Sandburg Summer Stage

Flat Rock Playhouse apprentices performing Carl Sandburg's "Rootabaga Express!"

NPS Photo

2026 Rootabaga Express

Carl Sandburg created his own version of American fairy tales when he published Rootabaga Stories (1922) and Rootabaga Pigeons (1923). He replaced the European fairy tale cast of princes, princesses, castles and kingdoms with icons American children would recognize -- taxi-drivers, movie actors, skyscrapers, prairies and automobiles. Rootabaga Express! brings the stories of the Five Rusty Rats, Bimbo the Snip and more to life. You'll meet new characters and journey farther into the Village of Liver and Onions and Sandburg's imagination than ever before.

The 30-minute plays are appropriate for all ages and held weather permitting in the amphitheater (check our Facebook page in case performances are moved to the garage near the Sandburg Home or canceled for severe weather). These shows are supported by the Flat Rock Playhouse and the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara!

Young visitors who attend the plays can earn a limited edition Rootabaga Junior Ranger badge. Rootabaga Ranger activity sheets will be available at the amphitheater. Once completed, kids can get their Rootabaga Ranger badge at the amphitheater, Sandburg Home, or farm.

Apprentice actors from the Flat Rock Playhouse have performed adaptations of Sandburg's works for park visitors since 1974. Using Sandburg's own words from his collections of children's stories, poetry, collected music, biography of Abraham Lincoln and his own autobiography, the performances provide visitors with a sense of the scope of his work and imagination. Sandburg was an expert storyteller, and easily wove important messages of fairness, empathy and social justice into his writings. We just know that you will walk away with a smile on your face and a better understanding of the legacy of Carl Sandburg!

Dates and Time

In 2026, the Rootabaga Stories will be held on Thursdays and Saturdays (10:15-10:45) througout June and July. Below are the dates the plays will be held:

June 18, 20, 25, and 27th
July 2, 9, 11, 16, 18, 30th
August 1st

Arrival and Parking

Please visit our Parking page for more information.

All plays will start at 10:15am and run approximately until 10:45. With the bridge and dam out of commission, there is a short hike from the parking lots to our ampitheater. We recommend arriving 20-30 minutes early to make that walk, or wait for the Carl Sandburg Shuttle. Priority will be given to guest with accessibility needs first.