Entrance to the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden at the Abilene Convention Center. The garden opened in 2017. The garden was commissioned by the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, which raised the money to open it. New sculptures are added each year.  (Photo by Sidney Levesque)
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Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden

4.8
·342 reviews·Abilene, United States

A whimsical garden where beloved storybook characters come to life through intricate sculptures, offering a magical escape for all ages.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Entrance to the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden at the Abilene Convention Center. The garden opened in 2017. The garden was commissioned by the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, which raised the money to open it. New sculptures are added each year.  (Photo by Sidney Levesque)

Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A whimsical garden where beloved storybook characters come to life through intricate sculptures, offering a magical escape for all ages.

4.8
(342 reviews)

"An enchanting step into the storybook of childhood, proving Abilene is the storybook capitol."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring the Books! 📚

Enhance the magic by bringing along the children's books that feature the sculptures you find.

Download the App! 📱

Use the interactive app to locate sculptures and make your visit a fun scavenger hunt.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Storybook Sculptures

Storybook Sculptures

Throughout the garden

Discover beloved characters from classic children's literature immortalized in intricate, artistic sculptures.

Fairytale Ambiance

Fairytale Ambiance

Garden pathways

Experience a whimsical atmosphere that feels like stepping into a fairytale, perfect for photos and imagination.

Interactive App Adventure

Interactive App Adventure

Garden and surrounding Abilene

Use the engaging app to find sculptures and learn more, turning your visit into a treasure hunt.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Enchantment

Step into a world of childhood stories at the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden. This free outdoor attraction is perfect for a quick, magical stop, especially for families. Plan for a leisurely stroll to discover beloved characters brought to life.

Interactive Discovery

Enhance your visit with the interactive app that guides you to the garden's sculptures and other storybook elements around Abilene. It's a fantastic way to engage kids and make the most of your exploration.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Shaded sculptures, golden hour
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The beautiful Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden is magical! It’s downtown at the corner of N 6th and Pine St right next to the Abilene Convention Center!
abilenemamas
43 likes • 969 views

Bring the Books! 📚

Enhance the magic by bringing along the children's books that feature the sculptures you find. Reddit

Download the App! 📱

Use the interactive app to locate sculptures and make your visit a fun scavenger hunt. Reddit

New Music by Barbara Cox titled, “ Color Them Beautiful!” Available on all digital platforms! #abilenetx #abilenestorybookgarden #adamsonspaldingstorybookgarden #barbaracoxmusic
barbaracoxmusic
0 likes • 26 views
I love this A-Z travel trend so I decided to a West Texas version! So lets start where it all begins, letter A!! Things to do in West Texas that start with the letter A: 🦖Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden – Step Into Your Favorite Childhood Stories 🌸@amarillobotanicalgardens – Wander through beautifully maintained gardens 🌽@atldofarms – Fall Fun at Lubbock’s pumpkin patch, with the best corn ma...
westtexastravelmom
11 likes • 306 views

Perfect Road Trip Stop 🚗

Ideal for stretching legs and sparking imagination during a long drive. Reddit

Photo Opportunities Galore! 📸

Capture enchanting moments with characters and the garden's fairytale vibes. Instagram

This was such a fun collaboration! My kids think it’s so cool to see their photos printed in Texas Monthly and billboards when we are driving down the road 🤣. #texasmonthly #abilenetexas #adamsonspaldingstorybookgarden #storybookcapitaloftexas #corporatephotography #abilenephotographer
doubleknotphoto
75 likes • 1.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring the Books! 📚

Enhance the magic by bringing along the children's books that feature the sculptures you find. Reddit

Download the App! 📱

Use the interactive app to locate sculptures and make your visit a fun scavenger hunt. Reddit

Perfect Road Trip Stop 🚗

Ideal for stretching legs and sparking imagination during a long drive. Reddit

Photo Opportunities Galore! 📸

Capture enchanting moments with characters and the garden's fairytale vibes. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(342 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden's enchanting atmosphere and the intricate artistic detail of its sculptures, calling it a magical step into childhood stories. It's a highly recommended, free stop for families and road-trippers alike, especially with the helpful interactive app.

"I loved the amazing thoughtful, and intricate artistic work that was put into this. My kids really enjoyed it. I also loved the interactive app to help you search for more of these statues around the area."

Senyi Garza

"We stopped while on a road trip passing through. It was the perfect place to stretch our legs.
My 2.5 year old had a blast looking at the statues and running around. I can't wait to make this a regular pit stop!"

