Ozark Zen: Paddling Safety Tips

If you have ever paddled Pulaski County, Missouri’s Ozark mountain float streams you have experienced the rejuvenation that time in the outdoors, surrounded by Mother Nature’s splendor, brings to the human experience. Passing time in a kayak or canoe with family and friends on the timeless Gasconade & Big Piney rivers indulges a profound connection to Mother Earth and her wild creatures.

 

Before seeking your Zen this season review these rules, regulations, & safety tips provided by Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Water Patrol Division:

MISSOURI RULES & REGULATIONS

• There is no replacement for common sense and individual responsibility. Be courteous and respectful to everyone you encounter on Missouri’s float streams.
• Watercraft operators are REQUIRED to have an appropriate personal flotation device for EACH person on board.
• Anyone under the age of seven who is on board MUST WEAR a personal flotation device.
• If alcohol is part of your float trip, make smart choices and obey the law. The use of beer bongs or other devices used to consume alcohol on Missouri’s rivers is prohibited.
• Packing snacks and beverages to help you refuel is a good idea. Do NOT bring beverages in glass containers.
• Take your trash with you after your float. Most outfitters will provide a potato sack for storing refuse during your float.
• Missouri State Highway Patrol has a zero-tolerance approach to illegal drug use throughout the state, including on Missouri’s waterways.
• Respect property boundaries during your float trip.
• Any person operating a vessel or watercraft must do so in a careful and prudent manner.

SAFETY TIPS

• Protect yourself from the sun.
• Wear water shoes.
• Be familiar with the river and its individual characteristics. Reputable outfitters alert paddlers of potential trouble spots before putting in on the river.
• Learn to recognize hazards such as strainers, dams, boulders, barb wire across the river, etc.
• Know your limits and do not attempt a section of river beyond your skill level. (Pulaski’s rivers typically are appropriate for all skill levels, especially for beginners. Advanced paddlers love the dramatic bluffs & scenery, fishing, and serenity.)
• Do not paddle rivers in flood stage or after a heavy rain. Reputable outfitters will not put people on the water in hazardous conditions.
• IF you capsize, hold onto your kayak or canoe and move immediately to the upstream side. Float on your back, feet together and pointed downstream. Gradually work your way to the shore.
• Carry dry clothing and a first aid kit in a secure, watertight container.
• Tie all your gear into the boat but NEVER lash children or pets to the craft.
• Stay sober and avoid being “too”- too tired, too drunk, too much sun, too far from safety, too much strenuous activity.
• Learn basic water rescue techniques and remember the adage of “Reach-Throw-Row-Go for Help” if attempting a rescue.

Order your free Pulaski County, Missouri Visitors Guide today! The Visitors Guide includes helpful information on area outfitters.

Welcome to Pulaski County USA!

Puzzled? Escape Rooms in Pulaski County USA!

What is an escape room? The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, PA defines escape rooms as:

“an all-new form of entertainment where teams of 6-12 players must use and manipulate their surroundings to escape an enclosed area or achieve a goal within a set amount of time.”

But, how do they work? The gamemaster, who oversees your in-game EXPERIENCE, details the mission to your team. Once your squad is inside the themed room gamespace you will begin scavenging for clues. You could possibly find a lock that needs a key, or a sealed container that requires a passcode to access. Your team will have to work together to solve the puzzles to make your escape before the gameclock runs out.

Escape rooms are exploding in popularity! PULASKI COUNTY now has two game businesses offering rooms that appeal to people seeking a video-game-style adventure in real-life action.

USA Today summarized:

“Factor in quality time spent with friends, the chance to show off puzzle-solving skills, the adrenaline rush fueled by a faux-high-stakes game and a guaranteed photo-op, and you can see why escape rooms have become a popular American pastime.”

ESCAPE room aficionado/blogger David Spira adds “in a world gone digital, it feels so good to do something in real life.”

Escape ROOMS are fantastic way to give your brain a workout and enjoy laughs as a come-as-you-are family activity, a birthday party, a casual gathering with a twist- or even a date night!

Book your escape room adventures at Escape Fort Wood and Escape Uranus today!

