Storbyook Island is where your child's favorite storybook characters come to life for them. At Storybook Island, they have worked hard to create a world where fairytale characters come to life for kids and offer a fun park for kids and their families to enjoy together, all at no cost. That's right, Storybook Island is completely free during the summer to visit. And being so close to so much Black Hills lodging, such as the Powder House Lodge, it couldn't be a more perfect place for a family to visit while on vacation.

Storybook Island was created on August 15, 1959 as a charitable, non-profit organization with the idea of reaching kids and creating a free children's park. Thanks to the gifts of many private clubs and individuals and groups, it became a reality and when it first opened its towering gates, more than 10,000 people flooded through. Different statues and sets from various children's stories, fables, and nursery rhymes are gathered throughout the park and offer a place for kids to play.

Storybook Island is regularly open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day every year, and has been every weekend since 1959, with the exception of the 1972 flood. It has always been a free park and much of that is attributed to their Nights of Light that they host during the holidays. During Nights of Light, the park dresses up all of the statues in Christmas lights for guests to see and Santa and his live reindeer visit as well. The event serves as a fundraiser for the park, charging $3 admission for each guest, keeping it an affordable event for families to attend.

Storybook Island is located in the heart of Rapid City, just a short 30 minute drive from The Powder House Lodge, and many other Black Hills lodging locations. It's a magical way to spend an afternoon bringing your children's favorite fairy tale and nursery rhyme characters to life. Be sure to take your camera for a plethora of photo opportunities with characters such as Humpty Dumpty, the Wizard of Oz cast, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Lion King, pirates, and many more. Kids will also be able to take a ride through the park on the train.