Carousel of Happiness

The Carousel of Happiness is Nederland, Colorado's magical menagerie featuring 56 whimsical, hand-carved animals on a restored 1910 Looff carousel, turning to the music of a 1913 Wurlitzer band organ. Rides are now $3, or 10 for $25. Scott Harrison was a 19-year-old Marine Gunner serving in Vietnam where the gift of a music box and the image of a carousel in a mountain meadow calmed him. Many years later, after rescuing an abandoned carousel, he began carving what would become a whimsical menagerie. It took him a little over 26 years to hand-carve the 56 animals and a dedicated group of volunteers helped bring the carousel to life in the little mountain town west of Boulder. The fully-enclosed Carousel of Happiness turns to the music of a restored 1913 Wurlitzer Band Organ, and is home to a gift shop, storytelling booth and do-it-yourself puppet theater. The Carousel is available to rent for birthday parties and private events, and is fully accessible for people with disabilities.