Is a state-of-the-art theme park experience coming to South Dakota?
Between the future plans for Disney World, Disneyland, and their international parks that Disney debuted at August’s D23, Universal’s Epic Universe and Texas theme parks, and a litany of smaller parks around the country, we seem to be living in a golden age of theme park announcements – – but the question is, will all of them actually come to fruition?
One of these projects is LIBERTYLAND, a planned theme park and mixed-use development announced for Rapid City, South Dakota.
The idea for the park came from the 9 children of Pete Lien, the family behind the local staple the Pete Lien & Son Mining Company. The family wanted to “honor their father’s legacy by creating a live-work-play destination that would welcome both residents and visitors to their beloved Black Hills.”
They teamed with Storyland Studios, a firm that describes itself as “a unique collection of down-to-earth specialists, artists, architects, strategists and problem solvers who believe in the power of story to change the world” who “exist to help business leaders create and connect their stories in three dimensions: strategic brand narratives, spatial environments, and interactive media. We partner with brands and fellow agencies to create environments and immersive experiences that lift the spirit.”
According to Storyland, the development will contain the American History-themed LIBERTYLAND theme park itself, a hotel and conference center, an indoor/outdoor amphitheater, an indoor water park; a retail and dining district named Liberty Village, a themed RV resort, and a residential district featuring single-family and multi-family residences.
The firm claims that “Visitors who experience LIBERTYLAND USA will be able to easily branch out to visit other attractions and iconic sites, such as Mt. Rushmore. Crazy Horse, Badlands National Park, Devil’s Tower, Black Hills National Forest, and more.”
According to Vicki Fisher, Rapid City’s Community Development Director, LibertyLand is going to be a “high-quality theme park” experience that will “compete” with Disney and Universal’s theme parks.
The Rapid City city council unanimously approved the mixed-use development in December of 2022, and Storyland claimed that LIBERTYLAND will be set to “roll out” in 2026 in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. However, construction has to begin on the 300+ acre site.
LIBERTYLAND is a massive theme park currently planned to open in 2026, though whether the park meets that date… or opens at all remains to be seen. Stay tuned to AllEars for further updates.
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Would you make a trip to South Dakota for LIBERTYLAND? Let us know in the comments below.
Absolutely love the idea and especially that it will be in Black Hills. Build and they will come!
fed up with the big two. Let me know know when their taking reservations. park and campgrounds, can’t wait. Have been going to the big one of the big two each year 1974-80 85-95 2002-2006 2010, 2012 . after that fed up with prices policies, attitudes, big fan of Dolly world
I doubt that a regional and seasonal theme park can truly “compete” with Disney and Universal, but it does look like a good concept and hope it succeeds.
It would make it easier to travel too and the kids and grandkids would enjoy it. I think it’s a very good idea.