This Might Just Be the Most Peaceful Town in All of Iowa

With a population of about 3,500 Iowans, Story City is a quick ten-minute drive from Ames. It’s a small town with low crime and a lot of beautiful history. You’ll find a few great hometown restaurants and some fun shopping opportunities on Broad Street in the quaint downtown area, and who knows, it just might be Iowa's most peaceful town.

Like many small towns in Iowa, Story City is surrounded by beautiful farmland.

It's a quiet place that's big enough to be interesting, but small enough that there's a real sense of community.

One of the town's biggest attractions is the Story City Antique Carousel.

This 104-year-old hand fully functional carved wooden carousel operates between May and September. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places and was completely restored in 1982.

You’ll find it in the beautiful Story City North Park.

There are many public events held here throughout the year.

You can also arrange to have a birthday party, family reunion, or any kind of gathering here. For more information, call (515)733-4214 or (515) 733-2464.

A visit to the Story City Museum is also in order.

Located on the corner of Broad Street and Hillcrest Drive, this incredible collection of historic items is housed in the community’s rehabilitated waterworks plant.

Sheldall Schoolhouse is a charming slice of history.

The schoolhouse, built in 1860, was a polling location during the Lincoln presidential election. It’s currently located on the corner of Hillcrest Drive and Broad Street. Images of all the teacher who taught here are on display in this building.

Another museum worth visiting is the Bartlett House Museum.

This Queen Anne style home built in 1903 has been restored to its original state and furnished appropriately for the 1900-1920 era.

Another museum?

Yes, please! The Carriage House Museum is full of historic artifacts.

This building is located west of the Bartlett House Museum and it houses several exhibits. Story City’s involvement in the Civil War is chronicled here, and there are displays include a barn exhibit and a pioneer life exhibit. You can get a tour of any of Story City’s museums Wednesday through Friday between noon and 5 p.m. There is a fee for guided group tours.

Put Story City on your list of places to visit. You’ll love it there. What are your favorite peaceful Iowa towns? Let us know in the comments below!