If you’re ever driving through northeastern South Dakota (or looking for something fun to do in Aberdeen), you have to stop at Storybook Land. Seriously — it’s one of those places that feels like a little hidden gem, especially if you’re traveling with kids… or honestly, if you’re just a sucker for nostalgia and cute photo spots like we are.
Storybook Land is part of Wylie Park, and the best part? Walking around the park is totally free, which automatically makes it an easy “why not?” stop on a road trip.
Walking Straight Into a Fairy Tale
The second you walk in, it feels like you’ve stepped into a storybook (which… makes sense). There are life-sized nursery rhyme scenes and characters everywhere.
Think:
- Humpty Dumpty
- Jack & Jill
- Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe vibes
- Little fairytale houses tucked around every corner
And one of the coolest surprises is spotting bigger characters too — like Paul Bunyan, who’s standing tall and feels like the perfect larger-than-life photo stop. It’s such a fun mix of classic stories and Americana folklore all in one place.
It’s one of those places where you keep turning a corner and going, “Oh my gosh, I remember that one!”
Not Just for Kids (Seriously)
And honestly? Even if you don’t have kids with you, Storybook Land is still 100% worth a stop.
We went in thinking it would mostly be a family-with-little-ones kind of place, but it’s actually just a really cool spot to visit in general. It’s one of those quirky, unexpected attractions you don’t see every day — the kind of place that makes road trips fun.
We love finding unique little places like this, and walking through the park brought back so many great childhood memories. There’s something weirdly magical about seeing all those classic nursery rhymes and fairytale scenes in real life.
It’s nostalgic in the best way, and you can’t help but smile the whole time you’re wandering around.
So yeah — whether you’re traveling with kids, with friends, or just doing your own little adventure, it’s a really fun stop.
The Land of Oz is the Highlight
One of the coolest parts of the park is definitely the Land of Oz section. Yep — there’s a yellow brick road, and yes, you’re going to want to walk down it.
You can just hear the munchkins saying follow the yellow brick road, follow the yellow road.
You can see Dorothy’s house, explore Munchkin Land, and spot all the classic characters like the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion.
Even if you’re not traveling with kids, it’s just plain fun. It’s impossible not to smile walking through it.
Rides That Are Actually Pretty Cute
Storybook Land isn’t just for wandering around (although you could totally do that). They also have rides, and they’re the perfect level of “little kid thrill” — plus adults can ride along too.
Some favorites:
Storybook Land Express Train – a classic little train ride around the park
Humpty Dumpty Roller Coaster – small but surprisingly fun
Wizard’s Balloon Ride – gives you a nice view of everything
Carousel – because every magical park needs one
The rides cost a little extra, but it’s not crazy expensive, and you can grab a punch card if you want to do a few.
So Many Photo Ops
If you like taking pictures while you travel, you’ll love this place. Every area is basically a backdrop.
There are castles, storybook characters, whimsical signs, and bright colors everywhere. It’s honestly the kind of spot where your camera roll fills up fast.
One of the cutest little surprises in the park is spotting the rainbow — and of course, the pot of gold at the end of it. It’s such a fun touch, and it honestly makes you feel like you’re back in childhood, half-expecting something magical around every corner.
Even as adults, we couldn’t help but stop and smile… because how often do you get to say you found a pot of gold on a random day in South Dakota?
Snacks, Gift Shop, and Picnic Spots
Near the entrance, there’s a visitor center where you can grab snacks or a quick treat, plus a little gift shop with souvenirs.
And if you’re traveling with lunch or snacks, there are plenty of shady picnic tables around the park, which makes it a really easy stop for a low-key afternoon.
Best Time to Visit
The park is open for walking around in the warmer months, but the rides usually run daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
And if you happen to be in Aberdeen in mid-July, they even have a Storybook Land Festival, which is basically a big celebration with storytelling, activities, and family-friendly fun.
Final Thoughts
Storybook Land is one of those places that’s just… happy.
It’s not huge or over-the-top, but it’s charming, nostalgic, and such a fun stop if you’re in the area. Whether you have kids who love fairy tales or you just want a quirky, wholesome place to wander around for an hour or two, it’s absolutely worth visiting.
