The Carousel of Happiness is located in Nederland Colorado. Here in this unique mountain town there is a very special carousel. This is a proper amusement style carousel that spins around and around for the joy of children and adults alike! This is a historic carousel that has lots of wooden animals that have been hand carved. The frame for this carousel is an original Charles I.D. Looff, who was one of the greatest carousel makers of the 19th and 20th century.

However, when this carousel was found by Scott Harrison, a Vietnam vet, all that was left was the structure. All of the animals were missing! He salvaged the entire carousel and brought it back to Nederland where he began to hand carve all of the animals that are currently on the carousel today! He created 50 one-of-a-kind, colorful and whimsical creatures. There are 35 of these creations on the carousel for ridding included on the carousel.

The others are hanging around the facility adding to the fun and wonder of this special place. When you show up at the Carousel of Happiness you will be pleased to find that each ride on the carousel is only $1. All of the money collected goes to maintaining this beautiful facility. It is also used as a place to honor Vietnam vets. Don’t forget when you are there to go upstairs! There is a puppet theater where the children can play after twirling around on the carousel. Once you’re up there you can look out the window to watch the carousel work from above.

Pictures of the Carousel of Happiness