There’s a lot to love about the Dells, but not as much as there once was. For several decades, the area was home to a delightful park known as Storybook Gardens. Longtime residents will undoubtedly remember the beloved attraction, which entertained visitors for decades. And while Storybook Gardens has been closed for years now, we found some vintage footage that’s sure to remind you just how much you miss the whimsical Wisconsin attraction. Read on for a trip down memory lane.
Opened in 1956, Storybook Gardens was as magical as it sounds.
Storybook Gardens/Facebook The 10-acre park featured lush, colorful gardens and tons of storybook characters.
The park was open seasonally, from mid-May through mid-October.
Thomas Martin/Flickr And each season, visitors flocked to Storybook Gardens to take advantage of the relaxing environment and real-life fairy tale scenes.
In addition to beautiful flower gardens, well-trimmed lawns, and four ponds, the park featured a miniature train and 25 exhibits. Actors and actresses dressed as fairy tale characters roamed the grounds, only adding to the magic.
Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau/Facebook The park became known as a land where years didn’t count and where childhood dreams came true.
Part of what made the park so endearing was its peaceful calmness, which provided a convenient escape from the bustling atmosphere of the rapidly expanding Wisconsin Dells.
Storybook Gardens/Facebook
In operation from 1956 until 2010, Storybook Gardens was one of the most well-known and longest-running attractions in the Dells.
Storybook Gardens/Facebook Interestingly enough, the park’s founder, Melvin Flath, was often questioned about his decision to build Storybook Gardens “in the middle of nowhere.”
You may not be able to revisit this popular Dells attraction, but this vintage footage is a close second!
Storybook Gardens/Facebook
The 10-acre park featured lush, colorful gardens and tons of storybook characters.
Thomas Martin/Flickr
And each season, visitors flocked to Storybook Gardens to take advantage of the relaxing environment and real-life fairy tale scenes.
Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau/Facebook
The park became known as a land where years didn’t count and where childhood dreams came true.
Interestingly enough, the park’s founder, Melvin Flath, was often questioned about his decision to build Storybook Gardens “in the middle of nowhere.”
Do you remember Storybook Gardens? Did you visit during the park’s heyday? If so, what are your favorite memories from Storybook Gardens? Tell us in the comments section.
Want to reminisce with others about this defunct Dells park? Check out the Storybook Gardens Facebook page.
This isn’t the only defunct Dells attraction. Read about another here.
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Address: 1500 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, USA
