The Freedom Rock is the perfect Memorial Day road trip
The original Freedom Rock, located between Menlo and Greenfield, Iowa, is the perfect Memorial Day weekend road trip. Although you can stop to see the rock at any point in time – here’s why it’s best to visit on Memorial Day weekend.
Location for the Adair County Freedom Rock: Intersection of Highway 25 and 120th St, Menlo, Iowa.
Freedom Rock Website: https://www.thefreedomrock.com/
3 reasons to visit the Freedom Rock on Memorial Day Weekend
1) See the newest version of the Freedom Rock.
Yes, this is the original Freedom Rock and is the only one that gets redesigned every year. During the month of May, Ray “Bubba” Sorensen spends his own time and his own money on paint as he dedicates the 12-foot boulder to a new set of veterans and heroes. Unlike other general veteran’s monuments, the Freedom Rock is dedicated to specific veterans each year.
2) You’ll probably get to meet the artist
Bubba typically spends a good chunk of time on Memorial Day weekend at the site. This is your opportunity to meet and talk with the artist. In fact, a couple of years ago, my wife and I drove over during the Memorial Day weekend and met Bubba. Not only was he answering questions, but he also stepped out for photo requests. We even got to meet Bubba’s dad, who was helping out.
3) Support the artist
During the holiday weekend, Bubba will typically be selling his Freedom Rock calendars. They usually around $20 to $25 and proceeds help him cover the cost of the paint and time spent on the project each May.
If you aren’t able to make it on site, you can also support him by purchasing the calendar online at: https://www.freedomrock.store/