Every year since 1999, Iowa artist Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II repaints the original Freedom Rock with a new mural honoring veterans, military history, and American freedom. What started as one patriotic painting on a roadside boulder has grown into a statewide tradition, with a Freedom Rock now in all 99 Iowa counties. This is the one that started it all.
The rock stands about 12 feet tall and weighs an estimated 60 to 90 tons. It sits in the countryside along Highway 25 in Adair County, closest to Menlo and just a short drive from Stuart. There is no admission fee and no ticket booth. Visitors stop to take photos, leave flags, and pay their respects, then get back on the road.
Make Stuart part of the trip. We are minutes away on Interstate 80, with local restaurants, shops, a classic main street, and the kind of small-town welcome that turns a quick photo stop into an afternoon. Read our road trip guide: Why the Original Freedom Rock Belongs on Your Memorial Day Weekend Road Trip.
Good to know:
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open year round, daylight viewing (roadside, no gates)
- Best time to visit: late May. The new mural is traditionally unveiled around Memorial Day, and the repaint takes about three weeks each spring.
- Website: thefreedomrock.com
Please note: the Freedom Rock sits on private property at a quarry site and the area is under surveillance. Enjoy it from the viewing area and treat it with the respect it was painted with.
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Added By Stuart Chamber
Debbie Woodruff
a month agoIt is worth the drive to see the Rock. Every county in Iowa has one now. Its awesome
Big Beautiful Traveling
a year agoWOW! The talent of the artist is very impressive! Just found out about these Freedom Rocks. Seen the one at the John Wayne museum in Winterset. Will be adding these to my travels through Iowa to try and see them all. Great tribute to our vets!! Freedom is not free!!
Tim Schroeder
a year ago2025 Memorial Day Freedom Rock in Adair County near Greenfield, IA. By Ray "Bubba" Sorenson. Beautiful work.
j. fisher
8 years agoThis 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.
Dusty Treese
8 years agoWhat 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!