Story City — Population: 3,228
Small town charm and hospitality are second nature in the community of Story City.
Located just north of Ames, IA on Route 35, Story City considers itself "the best
kept secret" in Story County.
Story City offers the best of small town life while being only minutes away from
a university city. This small town with Scandinavian heritage offers a great mix
of attractions, dining, shopping, services, and recreation. Add a great offering
of employment, industry, housing, parks, as well as a great school system, and you
have the reason why Story City residents enjoy such a high quality of life.
The historic downtown of Story City is undergoing a transformation. The Story City
Main Street Program has a force of volunteers, representing a cross section of the
community, who are providing hours of time and talent to bring spirit and energy
to their business district. Story City is known for its downtown merchants who offer
friendly service and quality goods. Come and see just what is happening in downtown
Story City.
Story City Greater Chamber Connection
602 Broad Street
Story City, IA 50248
phone: 515.733.4214
fax: 515.733.4504
email: mainstreet@storycity.com
Town History
Early settlers, primarily of Norwegian, Danish, and Swedish heritage, came to Story
City in the 1850s in search of fertile, new land to settle. The first home, "a sod
house," was erected near the Chicaque River. By 1855, activity clustered near the
banks of the Chicaque River (later renamed the Skunk River) which motivated pioneers
to promote the area as an ideal location for a town. In 1857, the town became known
as Story City, named after Judge Joseph Story, who was then Associate Justice of
the Supreme Court.
Landmarks and Unique Local Features
- Antique Carousel - Come ride our 1913 Antique Carousel as it whirls
to the merry calliope tunes generated by a 1936 Wurlitzer Military Band Organ. This
summer, come buy a bag of popcorn, climb aboard the carousel, and be a part of the
magic that exists in Story City. It is guaranteed fun for all ages! Open noon daily,
Memorial Day through Labor Day and weekends in May and September.
- Historic Story Theatre / Grand Opera House - Opened in 1913, the
historic Story Theatre is the oldest continually operating theatre in Iowa. With
its restored Grand Opera House stage, kit is listed on the National Register of
Historic Places. Live theatre productions are presented several times each year
by the Judge Story Theatrical Troupe, and motion pictures are presented each weekend
on the largest screen in Story County.
- Story City Museum - Story City's quaint little museum houses examples
of Story City memorabilia, Scandinavian artifacts, vintage clothing, and more. Open
1-5 PM Sundays, Memorial Day through Labor Day, and by appointment.
- 1859 One-Room Schoolhouse - This one-room schoolhouse was the first
public learning institution in southern Hamilton County. It contains a vintage stove,
desks, books, and other school memorabilia. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day,
1-5 each Sunday, and by appointment.
- Swinging Bridge South Park - Constructed in the early 1930s under
President Franklin D. Roosevelt's WPA program, this charming swinging bridge spans
the Skunk River in Story City's picturesque South Park.
Annual Events
- June - Scandinavian Day Festival - Family fun, parade, arts and
crafts, delicious ethnic foods, live music, and quality entertainment highlight
this yearly Story City tradition! Join us for Scandinavian Days the first week in
June and start your own traditions.
- November - Yulefest Open House - Story City merchants host a weekend
event to showcase new holiday gifts and treasures. Held the second full week in
November.
- December - Yulefest - The traditional Yulefest season offers may
opportunities to celebrate the holiday home tours, community concert and dinner.
Mid November through December.
Low Interest Loan/Grant Programs & Commercial Property
The Story City Main Street Program and the City of Story City have partnered to
present dual Façade Improvement Grant Programs. Contact Story City Main Streeat
at 515/733-9050 for details.
Local Links
Velkommen To Story City