Iowa is full of so many great places to explore. One of the great ways to see the state is to conduct your own Freedom Rock Tour. The Freedom Rocks are something truly unique to Iowa and are great for kids and adults of all ages and backgrounds. We have created this North Central Iowa Freedom Rock Tour (and Other Great Stops) to have a great time this summer seeing a great part of the state!
The Freedom Rock Development
Back in 1999, Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II painted the first Freedom Rock in Adair County near Menlo, IA. He was moved to do so after watching “Saving Private Ryan” and wanted to honor veterans and soldiers in some way. Not long after that, the Freedom Rock Tour was formed and he began painting rocks in all of Iowa’s 99 counties. Originally, Sorensen painted the Freedom Rock as a thank you and was not paid to do so. Once the Tour was formed, he began this as his full-time job (as well as serving as a representative in the Iowa House). Now, communities raise funds to have the murals commissioned.
Currently, all but 12 of the 99 Counties have been painted. Those remaining 12 have been booked and will be painted in the very near future. The Freedom Rocks are not always located in the county seats, so it’s a great way to explore communities that you might not regularly visit. Many of the communities are smaller, so you just never know what you might find. Sorensen’s website (www.thefreedomrock.com) actually has maps and a physical checklist you can print and mark off. Now, I’m more motivated than ever to see them all! 😉
North Central Iowa Freedom Rocks
We love exploring our state and checking out the Freedom Rocks. There are a lot of rocks yet to see, but we have managed to get to several of them here in North Central Iowa. We thought we’d feature them for you along with a few other great stops along the way!
Butler County
Located along mainstreet through Greene, Iowa, you’ll find the Butler County Freedom Rock. Their rock commemorates veterans including a member of the Flying Tigers! The park sits alongside the Shell Rock River so you can enjoy the rushing waters and the dam while enjoying a picnic in their shelter house!
Make Another Stop…
While you’re visiting Butler County, we highly recommend scheduling a tour (or even a stay) at the New Day Dairy outside Clarksville! You can make it a day trip and take the “Be A Dairy Farmer Challenge” or decide to turn it into an overnight stay in their Guest Barn!
Hardin County
Ackley, Iowa, is home to Hardin County’s Freedom Rock. This rock park was completed as part of an Eagle Scout project and is done very tastefully. Adjacent to the rock is the Ackley Veterans Memorial and it is very well done and beautiful!
Make Another Stop…
While you’re in Hardin County, we highly recommend stopping in Iowa Falls to walk the historic swinging bridge or take a ride on the Scenic City Empress.
If you’re into water, head west to Alden from Iowa Falls! Here you’ll find the Iowa River travels through town and has a fun waterfall/spillway area. It’s worth the short drive!
Floyd County
Just up the Shell Rock River from the Butler County Freedom Rock, you’ll find the Floyd County Freedom Rock in Rockford. The rock is situated on their main street. This rock features a specific tribute to the Marines and Jon Tumilson, who was from Rockford and a Navy SEAL who was killed in action! Their park also has benches, a gazebo, and tables you can enjoy in the shade.
One More Thing to Do…
On your way from Greene to Rockford, take your time to drive through Marble Rock to see their dam along the Shell Rock River and historic Power House along the river! If you’re looking for more to do, grab a kayak and float from Marble Rock to Greene!
Franklin County
Located in Coulter, Iowa at the trailhead of the Rolling Prairie Bike Trail, you’ll find the Franklin County Freedom Rock. On it, you’ll find a mural of Admiral William D Leahy, a decorated Admiral in World War II who was born in Hampton.
Make Another Stop…
While in Franklin County, make sure to take a ride or a run on the Rolling Prairie Bike Trail or visit Beeds Lake State Park to check out their spillway! It’s known as one of the most photographed waterfalls in Iowa!
Cerro Cordo County
At the corner of Main Street and South 8th Street in Clear Lake, you’ll find the Cerro Gordo County Freedom Rock. The beautiful eagle painted on this mural was my favorite part!
Make Another Stop…
While in Cerro Gordo County there are a lot of things to spend time doing, but our personal recommendation is take in a round of old-school miniature golf and grab ice cream from the South Shore Sweet Spot! It’s a favorite of ours!
