Storybook Island officially opens carousel house

RAPID CITY, S.D. – Early Saturday morning Storybook Island opened for the summer season. This year the ribbon cutting was a bit more magical because the newest attraction, the carousel house, was officially opened.

Storybook Island has been a fairytale for many generations of kids in South Dakota. The park is fairytale themed with rides, slides, and other playground features for people of all ages. 

“It feels wonderful to have it done and have people actually being able to ride inside the carousel,” said executive director Connie Lezotte.

In total with planning and funding, it has taken about 4 years to make the house and refurbish the carousel. The carousel was built in the 1930s and was initially used in traveling county fairs. 

The park worked with several organizations to fund the project. Storybook Island prefers to keep the exact cost to themselves, but it was over $400,000.

Along with a ribbon cutting ceremony, the City of Rapid City also named May 25 Storybook Island Day.

The park has been around for decades and continues to bring joy and memories to families around the Black Hills.

Storybook Island has a handful of events going on this summer, which can be found on their website.