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The Magical Storybook Island In South Dakota Just Opened For The Season And We Couldn’t Be Happier

Storybook Island in Rapid City, South Dakota, is a whimsical park featuring over 100 storybook and fairytale sets, offering free admission and various special events.

Published Jun 23, 2021

Written by 

Annie Sandmeier

They say that Disneyland is the happiest place on earth, but those of us in South Dakota know that isn't the truth, for the REAL happiest place on earth costs less, has fewer lines, and is still downright magical! Can you guess which place we are talking about? If you said Storybook Island, you would be correct!

Open now through Labor Day, Storybook Island is a whimsical park that brings all of your favorite stories to life via fun and colorful characters.

A building with a tower featuring a statue, surrounded by greenery and under a blue sky with clouds.
Google/Lynne Holmgren

Located in Rapid City, Storybook Island spans 8 1/2 acres and features 100 storybook and fairytale sets that range from Yogi Bear and BooBoo to the 3 Little Pigs, 101 Dalmatians, and Snow White.

A whimsical scene featuring a small wooden house and colorful Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs statues in a park.
Google/Amy Kendell-Lentz

You never know who (or what!) you will see at Storybook Island!

A colorful rainbow arching over a pond, with people gathered around in a park setting.
Storybook Island Facebook

In addition to all of the above, Storybook Island also hosts several special events throughout the summer, including storytimes, the Once Upon a Festival, Adult Fun Night, and more.

Three people pose behind a colorful cutout at Storybook Island, smiling and holding drinks in a sunny park setting.
Storybook Island Facebook

Have you been looking for a unique birthday party for your child? Storybook Island offers those, too (and believe me, they will make the day even more magic)!

A young girl in a pink shirt smiles while sitting in a red toy car at a park, surrounded by greenery.
Storybook Island Facebook

As if you needed another reason to love this magical place, admission to the park is FREE!

A whimsical display featuring the Cat in the Hat sitting on a bench, surrounded by colorful Dr. Seuss-themed murals.
Storybook Island Facebook

Please note: Carousel rides, train tickets, and the Bippity Boppity Bounce each cost extra.

To learn more about Storybook Island, please visit their website or call  (605) 342-6357.

Two women in princess costumes pose with a young girl in a blue dress, smiling outdoors in a park setting.
Storybook Island Facebook

Storybook Island is open every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Two children stand on a stone bridge, smiling under a clear blue sky, surrounded by trees.
Google/Brittany Lewis

Do you have a favorite attraction, event, or restaurant that you would like to see featured here on Only in South Dakota? Nominate it here! Did you know that the fun doesn't end after Storybook Island closes for the summer? Make plans now to attend their famous The Storybook Island In South Dakota Is A Magical Wintertime Fairyland Experience.

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