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Carousel of Happiness: A Whimsical Mountain Escape

Discover hand-carved joy at the Carousel of Happiness in Nederland, CO: a magical mountain escape for all ages!

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Nestled in Nederland, Colorado, the Carousel of Happiness is a restored 1910 Looff carousel featuring 56 hand-carved animals. Vietnam War veteran Scott Harrison spent 26 years creating this magical space, offering joy and inspiration to all who visit. It's a unique blend of art, history, and community spirit.

A brief summary to Carousel of Happiness

  • 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

  • Check the Carousel's website for seasonal hours, as they vary throughout the year.
  • Explore the puppet theater upstairs for additional family fun.
  • Consider purchasing a 10-ride punch card if you plan to visit frequently.
  • The Carousel is located next to the Train Cars Coffee Shop, making it easy to grab a coffee or snack.
  • Visit the Nederland Visitors Center for maps and local information.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Boulder, take CO-119 (Boulder Canyon Drive) west towards Nederland. The Carousel of Happiness is located just off Highway 119 in the Caribou Village Shopping Center, next to the Train Cars Coffee Shop. Parking is available in the adjacent lot near the B&F Mountain Market. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    From Boulder, take the RTD bus route 'H' to Nederland. The bus ride takes approximately 50 minutes. From the Nederland bus stop, walk to the Carousel of Happiness at 20 Lakeview Dr, about a 10-minute walk. A one-way fare is around $5.25.

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Discover more about Carousel of Happiness

The Carousel of Happiness in Nederland, Colorado, is more than just a merry-go-round; it's a testament to the power of dreams and the resilience of the human spirit. Vietnam War veteran Scott Harrison, seeking solace from the war's horrors, envisioned a carousel in a peaceful mountain meadow. Decades later, he rescued a derelict 1910 Looff carousel frame and dedicated 26 years to hand-carving a menagerie of whimsical animals. Each of the 56 animals has its own unique personality and story, from a dolphin to a giraffe and even an alpaca wearing pink ballet shoes. The carousel spins to the cheerful tunes of a 1913 Wurlitzer band organ, adding to the nostalgic and joyful atmosphere. The community of Nederland rallied behind Harrison's vision, raising $700,000 to build a home for the carousel. The Carousel of Happiness is open year-round, offering rides for a small fee. It's located in the Caribou Village Shopping Center, easily accessible to visitors. In addition to the ride itself, visitors can explore a history exhibit, a puppet theater, and a story-catching booth. The carousel is also committed to accessibility, with a wheelchair ramp and other accommodations for visitors with disabilities.

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