June 20, 2025
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Storybook Forest exhibit to open Monday at Exploration Station

Largest update in 30 years following longtime castle exhibit

By Shaw Local News Network
The Bourbonnais Township Park District will be unveiling its newest exhibit at the Exploration Station, the Storybook Forest, on Monday with a free open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Bourbonnais Township Park District will be unveiling its newest exhibit at the Exploration Station, the Storybook Forest, on Monday with a free open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The literature-inspired playland is a magical reimagining of beloved childhood tales featuring a towering, whimsical tree. (Tiffany Blanchette)

The Exploration Station invites families and children of all ages to step into a world of wonder as it opens its most ambitious and enchanting exhibit in three decades – Storybook Forest – which will be unveiled on Monday.

The open house will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free.

The literature-inspired playland is a magical reimagining of childhood tales brought to life with immersive design, interactive features and opportunities for discovery and adventure.

At the heart of Storybook Forest stands a towering, whimsical tree complete with two slides, two lookout towers and secret tunnels for explorers to crawl, climb and imagine.

Children can slip into character in a themed dress-up corner and a puppet theatre for storytelling, and engage in creative play among scenes from timeless classics such as “Peter Pan,” “Alice in Wonderland” and others.

The new exhibit also includes an age-appropriate space for infants and toddlers: “Peter Rabbit Bunny Patch” – a soft, nurturing environment that features gentle textures, charming visuals and safe play for babies to begin their exploration adventure.

“Storybook Forest is a dream come true for our team and community. It honors the power of storytelling and imagination, creating a space where kids can learn, laugh and play inside their favorite stories,” said Mike O’Shea, executive Director of Bourbonnais Township Park District.

“This is more than just a play area – it’s an experience that brings generations together around classic literature and creativity.”

The Bourbonnais Township Park District will be unveiling its newest exhibit at the Exploration Station, the Storybook Forest, on Monday with a free open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Bourbonnais Township Park District will be unveiling its newest exhibit at the Exploration Station, the Storybook Forest, on Monday with a free open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Tiffany Blanchette)

This exhibit was made possible in part by a $150,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

BTPD funded the remaining $150,000.

The Exploration Station, at 1095 W. Perry St. Bourbonnais, is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Admission costs $10 for children and $8 for adults (children 12 months and under are admitted for free). Annual memberships with discounts and exclusive offers are also available.

For information, visit btpd.org or call 815-933-9905.