Mitchell County
Head to St. Ansgar to check out their Freedom Rock and Veterans Memorial Park! This unique rock features a flag in a heart shaped which is different than the rest where the flag looks draped across the top. The rock also shows a tribute to the American Legion along with a gorgeous sunset view of a battleship. Enjoy the rest of their Veterans Memorial at the same time.
One More Stop…
On the way to St. Ansgar, stop by the small town of Mitchell. Here you’ll find Interstate Park along the Cedar River. Here is a Hydro-Powered Dam which is still functioning to this day! Explore the park, the display that explains how the dam works, the dam itself, playground equipment, or you can even camp here!
Worth County
Nestled in the small town of Kensett, you’ll find the Worth County Freedom Rock. There is nothing grand about it’s presentation, but I’ll be honest that this is one of my favorite rocks! I love the POW dipiction on this rock!
Make Another Stop…
While you’re in Worth County, it’s a MUST to head to Northwood and enjoy some Mexican food from Tequila’s Mexican Bar & Grill! The chips are warm, the salsa delicious, and the nachos are perfect!
Winnebago County
Just one block off main street in Lake Mills, you’ll find the Winnebago County Freedom Rock! The standard of parks has been set by Winnebago thanks to their placement of a military tank in the park! In addition you’ll find 4 bronze soldier statues, a veterans memorial, and of course the Freedom Rock. On this rock is a depiction of former Iowa Governor Terry Brandstad who grew up in Winnebago County! We visited this rock on Memorial Day weekend and the amount of flags was stunning!
Hancock County
Head South of downtown Britt to find the Hancock County Freedom Rock. Across from their public library and city hall is the Britt Veterans Park. A bronze soldier statue, a memorial to Iwo Jima, and veterans are present in addition to their rock which holds a nod to John Hancock.
Kossuth County
Whittemore, population 502, is the home to one of our favorite Freedom Rock parks! It is small, adjacent to their American Legion Post and yet stunning. At the heart, of course, is their Freedom Rock which gives a nod to Iwo Jima, but the purple ribbon sidewalk honoring Purple Ribbon recipients makes this park stand out along with the murals along the fence done by local airbrush artist, Mark Lentsch. There is 6 of them and each of them as stunning as the next. This park is definitely worth the drive if you aren’t local!
One More Stop…
While visiting Kossuth County, we recommend heading to Algona and grab a bite to eat at Miller’s Sports Bar & Grill. I highly recommend the Apple Bacon BBQ Burger! The apple bbq sauce that tops this 1/3 pound burger is absolutely delicious and I’m mad at myself that I didn’t ask if I could purchase the sauce to go.
Another stop we highly recommend sits partially in Kossuth County and partially in Palo Alto County. The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption (located in West Bend, IA) has been drawing visitors from all over the world for generations. This beautiful, handcrafted shrine to Christ and the bible depicts several biblical settings. Admission is always free and a great place to head with the family to enjoy, have a picnic, and explore.
Humboldt County
Travel to the small town of Livermore to take in the Humboldt County Freedom Rock. This community has done a beautiful job of presenting their memorial. Built into the side of a hill, it is well landscaped and a beautiful mural. My favorite part of this stop was the crosses commemorating each war or conflict that the United States has been involved in including the numbers of those lives lost.
Wright County
Located in Dows, Iowa (which actually sits in Wright and Franklin Counties) you’ll find the Wright County Freedom Rock. This park is very well done for such a small community. Surrounding the rock, you’ll find engraved bricks honoring those from the area that have served in our armed services. There is another memorial to veterans nearby that is great!
One More Stop…
In Dows, you’ll also find the Mercantile Building. This downtown building is on the National Historic Register of buildings. There are three floors which sell antiques from all over. Lunch at the Creme de la Creme inside is also a must! If history is your thing, make an appointment to stop at the Quasdorf Blacksmith Shop Museum in Dows as well!
Freedom Rock Tour
Creating your tour of Freedom Rocks is a great way to see the state of Iowa, especially some of the smaller towns! The other great things about these rocks is that they are always open, so you can head out on your tour when its convenient for you! Create memories with your family by exploring and hitting the open road! Which Freedom Rocks have you visited?!
I learned about those Freedom Rocks when I was visiting Ottumwa last Fall. So a cool concept!
It really is and is a great way to see the state!
Great post! We love checking out different Freedom Rocks!
Thanks! We do too! Need to get on the road to see more new ones soon!
I love these freedom rocks and the patriotism behind them.