About Us

Storybook Island is a free children's theme park will be open starting Memorial Day weekend through through Labor Day Weekend from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily.

Our Mission
Storybook Island’s mission is to provide a free, safe, educational environment for those young in years, or young at heart, to experience the power of imagination.

A Short History of Storybook Island
On August 16, 1959 the Rapid City Rotary Club created a charitable, non-profit corporation— Storybook Island Inc.—for the purpose of establishing and operating a free children’s park. The creation of this children’s park was the product of generous gifts and donations from individuals, service and other private clubs and businesses in the community. Storybook Island was an instant hit both with children and adults in the Black Hills and those visiting the area. When Storybook Island opened for the first time, over 10,000 visitors flooded through the tower gates.

Storybook Island is an important part of the cultural environment of Rapid City. The park is filled with sets that portray characters form various children’s stories, fables and nursery rhymes. With the exception of the 1972 flood, the park has been open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day each year since 1959. With continued support from the Rapid City Rotary Clubs, the City of Rapid City, and the park’s many community friends, Storybook Island will remain open as a free park for a long time to come.

Additionally, the Storybook Island Children’s Theater has been an integral part of the park since 1959 and has since produced thousands of hours of entertainment for young people. The Storybook Island Children’s Theatre is one of the largest children’s theaters in a five-state region. Each year the theater is the scene of varied activities and plays.

Storybook Island is managed by a board of directors, with members from Rapid City Rotary and Rushmore Rotary. They plan and supervise the funding, management, operations and activities of the park and the construction of sets and upkeep. The board is committed to keeping the park and theater free and open to all individuals. Because of this philosophy, the park is extremely dependent on donations and civic-minded volunteers to help with various aspects of operating and maintaining the park.

Physical Address:
1301 Sheridan Lake Road
Rapid City S.D., 57702

Contact/Mailing Information:
Storybook Island
P.O. Box 9196
Rapid City S.D. 57709

Phone 605.342.6357
Fax 605.342.6377
E-mail storybookisland@rushmore.com