Feb 27, 2026
Storybook Island is one of those places that instantly feels magical for kids and adults!
Located in Rapid City, South Dakota, this storybook-themed park brings classic childhood stories to life in the most imaginative way. Kids can ride in Cinderella’s carriage, crawl through the Three Little Pigs’ houses, explore the Hundred Acre Wood with Christopher Robin and friends, and discover so many other familiar characters along the way. It truly feels like stepping into the storybooks many of us grew up reading.
One of the best parts? It is completely free to enter.
Families can walk through the park and explore all of the storybook displays at no cost. There are optional attractions like the carousel and train ride that cost a small additional fee, but simply exploring the park itself is free. That makes it such an easy addition to a South Dakota family itinerary. They do host Dollar Days during a few select days in the summer when the carousel and train rides are just $1 per person. You can find out when the dollar days are for the current season on the events page of their website.
📅 When Is Storybook Island Open?
Storybook Island is generally open seasonally from late May to early September (Memorial Day to Labor Day). When they are open, they are open daily from 9am - 7pm. If you are visiting bigger attractions like Mount Rushmore or Bear Country USA, Storybook Island is a great balance. It gives kids time to run, climb, and use their imagination after spending time at more structured sightseeing stops.
Since it is a seasonal park, it is always a good idea to check current hours before visiting. You can find all the information about opening dates & events on their website.