Carousel of Happiness (20 Lakeview Dr.) is Nederland’s magical menagerie featuring 56 whimsical, hand-carved animals on a restored 1910 Looff carousel, turning to the music of a 1913 Wurlitzer ban organ. Rides are only $3. Frequent riders can purchase 10-ride punch cards for $25.
Photo: Carousel of Happiness
Visitors to the Carousel can also enjoy picnicking at Barker Reservoir, hiking the trails of the Mud Lake and Caribou Ranch open space areas and the Indian Peak Wilderness Area.
Days and times vary according to the season. Generally, the attraction is open seven days a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
And, it’s open on weekends through the fall, winter and early spring.
Currently, the carousel is open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check the website for details.
In addition to the main spinning attraction, there is an upstairs puppet theater housed in a restored band organ facade.
This is a great place for creative play with a selection of gently used animal puppets. There is also an observation window that is ideal for watching the carousel’s 100-year-old gears turn.
The Carousel is located just off Colo. 119 in the Caribou Village Shopping Center, between the Train Cars and the Wild Bear Nature Center.