freedom rock

440WilliamR440

I love stopping here to see this beautiful rock, it is an amazing tribute to all of our service men and women and their families. This is one rock that you need to make a point to stop and see!

118marcc

Great work by an Iowa Boy! Wonderful place to stop and take a moment to reflect on the men and women who have served our country. Absolutely worth taking the short drive off I-80 to visit.

BD_IC_2801

Ray "Bubba" Sorenson is an artist from Greenfield, IA. His main claim to fame is the Freedom Rock he repaints near Greenfield, IA, annually in time for Memorial Day. He is currently working on his "Freedom Rock Tour," which will ultimately result in a Freedom Rock being placed in all 99 counties in the state of Iowa. This rock is #24 on his list and was dedicated on October 12, 2014. The rock is located in a Veterans Park along the Mississippi Riverfront in Le Claire.Bubba tries to put local veterans or famous people from the area when he plans the design for each rock. The veteran on this rock is John F. Baker, Jr., a Medal of Honor Recipient born in Davenport, IA. He also included Buffalo Bill Cody on the rock.

Crystal52404

Stopped to see this on our way home. Nice place to get out and stretch and pay tribute to our veterans. The artist does an amazing job and the painting chances yearly. Free roadside attraction, that takes donations. Definitely worth the stop and our donation. Don't use the port o Johnny across the street

DennisW138

What a neat painted rock. Stop and remember a few vets and take pride in being an American...I guess there are quite a few of these in Iowa but I think the one by Greenfield is one of the first ones...just stop for a minute and take it in

emchhouy

We decided to finally visit the Freedom Rock after our trip to Omaha. It isn't hard to get to - it is just off of I-80. The story of Bubba and why he paints the rock every Memorial Day is pretty amazing and great that someone donates his time and skills to make something beautiful to honor those who serve, and their families. There isn't much else around the rock, so I wouldn't go out of my way unless it really means something special to you. Which then, definitely make the trip! For my family it was about seeing the beauty of the painting and the heart that this man has to do this. Definitely something you need to see in person, pictures just don't do it justice!

monicadj

Love this Rock. Changes every memorial day for that year. Go see and then take pictures of the hero's listed so you can google them and learn more about those that have fought and died for our country.

Evy_and_Jim

We saw the Freedom Rock Memorial Day Weekend. It was very touching. The painter changes the scenes on it every year. The only thing that remains the same is the green helicopter. It contains the ashes of 60+ veterans.

Debra_50154

I almost missed this when driving by, but lucky for me I spotted it just as I was driving past. I turned around, went back and am VERY happy that I did. The artist was on site updating the pictures. His attention to detail is amazing, the subject matter all relates to military and veterans. A must see

196LindaC

This is a must see. I would drive back every year just to see the new display. The work and dedication spent to complete this project is a statement about the nature of this man. The artist and his work is amazing. It took my breath away. A wonderful tribute.

BD_IC_2801

The story behind The Freedom Rock is incredible. Ray "Bubba" Sorensen repaints the Rock in time for Memorial Day every year. He has also started a project to put a Freedom Rock in every county in the state of Iowa. If you go to The Freedom Rock, the story of its origin is in the kiosk next to The Rock.You MUST read the story about the green paint used to create the helicopters every year. I don't want to spoil it for you, so if you get a chance, The Freedom Rock is located about 1 1/2 miles south of I-80 on State Highway 25, exit 86, toward Greenfield, IA.

Azona50036

The absolute love this artist has for this country and the men & woman who serve it, comes thru in every stroke of his brush.

christopherp344

Five of us made a motorcycle run from Winona, MN and joined two friends from the Des Moines, IA area just to see Freedom Rock. Freedom Rock may not seem like much, but the tributes made to those who have served, and especially for those who paid the ultimate sacrafice, can be emotional. A new set of murals is done every year by the local artist Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II. Our connection, albeit remotely, was to Chris Kyle and we wanted to make the trip before it was covered with next year's murals. Whether or not you make a special trip for it, definitely stop and spend a few minutes if you are going to be in the area. Maybe get a peak ahead of time to see what murals are currently on the rock: www.thefreedomrock.com ... thanks "Bubba"!

maryfrommnz

The lady working at the Chamber at Winterset told us about the rock . We were so glad we went to see it. Beautiful and very moving. What a talented man who donates his time to do it. Impressive.

TLaehn2011

The original Freedom Rock near Menlo, Iowa is truly a site worth visiting. Take a camera and some tissues, because trust me, anyone with a heart, will have atleast one tear falling down their face! My husband and I have also visited the other county Freedom Rocks that Ray "Bubba" Sorenson II is doing and each time, we walk away very humbled. I applaud him and his artistic ability but most of all, I applaud his love, honor and respect that he shows for our fallen heroes. Even the rock in front of his business in Greenfield, depicting Iowa in general, is worth seeing. So, for anyone with a sense of American pride, the Freedom Rock is a MUST SEE!