Fun & Entertainment in Waynesville-Saint Robert, Missouri

Nestled in the timeless Ozark Mountains, Pulaski County is home to bountiful outdoor recreation activities. The Gasconade & Big Piney rivers call to kayakers, canoeists, and bass fishers. Trout anglers lure browns and rainbows to their lines in downtown Waynesville within view of historic Route 66’s most architecturally beautiful urban arched bridge. Birders explore Missouri Department of Conservation areas for sightings

of blue herons and bald eagles. Seasonal hunters and off-trail hikers seek game and solitude in Pulaski County’s Mark Twain National Forest. Dramatic bluffs, especially in the Devils Elbow neighborhood, appeal to climbers. Pulaski County, the heart of the “Cave State,” includes over 700 known caves. Roubidoux Grotto cavers, along with cavers from across the state, explore, study, and protect these rich underground resources. Certified cave divers from around the world descend into the underwater depths of the Roubidoux Spring cave system. Off-road cyclists pedal through challenging topography on country gravel roads. Professional and amateur photographers capture pristine landscapes and wildlife with their lenses throughout all four seasons.

Saint Robert’s Community Center is the location for year-round events including cook-offs, craft bazaars, wargaming competitions, comic-cons, and holiday celebrations. Tiger Typhoon Water Park is always a hit with families during the summer months. Year-round water activities and indoor swimming can be found at the Aquatic Center. Skaters can bring their boards to the Rotary Club Skate Park. Golfers can enjoy an afternoon at the 9-hole, 3-par, putt and pitch municipal golf course. History buffs and patriots will want to visit the Saint Robert Museum, U.S.O. Chimney Commemorative, and Freedom Rock.

Pitch & Putt 9 hole golf course at Saint Robert, Missouri

While in Waynesville enjoy Roubidoux Park and Laughlin Park. Both parks provide access to the Roubidoux River and are connected by a paved walking trail. Roubidoux Park is home to Old Settlers Days and the annual Cave State Cruisers Car Show. The park also features occasional concerts under the bandshell and pavilions for picnicking and gatherings. Roubidoux Park’s newest addition is Little Heroes Playground, an all-accessible play area. Laughlin Park includes the world-famous Roubidoux Spring and the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Cherokee Campsite. Seven interpretative signs have been installed between the spring and the former ford (river crossing) just north of the bridge. History enthusiasts will also want to explore the 1903 Route 66 Courthouse Museum and the Old Stagecoach Stop– both are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Pulaski County Tourism Bureau offers a free downtown Waynesville Walking Tour brochure. It can be found at many of the one-of-a-kind eateries, gift boutiques, or antique stores on the Square or at the Pulaski County Visitors Center. Catch a show at Theater on the Square playhouse or enjoy the newest Hollywood blockbuster on the Grand Screen at the state-of-the-art movie theater in West Waynesville.

Family fun at the Old Stagecoach Stop Museum on the Square in Waynesville, Missouri

Visitors to Fort Leonard Wood shouldn’t miss Mahaffey Museum Complex. This is the only place in the country where you can tour three United State Army branch museums- the Military Police Museum, the Chemical Corps Museum, and the Engineer Museum, in a single location. An outdoor museum includes the World War II Company Area- a collection of restored, temporary mobilization buildings. These structures were some of the very first to be erected at Fort Leonard Wood. They depict the conditions that soldiers and soldiers-in-training would have experienced in the days leading up to, and during the duration of, WWII. A historic driving tour map can be obtained at the Front Gate Visitors Center. Miller Cave, Stone Mill Spring, and Piney Valley Golf Course should also be included on your itinerary!

Big Piney River bridge, Fort Leonard Wood. Photo by Amanda Sullivan for Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office.

Historic Route 66 ties the communities of Saint Robert and Waynesville together. Much more than a road, Route 66 is also a world-famous destination. Observant visitors and residents will notice Route 66 travelers in groups, and solo, through-out the year. Thirty-three miles of the fabled Mother Road cross Pulaski County from east to west and many “roadies” recognize Pulaski County’s stretch as one of the most scenic on the eight-state route. Pulaski County Tourism Bureau offers a free turn-by-turn brochure that includes vintage photographs and historical notes. It can be found at many of the hotels, outfitters, eateries, boutiques, antique stores, museums, and attractions throughout Saint Robert and Waynesville or at the Pulaski County Visitors Center.

