Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department
History

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Storybook Land

At Storybook Land, families enjoy a world of imagination inspired by familiar nusery rhymes such as Humpty Dumpty and Hickory Dickory Dock.  You can slide down Jack and Jill’s Hill or visit Goldilocks and the Three Bears.  Chickens and turkeys roam wild around Old MacDonald’s Barn.  The medieval castle is surrounded by a moat and is guarded by knights in armor.  The entire family will enjoy a ride on the Storybook Land Express miniature train.  A gift shop is located in the New Visitor Center and offers souvenirs to keep as a reminder of your visit to Wylie Park as well as memorabilia of Aberdeen and South Dakota.

 

Land of Oz

The Land of Oz located within Storybook Land portrays the well-known characters and settings of the popular story “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” written by L. Frank Baum who once lived and worked in Aberdeen.  Dorothy’s House features a gift shop and offers a simulated tornado experience with special lighting and sound effects.  You can stroll down the yellow brick road, visit Dorothy’s Farmstead and Munchkin Land, take a ride on the 30-horse Allan Herschell carousel, enjoy the Wizard’s Balloon ride which will carry you over 30 feet above the ground or scale the 24-foot tall rock climbing wall
           
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Storybook Land Visitor Center

The new Visitor Center will open in May.  There will be a gift shop offering Storybook Land and Land of Oz souvenirs and other gifts of interest to park visitors.  A food court area includes an indoor seating area that will provide park visitors with a comfortable indoor seating area to relax on days when the weather is uncomfortable.  An outdoor picnic patio with large umbrellas will provide shade for the park visitor. A visitor information area managed by the Aberdeen Convention and Visitor Bureau will provide tourist and visitor information primarily on the Aberdeen area and Northeast Glacial Lakes, as well as major points of interest in South Dakota.  Fully handicap accessible modern restroom facilities.
     

Storybook Land Festival

July 24, 2010

The Fifth Annual Storybook Land Festival will be held on Saturday, July 24.  There is no admission charge for this festival that will promote storytelling and literacy while using the beautiful natural backdrop that the park provides.  Costumed characters, actors and entertainers will fill Storybook Land and bring to life many of the stories depicted within the park.

The festival will feature published children’s authors, actors, storytellers and entertainment.  Hands on arts and crafts activities will be located through out Storybook Land.  Hours for the event are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Storybook Land Festival is a collaborative effort with many agencies participating in the event.  For more information, contact the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department at 605-626-7015.