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Menlo, Iowa: Freedom Rock

The first boulder, continually repainted by Ray "Bubba" Sorenson II, is covered with patriotic images: Washington crossing the Delaware, MIA logo, plane launching from an aircraft carrier, 9/11 rubble. Since 2013 Bubba has been painting Freedom Rocks in each of Iowa's 99 counties.

Address:
120th St., Menlo, IA
Directions:
I-80 exit 86. Drive south on Hwy 25 for 1.5 miles. On the left, at the corner of 120th St.
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
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Visitor Tips and News About Freedom Rock

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Freedom Rock.

Freedom Rock

Beautiful tribute -- well maintained area, with a cute little guest book with informational pictures. Coming from the highway, it's on the left side at 120th street. Plenty of gravel parking along a long dirt/gravel road, but some RVs and buses might have trouble turning around. Visitors have left mementos on one of the light poles, and some appear to have been left for a long time, with some obvious personal sentiments.

[Cristy, 11/04/2022]

9/11 collage.

Freedom Rock

Very touching. A local couple was there when we were. and told us more of the story, including information about the artist painting cremains onto the rock when requested. It gave me chills.

[Mary, 07/24/2021]

This is artist Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II's original Freedom Rock, catalyst the has expanded to other unique Freedom Rocks in Iowa's 99 counties.

Freedom Rock, 2019.

Freedom Rock

The 2019 design is dominated by a tribute to the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. The artist is now painting a rock in each Iowa county. The one for Madison County is next to the John Wayne Museum in Winterset IA, and includes pictures of Wayne in various military roles.

[Michael & Carol-Ann, 07/02/2019]

Freedom Rock, 2018.

Freedom Rock

Looks like the rock was repainted since the last pictures on RSA. Very nice job. Thank you to all that have served and are serving!

[Penny, 03/24/2018]
Freedom Rock

If you visit over Memorial Day weekend or the few weeks prior you can see the artist in action.

[Missy, 05/23/2015]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Neon Gas Station ManNeon Gas Station Man, Menlo, IA - 4 mi.
Behold the Mighty Wind Turbine BladeBehold the Mighty Wind Turbine Blade, Casey, IA - 6 mi.
Bank Robbed by Bonnie and ClydeBank Robbed by Bonnie and Clyde, Stuart, IA - 7 mi.
In the region:
Giant Garden Trowel, Des Moines, IA - 43 mi.

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