Carousel of Happiness: A Whimsical Ride in the Rockies
Experience hand-carved joy at Colorado's Carousel of Happiness, a mountain treasure in Nederland that spins with history and heartwarming charm.
Nestled in the mountain town of Nederland, Colorado, the Carousel of Happiness is a heartwarming and enchanting attraction. Featuring 56 hand-carved animals on a restored 1910 Looff carousel, it offers a unique blend of art, history, and joyful entertainment for all ages.
A brief summary to Carousel of Happiness
- 20 Lakeview Dr, Nederland, Colorado, 80466, US
- +1303-258-3457
- Visit website
- Monday 11 am-5 pm
- Thursday 11 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit during the weekdays for a more relaxed experience and shorter wait times.
- Check the Carousel's schedule online for any special events or holiday hours.
- Take time to explore the quirky town of Nederland, including shops, restaurants and outdoor activities.
- Consider purchasing a 10-ride punch card if you plan to visit frequently.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Boulder, take the Regional Transportation District (RTD) bus route NB1 or NB3 to Nederland. The bus ride takes approximately 35 minutes. From the bus stop at Boulder Canyon Dr & E 3rd St, the Carousel of Happiness is a short 5-minute walk. A single ride fare on RTD is $3. Consider purchasing an EcoPass for unlimited rides if you are a resident within the Nederland Community Library District.
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Driving
From Boulder, take Boulder Canyon Drive (Highway 119) northwest for approximately 17 miles to Nederland. Once in Nederland, turn onto Lakeview Drive, where the Carousel of Happiness is located at 20 Lakeview Dr. Parking is available next to the B&F Mountain Market, near the Carousel. Parking is free. During peak season, parking can be limited.
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Ride Share
From Denver International Airport (DIA), ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available to Nederland. The ride is approximately 62 miles and can take over 1 hour. The average cost for a ride-share from DIA to Nederland ranges from $130-$160. Be aware that prices may vary depending on demand and time of day.
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