Former Route 66 alignment near Laquey, Missouri

Pulaski County is also home to roller skating and laser tag activities, half-marathons and 10Ks, festivals, escape rooms, indoor shooting ranges, haunted attractions, pumpkin patches, throwback “tourist traps,” railroading heritage, scenic drives, Instagram-worthy backdrops, and an international array of dining choices.

Pulaski County Visitors Center is your one-stop source for information for all things fun and entertaining! Our knowledgeable and helpful representatives will provide you with a free copy of our Visitors Guide (great for locals too!) and personalize your route to attractions and destinations throughout the area. The Visitors Center, located at 137 St. Robert Boulevard, Saint Robert is open Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., with extended hours during Spring and Summer. We are always available online at www.PulaskiCountyUSA.com and www.Facebook.com/PulaskiCountyUSA.

38th Annual Old Settlers Day Schedule of Events

38th Annual Old Settlers Day featuring Civil War battle reenactments
Presented by Pulaski County Museum & Historical Society
July 28 & 29, 2018
Waynesville City Park
Waynesville, Missouri

CONNECT with Old Settlers Day 2018 at https://www.facebook.com/events/1200734773361817

Schedule of Events:

ALL WEEKEND
Civil War Camps
Kickapoo Trace Muzzleloader Camps
Living History Demonstrations
Cavalry Drills
Horsemanship
Infantry Drills
Weapons Inspections
President Lincoln (portrayed by George Buss)
General U.S. Grant (portrayed by Wayne Issleb)
Trail of Tears National Historic Trail (Laughlin Park)

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT BY:
The Back Porch Players (at Pavilion 3)
Spike and Janis (at the stage)
Flower O’Scotland Dance Troupe (at Pavilion 2)
Pyro Pat Productions (at the stage)

SATURDAY, JULY 28th
7:00 a.m.- Army Engineer Association Sverdrup Chapter Annual 5K Run Registration
8:00 a.m.- Army Engineer Association Sverdrup Chapter Annual 5K Run
8:00 a.m. Camps open to the public
10:00 a.m.- Opening Ceremony
10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.- ASYMCA Duck Race
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.- Tour the 1903 Courthouse Museum
10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.- Visit the Old Stagecoach Stop (served as Civil War hospital)
10:30-11:30 a.m.- Presentations by General Grant and President Lincoln
2:00 p.m. Battle Reenactment
5:00-7:00 p.m.- Camps closed to the public
7:00 p.m.- Period Dance with music by Back Porch Players. Public is invited and encouraged to attend
7:30 p.m.- “An Evening with Grant” at Theater on the Square (ticket purchase required)
8:30 p.m.- Night Fire & Artillery Show

Courtesy of Pulaski County Tourism Bureau

 

SUNDAY, JULY 29th
8:00 a.m.- Camps open to the public
9:30 a.m.: Period Church Service at the Stage. Public is invited and encouraged to attend.
10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Gospel Music by the Back Porch Players
1:00 p.m.- Battle Reenactment
3:30 p.m.- Closing

Courtesy of Pulaski County Tourism Bureau

SPONSORS:

BAYMONT INN & SUITES
KIWANIS CLUB OF PULASKI COUNTY
HOPPER’S PUB
NONA’S KITCHEN
OLD SMOKE SHACK BBQ

Shuttle service to the Square provided by Bells Extended Stay and Suites

*Schedule subject to change

This Week Around Pulaski County USA! (January 29- February 4, 2018)

This Week Around Pulaski County USA! (January 29- February 4, 2018)

February 3- Pulaski County Farmers Market
What: Mid-Missouri’s friendliest year-round farmers market.
Where: Farmers Market Pavilion at Roubidoux Spring Campground & RV Park, Waynesville
When: 8:00 a.m. until Noon
Cost: FREE admission
Contact: Pulaski County Farmers Market (Bruce Main)- 573-842-9079
https://www.facebook.com/PulaskiCountyMOFarmersMarket

