Freedom Rock

Justin Eddy

2024-03

Cool place but didn't realize it changes painting every so often.I went to see the Desmond Doss but it had been changed

Dusty Treese

2019-05

What an amazing way show respect for our military personnel! Highly recommend this spot! Sign the book and drop some cash in the bucket! The man who paints and repaints this rock has serious talent. This place is off the beaten path. Right off I80 in IOWA. Take some time out of your busy schedule and go see this! May sit out in thr middle of nowhere... But it sure gets a lot of visitors throughout the day!

Jeff Jipson

2021-05

Bubba does a fantastic job honoring our military and those who have served. There are Freedom Rocks in almost all counties (at the time I’m writing this) in Iowa. This is the original one. It is massive.Some may not know that there are veteran remains in the paint on this monument. Please take time to visit & take a moment to reflect on what our veterans have done for us.Freedom isn’t free!

j. fisher

2019-05

This place is awesome! these are from freedom rock 2018... for those that are not familiar, bubba Sorenson started painting that 50 ton boulder in the late 90s (as I recall). Each year, he goes out to where an old quarry was(where the rock is), and paints a different theme on it. The flag is always on it (but different each time), and the Huey is always in the same spot. At one time as I recall, I read that when some folks want ashes of passed veterans incorporated, he'd mix them into the chopper's paint. He does this for free, and on his own time. He has been doing one for each of the 99 countries in iowa. They are all unique. He has the main rock painted by memorial day. Since he started painting it, a camera, flag pole, lights, a small info both, and outhouse was added. The freedom rock and the artists Are both treasures. The experience for me at least is very moving. We ride 2+ hours each way just to spend 20 to 30 minutes at the rock. It's worth it to me at least. Well, that's it for this year's rock pictures. I hope they are enjoyed. The rock is a couple miles south of I-80 (Greenfield exit) west of des moines. Please correct me if I am wrong anywhere in this post. I have included photos, that also had pictures of previous paintings that can be found in the small info center.

Joseph Kerski

2023-05

This is a very lovingly painted and maintained freedom rock… Very meaningful and in a beautiful setting… There is also a nearby board where other freedom rocks are pictured and located. Thank you all.

George McGinness

2021-05

One of the most beautifully memorials for veterans I have seen. The artist does such an amazing job painting the rock. And changes his design at least once a year. My kids love going and if you are in the area I'd highly recommend you visit

Steve

2020-05

The painted detail on this rock by the artist is nothing short than stunning !!! I guess he paints this rock a different theme frequently and his work is superb ! On a nearby telephone pole, people have left small items and mementos to honor our veterans. It is worth the drive.

Lost Wingman

2024-03

New design every year.Picnic area: Covered picnic table.

Connor D Fhionndaigh

2024-04

Cool that they change the paintings. Made me forget that I'm not American. Still believe I should buy an ArmaLite.Great craic looking at the rock. USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USACheers

Andy Willer

2023-05

Moving tribute that the artist refreshes with new ones. The photos and video are from August 2022.

Jim Pioch

2022-05

Extremely moving and hallowed place for all freedom lovers to visit. Great Abraham Lincoln quote this year.God Bless America!

Gina Mann

2023-05

If you are in the area this is definitely a must see! Absolutely beautiful work and an amazing dedication to our troops!

Michael “Mike the IT Guy” Johnstone

2018-05

Happy Veterans Day! This is "OUR" day and it is snowing. The Flag is out for another display! Yesterday's after church Sunday drive took us west and to the Freedom Rock. We snapped some photos then headed back and stopped a a country inn right off of I-80 and the food and service was awesome. Oreo chocolate pancakes? LOL None the less the meaning of the Rock still prevails. The photos taken are mine, however all the artwork, idea and everything else belongs to the owners and Sorensen Studios. Thanks for reading.

nick ussery

2019-05

Talented artist both design and paints these murals during his free time. Come out for a patriotic tribute to our Veterans and country! If the artist is about, his beautiful dog, Freedom, would love to lick you!

Shelby Duncan

2018-05

Incredibly beautiful. The talent is just outstanding. Great tribute to the vets.

Beau Carlisle

2022-05

Very unique and cool tourist attraction. The artist changes the artwork annually.

Melvin Geschke

2023-05

The original Freedom Rock, repainted with a different design for every Memorial Day!

Whitney “Luci” Smith

2018-05

I love it every year. It's to celebrate our veterans who fought on the ground. Got no sleep, didn't eat right, wore down their bodies, all for us. For the freedom that we are allotted. Why wouldn't I go commemorate that.

Misty DeBoer

2021-05

This rock changes every year and it is great. The artist does an awesome job.

Carl Waller

2022-05

Absolutely Amazing. It's a must see when on Interstate 80 in Iowa

Kendra Burch

2022-05

Freedom Rock is a little roadside area just west of Des Moines that really packs am emotional punch. If you are someone who enjoys sites that honor our military, this is worth the pitstop.

Bryan Leovy

2024-04

Got to love Bob Ross. Great art.

Bob Schilling

2023-05

Stopped there on our way from Illinois to Colorado. Great memorial. Always changing. My photo is from 2011.

Brian Bartolome (Ultra Vegas)

2019-05

Off the beaten path, well worth it! It was beautiful here!

Steven Miller

2019-05

This Artist is decorating one Boulder per County in Iowa to Service Members who gave it all.The ashes of veterans can be mixed into the paint on one picture on each rock. The new ashes are painted over the previous layer for touch up, NEVER REMOVED!

Shawn Espe

2020-05

Very impactful artwork, honoring members of the military; refreshed each year.

Amy Merrill

2018-05

Beautiful paintings/mural honoring our Veterans!

James Bertrand

2023-07

What an experience to meet the artist and chat.

Zach Greenfield-Feig

2019-05

Really random place, but it makes a fun quick stop. Keep in mind you will have to take dirt roads to get here

Becky DirksHaugsted

2022-05

The Original Freedom Rock. Beautiful tribute to our veterans