Carousel of Happiness - Restored 1910 Looff

303-258-3457

Nederland's Historic Carousel of Happiness is a Restored, Fully-Functioning 1910 Looff Carousel with 56 Playful Hand-Carved Animals -- Rides are only $3

The story began when Scott Harrison was a 19-year-old Marine Gunner serving in Vietnam. The gift of a music box and the image of a carousel in a mountain meadow calmed him and 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, whimsical, unique animals; from a moose to a pig, from a dragon to a rooster.

A dedicated group of volunteers helped bring the carousel to life in the little mountain town of Nederland, west of Boulder and it is visited by thousands of people every month. The Carousel of Happiness is a non-profit giving away thousands of rides every year to people who benefit from a place to find a moment of peace and happiness.

HOURS: May - September: Monday - Thursday 11am-5pm; and Saturday - Sunday 10am-5pm. October - April: Thursday - Monday 11am-5pm. Open every day during Thanksgiving week and from mid-December to mid-January. Closed Christmas Day.

The schedule subject to change, please call ahead; 303-258-3457

RIDES TICKETS: $3 for everyone over 9 months old (people younger than 9 months ride free).

ACCESSIBILITY: We have a wheelchair ramp, step stools, and our staff are walker-friendly. The carousel has several stationary benches and easy-to-ride seats.

GIFT SHOP: Bring a piece of the fun home: T-Shirts, calendars, books, patches and postcards feature pictures of the Carousel and it's lovely menagerie. Support this amazing non-profit!

PARTY ROOM RENTAL: 10 kids with accompanying adults circulating. Tables and chairs are provided; you are welcome to decorate the room as you wish, and bring food and drinks for the celebration. ROOM RENTAL: $75 an hour; Deposit: $25 holds the date. INCLUDES: 10 carousel ride tickets. Additional tickets may be purchased at the front desk.

RENT THE CAROUSEL OF HAPPINESS: The Carousel is available for rent after hours. You bring food and drinks for the celebration. CAROUSEL RENTAL: $500 for 2 hours; Deposit: $250 holds the date. INCLUDES: Unlimited rides.

HOP IN THE CAR AND ESCAPE FOR AN AFTERNOON!

A 501-C3 NON-PROFIT -- DONATIONS WELCOME: Carousel of Happiness, PO Box 1811, Nederland CO 80466

DIRECTIONS: The Carousel is just off Highway 119 in Nederland, at 20 Lakeview Drive, right beside the train cars.

Call to Plan a Birthday Party: 303-258-3457, mention the Colorado Vacation Directory.