South Dakota’s Great Places: Rapid City Storybook Island

PIERRE, S.D. – Amid bustling Rapid City, there is a place where favorite childhood stories live. Rapid City’s Storybook Island is one of South Dakota’s Great Places.

Storybook Island opened in 1959 after the Rapid City Rotary Club saw a need for establishing and operating a free children’s park. Through donations from individuals and community businesses, Storybook Island was born and was an instant success. Residents and visitors of the Black Hills area continue to enjoy the family tradition that has been in existence for over 50 years at Storybook Island.

Upon arrival at the park, guests are instantly reminded of beloved storybook favorites. The park is filled with sets that portray characters from children’s classic stories, famous fables, and favorite nursery rhymes. See Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs house, travel through Winnie the Pooh’s 100-Acre Woods, and take pictures with the famous Dalmatian dogs.

— From a Department of Tourism news release

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Great Faces. Great Places.

South Dakota is an incredibly unique state in that each region offers a completely different experience then the others. Check out each of the regions to see what each has to offer!

Badlands

Western South Dakota

Featuring the Black Hills, Badlands, the Sturgis Rally. This region tends to be the most popular.

CENTRAL REGION

This region of South Dakota offers some of the best hunting and fishing in the entire central US. 

Eastern Region

The eastern region is home to the largest city in the state and provides visitors with a true "prairie" experience.