Trip Planner: USA / Colorado / Nederland / Theme Parks / Carousel of Happiness

Carousel of Happiness, Nederland

4.9

#4 of 16 in Theme Parks in Colorado

Theme Park Water / Amusement Park

The Carousel of Happiness is indoors, in an environmentally sound dodecagon (twelve sided space). It's base is a 104 year old carousel designed by Charles Looff -- the premier American carousel designer -- and the wooden menagerie was carved by Nederland local Scott Harrison over a period of 26 years.

The carousel is open for rides since Memorial Day 2010, and each ride if $1.00 a piece. Wheelchair accessible rides, the Carousel of Happiness is dedicated to inclusiveness, mutual support with other non-profits and standing by those with special needs.

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Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

189 reviews

Google

4.9

mushroots

Soooo glad we did this, felt embarrassed about it at first to be adults riding a carousel but you can't go and not take a ride on it. It's awe inspiring and I can't wait to go back. Nederland is such ... more »
ShootingStar17

The Carousel of Happiness is a movable piece of art that the whole family can ride. Be sure to ask for the full story behind the Carousel (you can find it on your website before you go), it will make ... more »
Brian0ntheGo

The hand carved animals are amazing and all from one man - a Vietnam Vet. The carousel is inside a building that has a small gift shop, lots of pictures and information on the history of the carousel,... more »

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Google

Chris Morgan

A magical little place! The carved ride animals are one of a kind and so much fun. There are little animals for little kids, bigger animals for adults. I think little kids will beer totally charmed by animals that are just their size. Gift shop items are reasonably priced, and if you want a little pin/button of the animal you rode, they can find that for you. The carousel mechanism isn't all covered up like on most carousels, so you can see the workings, which I found fascinating. A+!

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Marie D

Such a wonderful place with great people working there. If you can't appreciate a great place like this you don't belong in Nederland or Colorado.

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Don Schuler

Wonderful time visiting a fully restored carousel. Very nice place.

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Leanne Goff

We adore this carousel and go each time we come to Nederland. My daughter loves the animation of each of the animals. I love that its memorable for her, and also just $1 per ride. Its somewhat of a tradition after we are done skiing to head down to the carousel for a ride. It adds to the fun of the entire experience for her, which is the desired memory that I want her to have of the ski experience. Don't forget to go upstairs to play in the puppet theater when you are done. There is also a window so that you can look down from the top at the carousel. Its a special place that shouldn't be missed!

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Ian Gaydos

Put smiles on my kids faces. Great place to stop and admire the craftsmanship.

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