Carousel of Happiness: A Whimsical Ride in the Rockies

The Carousel of Happiness in Nederland, Colorado, is more than just a ride; it's a testament to the power of dreams and community spirit. This magical carousel features 56 whimsical, hand-carved animals that twirl to the sounds of a 1913 Wurlitzer band organ. The story begins with Vietnam War veteran Scott Harrison, who sought solace from the war's horrors in a music box that played Chopin's "Tristesse". The music evoked a vision of a carousel spinning in a mountain meadow, a vision he carried with him for decades. After returning home, Harrison rescued an abandoned 1910 Looff carousel frame from Utah. For 26 years, with no prior experience, he meticulously hand-carved each animal, infusing them with unique personalities and charm. The carousel's platform has a rich history, originally built in 1910 for the Saltair Amusement Park on the Great Salt Lake in Utah. It survived windstorms and fires before finding its new home in Nederland. The community rallied behind Harrison's vision, raising $700,000 to build a permanent home for the carousel. Today, the Carousel of Happiness welcomes visitors year-round. It's a place where people of all ages can experience joy and wonder. In addition to the ride, visitors can explore a history exhibit, a puppet theater, and an observation window to watch the carousel's century-old gears in motion. The "Story Catcher Booth" allows visitors to record and share their own stories. The Carousel of Happiness is dedicated to inspiring happiness, well-being, and service to others through stories and experiences.