Meg Shipley

"This garden was an enchanting step into the storybook of childhood. Goes to prove Abilene is the storybook capitol."

Mary Parcells

What People Like

Enchanting atmosphere
Intricate sculptures
Free admission

What People Dislike

Can be crowded at peak times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The garden is located downtown Abilene, at the corner of N 6th and Pine St, right next to the Abilene Convention Center. Instagram

Yes, there is typically parking available in the vicinity, especially near the convention center. It's a good idea to check local signage for specific parking regulations.

Absolutely! The garden is centrally located downtown, making it easily accessible on foot for those exploring the area.

Yes, it's a perfect place to stretch your legs and enjoy a bit of magic during a road trip through Abilene. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden is completely free, making it an accessible attraction for everyone. Reddit

The garden is an outdoor public space and is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit during park hours for the most enjoyable experience.

There is no entrance fee for the sculptures; they are part of the free public garden. Reddit

While the garden is outdoors, it's recommended to visit during daylight hours for safety and to best appreciate the sculptures and surroundings.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find intricate artistic sculptures of characters from classic and new children's stories, bringing beloved tales to life. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a fantastic place for children to explore, discover characters, and engage their imaginations. Reddit

Yes, many of the sculptures are located under the shade of trees, offering a pleasant experience even on warmer days. Reddit

Yes, the garden is a wonderful spot for taking photos, with its charming sculptures and fairytale ambiance. Instagram+1

The app helps you find the storybook sculptures within the garden and around Abilene, making your visit more engaging and educational. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Anywhere with a sculpture is a great photo spot! The fairytale-like atmosphere also makes for charming backdrops. Instagram

Definitely! The whimsical sculptures and garden setting provide a unique and memorable backdrop for family portraits. Reddit

Drone usage policies can vary. It's best to check with local Abilene authorities or park management regarding drone regulations before flying.

Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour lighting, and many sculptures are shaded, making it comfortable for photos. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden is an absolute delight for families. It's a free, outdoor space where children can literally step into the pages of their favorite books. The sculptures are engaging and spark imagination, making it a perfect spot for little ones to run around and discover characters. Reddit

Pro-tip: Bring the actual storybooks with you! Reading the stories aloud next to the corresponding sculptures creates a truly magical and memorable experience. Don't forget to download the interactive app to turn your visit into a fun scavenger hunt around the garden and the city. Reddit

🚗 Road Trippers

If you're passing through Abilene, the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden is an ideal place to break up a long drive. It offers a refreshing and enchanting stop that’s easy to access and provides a delightful change of pace. Reddit

It’s a quick way to stretch your legs, let kids burn off some energy, and capture some unique photos. The garden’s central location makes it a convenient detour, and its free admission means it’s a budget-friendly way to add a touch of magic to your journey. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of Storytelling

The Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden is more than just a collection of sculptures; it's a vibrant testament to the power of storytelling. Each statue is a portal, inviting visitors to reconnect with cherished childhood tales. From classic characters to newer literary friends, the garden celebrates the enduring appeal of books and imagination. It’s a place where parents can share their favorite stories with their children, creating new memories amidst familiar characters. Reddit

The garden's design thoughtfully integrates these artistic pieces into a pleasant, walkable space. Many sculptures are nestled under the shade of trees, making it a comfortable spot to linger and explore, even on a warm Texas day. The presence of a brochure at the front, detailing each sculpture, further enhances the educational and engaging aspect of the visit. Reddit

This dedication to literary arts has cemented Abilene's reputation as the 'Storybook Capital of Texas,' and the garden is a cornerstone of that identity. It’s a free, accessible attraction that offers a unique blend of art, literature, and outdoor enjoyment for all ages. Instagram

Interactive Exploration with the App

To truly unlock the full experience of the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden and its literary connections throughout Abilene, the interactive app is a must-have. This digital tool transforms a simple visit into an engaging treasure hunt, guiding you not only to the garden's sculptures but also to other storybook-themed installations scattered across the city. Reddit

Users can expect to find detailed information about each sculpture, its literary origin, and perhaps even fun facts about the characters. This makes the garden a dynamic learning environment, especially for children who can actively participate in discovering and identifying their favorite storybook figures. The app encourages exploration beyond the garden itself, promoting a deeper appreciation for Abilene's commitment to literacy and the arts. Reddit

Having this app available means visitors can plan their exploration, whether they have a short time for a quick stop or a full day to dedicate to discovering Abilene's storybook charm. It’s a modern approach to experiencing a classic theme, ensuring that the magic of stories is accessible and exciting for everyone. Instagram

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