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
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