Just a mile south of I-80 near Menlo, Iowa, you’ll find the Freedom Rock. In 1999, artist Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II began transforming this nearly 60-ton boulder into a memorial to thank veterans for their years of service. Every year in early May, Sorensen paints a new patriotic tribute on the boulder to honor troops just in time for Memorial Day.
But the impact of the Freedom Rock hasn’t stopped there. In addition to his original tribute, Sorensen has created Freedom Rocks in all of Iowa’s 99 counties, including a 100th rock at Adventureland in Altoona, Iowa. I’ve seen a few of the other rocks in my travels around the state, including the one in Carroll County in Manning, Iowa.
Now, Sorensen has begun booking across the country for what he hopes will be a 50-state Freedom Rock tour.
Plan Your Visit to the Original Freedom Rock in Menlo, Iowa
You could easily breeze by on I-80 without knowing about the Freedom Rock. But if you have a few extra minutes for a stop, you won’t regret getting off at Exit 86 to experience this unique piece of public art. It’s also a perfect stop if you’re already enjoying a drive along the White Pole Road.
The original Freedom Rock is free to visit and is repainted with a new design each spring.
For a full tour of all of the rocks around the state, visit the official Freedom Rock website. Travel Iowa has also put together a handy Freedom Rock checklist to help you keep track of all the stops you’ve visited.
Freedom Rock, 1199 Iowa 25 in Menlo, Iowa
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I would love to hear from you! Have you visited Freedom Rocks around Iowa? What was your favorite rock to experience?
