Carousel of Happiness
Whenever I am visiting Emmy in Colorado, one of my favorite traditions is the drive through Boulder Canyon to Nederland. The scenic route winds along mountain roads, past forests and streams, until we arrive in this quirky mountain town. And once we are there, I always make a beeline for the Carousel of Happiness.
The carousel is impossible to miss. The cheerful music, colorful animals, and laughter of children and adults together make it one of those places that instantly lifts your spirits. It is more than just a carousel; it is a story of community, creativity, and the belief that happiness really can go around.
The Carousel of Happiness was inspired by the vision of Scott Harrison, a Vietnam veteran from Nederland. While serving in Vietnam in 1968, Harrison carried with him a small music box carved with a carousel scene. During difficult moments, he would watch the tiny figures circle around and imagine a more peaceful world. Years later, he decided to bring that vision to life by building a carousel for his hometown.
For more than twenty years, Harrison devoted himself to carving the carousel’s animals by hand. Working from his workshop in Nederland, he created dozens of unique figures, each with its own personality and character. Community volunteers, donors, and local supporters joined the effort, helping turn a personal dream into a community project.
The Carousel of Happiness opened in 2010 and quickly became one of Nederland’s most beloved attractions. Today, riders can choose from a remarkable collection of hand-carved animals that includes not only horses, but also bears, rabbits, dogs, pigs, sea creatures, and imaginative creations that seem to come straight from a storybook. Above the carousel hangs a collection of colorful artwork celebrating the wildlife, history, and spirit of the surrounding Rocky Mountains.
What makes the carousel especially meaningful is that it was built not as a commercial attraction but as a gift to the community. Operated as a nonprofit organization, it welcomes visitors of all ages and serves as a gathering place where joy and imagination take center stage. The carousel’s beautifully restored band organ fills the building with music, creating an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and timeless.
The Carousel of Happiness reminds me that some of life’s greatest treasures are created to bring joy to others.
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