Carousel of Happiness

Marine veteran Scott Harrison spent 26 years hand-carving 56 whimsical, one-of-a-kind animals — inspired by a vision that got him through Vietnam — and mounted them on a rescued 1910 Looff carousel that now spins to the music of a restored 1913 Wurlitzer band organ. Open daily in Nederland with rides at $3 each, it has delighted over a million visitors since opening on Memorial Day 2010.

The move: Ride the carousel together (pick your animal carefully — there are 56 to choose from, from the expected to the absurd), then walk the few blocks into Nederland's small quirky downtown for coffee or a beer and talk about which animal best matched your partner's personality.

• 📍 Nederland
• 💸 $$
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Indoors

Where: 20 Lakeview Dr, Nederland, CO 80466

Hours: Mined 2026-06-07 — confirm current hours before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3

Verified 2026-06-07.