I’ve seen the sign off of I-80 countless times—Brooklyn: Community of Flags. But, for whatever reason, I’ve never been curious enough to stop. That is, until recently.
With a population of just over 1,400 people, it’s safe to say that you shouldn’t roll into Brooklyn expecting a thriving metropolis. But for a small town, the Community of Flags brings a lot of worldly presence.
In all, more than 55 flags make up the display, including the flags of all 50 U.S. states, the four branches of the Armed Services and a handful of “special interest” flags surrounding a giant American flag. Additionally, Brooklyn’s downtown streets are lined with 35 international flags.
If you’re lucky the Community of Flags Store—part gift shop, part local garage sale—will be open just up the street for all of the tchotchke purchasing needs.
Community of Flags, 114 Jackson Street in Brooklyn, Iowa
