Story Land, which celebrated its 70th anniversary this year, holds a special place in the hearts of many Granite Staters. And the good news is, there are now more attractions for families to enjoy.
This year marked the opening of its biggest capital investment, Moo Lagoon, says General Manager Chris Kearsing. The barnyard-themed waterpark features a slide tower, spray ground, fountains, renovated restaurant, bathhouse, and more.
“There’s a lot of ways for a family to get wet together,” he says.
Story Land’s own story starts in the early 1950s. Bob and Ruth Morrell were in Germany and purchased many dolls based on nursery rhyme and fairy tale characters. When they returned home, the couple wanted a place to display them. They bought land in Glen, built little houses for the dolls and it grew from there. “It started with a storybook theme, and now we’re all about experiences that a family can enjoy together,” Kearsing says.
Three years after its opening, Cinderella’s Pumpkin Coach and Castle opened, which is still a top attraction. In the 1960s and 70s, Kearsing says Dutch Village and the Shoe Ride, antique carousel, and antique cars were among the new additions. “In the 80s, there were even bigger rides that were geared toward the family,” he says. “In the late 80s, we added Dr. Geyser’s Remarkable Raft Ride, which was very popular, especially in the summertime.”
The Morrell family sold the park in 2007 to Kennywood Entertainment Company, which was then purchased by Parques Reunidos, a Spanish company. Story Land is operated by the company’s North American division, Palace Entertainment of Pittsburg, which also owns Water Country in Portsmouth and other properties around the country.
In 2014, the park added its first “big” roller coaster, the Roar-O-Saurus, a wooden coaster with a 40-foot drop. Five years ago, Living Shores Aquarium opened next door. It’s a separate attraction operated by Story Land and is open year-round. “If a family is up here for a ski trip, it’s a nice experience for them,” Kearsing says.
And fitting for the park’s 70th anniversary, 2024 was also its longest season. For the first time, the park stayed open past Columbus Day with a series of events called Happy Hauntings that ran through the end of October.
Story Land has always been focused on multigenerational experiences Kearsing says, adding that people who enjoyed it as children now come back with their grandchildren.
To capitalize on that experience, the park began hosting Nostalgia Nights in 2019. These are select dates when the park is open until 10 p.m. for those over 21 featuring special merchandise, adult beverages, and live music. “It’s a fun, festive atmosphere, and it’s a lot of fun to watch people who [re]live their childhood memories,” Kearsing says.