Monday May 29 Noon to 1 pm at the Carousel of Happiness The annual celebration of Memorial Day is near and dear to the story of our carousel. All are welcome to join us for a
Keeping our century-old machine spinning
Last year, some work was done on the carousel to smooth out it’s spin. We had some experts in antique carousels come for a visit to help us with that work, as well as determine a plan for maintaining our
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.
