Storybook Island is an important part of the cultural environment of Rapid City. The park is filled with sets which portray characters from various children's stories, fables and nursery rhymes. In addition to the pure fun and enjoyment which children and their families have when they visit the park, the sets at Storybook Island provide excellent opportunities for children to acquire a hands-on identification with children's literature. The children's theater is an integral part of Storybook Island's operation and its emphasis on children. The programs and entertainment offered at the theater greatly enhance the community's cultural environment for children.
Much positive feedback is received from both local residents and tourists who visit the park.
If there is one desire that we hear from visitors, it would be to have Storybook Island open longer that Memorial Day to Labor Day. One of the most significant aspects of Storybook Island is its policy of free admission to the park and to the programs at the children's theater. The Storybook Island Board of Directors is committed to maintaining the policy of keeping the park and theater open to all individuals. Because of Storybook Island's free admission philosophy, Storybook Island is extremely dependent on donations and civic minded volunteers to help with various aspects of operating the park and the children's theater. For many years units at Ellsworth Air Force Base have volunteered time and labor to assist in getting the park ready for opening each season.