Weekly (year-round) Farmers Market at Roubidoux Spring Campground & RV Park, Waynesville

February 3- Paranormal Investigations of the Historic Talbot House
What: Paranormal investigation of one of Waynesville’s oldest homes.
Where: Talbot House Antiques, 405 North Street, Waynesville
When: Investigation begins at dusk. Call for exact start time.
Cost: $20, reservations required.
Contact: Crocker’s Optimistic Paranormal Society (Dawnmarie Cecora)- 573-528-2149
https://www.facebook.com/events/1502874380020107

Looking Ahead:

February 10, 17, & 24- Pulaski County Farmers Market, Waynesville
February 10- Comedy Jam, Saint Robert
February 17- Show Me State Winter Classic, Saint Robert
February 17- Bluegrass at The Barn with The Hunt Family Band, Dixon
February 24- Pulaski County Pageant, Waynesville
March 3- Paranormal Investigations of the Historic Talbot House, Waynesville
March 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31- Pulaski County Farmers Market, Waynesville
March 3- RCW Richland Rumble Wrestling, Richland
March 10- Ham & Bean Dinner Show, Dixon
March 16 & 17- Outdoor Sportsman Show & BBQ Cook Off, Saint Robert
March 24- Annual Taste of Pulaski County & Basket Auction, Saint Robert

For more event listings in Pulaski County USA please visit our online calendar at: http://tinyurl.com/PulaskiCountyUSAEvents or www.facebook.com/PulaskiCountyUSA

Email your event information and flyer to laurah@pulaskicountyusa.com

This Week Around Pulaski County USA! (Christmas Edition: December 18-December 26, 2017)

This Week Around Pulaski County USA! (Christmas Edition: December 18-December 26, 2017)

December 18 thru December 26- Richland’s City of Lights
What: A downtown holiday light experience.
Where: Richland’s downtown, Frisco Park, & Shady Dell Park
When: Nightly, 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE admission
Contact: Richland Chamber of Commerce (Sara Cassidy)- 573-765-3028

December 18 thru December 26- Christmas Lights at Devils Elbow Bridge
What: A must see for Route 66 roadies, photographers, and kids of all ages!
Where: Downtown Devils Elbow on Route 66
When: 4:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE admission. Donations for lights accepted at Pulaski County Tourism Bureau in Saint Robert.
Contact: Pulaski County Tourism Bureau– 573-336-6355
*NOTE: Bridge traffic is limited to passenger vehicles that weigh less than 3,000 pounds.

A taillight flare adds an extra zip to the festive lights on the Devils Elbow Bridge. Photo by Shawn Helgerson.

December 23- Pulaski County Farmers Market
What: Mid-Missouri’s friendliest year-round farmers market.
Where: Farmers Market Pavilion at Roubidoux Spring Campground & RV Park, Waynesville
When: 8:00 a.m. until Noon
Cost: FREE admission
Contact: Pulaski County Farmers Market (Bruce Main)- 573-842-9079

Pulaski County USA Tourism Bureau & Visitors Center will be closed Monday, December 25th and Tuesday December 26th. We will resume normal office operations Wednesday, December 27th. Visit us anytime, online at http://www.PulaskiCountyUSA.com. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Looking Ahead:

December 27 through December 31- City of Lights, Richland
December 27 through January 5- Christmas Lights at Devils Elbow Bridge, Devils Elbow
December 30- Pulaski County Farmers Market, Waynesville
January 6, 13, 20 & 27- Pulaski County Farmers Market, Waynesville
January 6- Paranormal Investigations of the Historic Talbot House, Waynesville
January 13- Bluegrass at The Barn with Jimmie Allison & the Ozark Rounders, Dixon
January 20- Polar Meltdown Chili Cook-Off, Saint Robert
February 3, 10, 17, & 24- Pulaski County Farmers Market, Waynesville
February 3- Paranormal Investigations of the Historic Talbot House, Waynesville
February 17- Bluegrass at The Barn with The Hunt Family Band, Dixon
February 24- Pulaski County Pageant, Waynesville

For more event listings in Pulaski County USA please visit our online calendar at: http://tinyurl.com/PulaskiCountyUSAEvents or www.facebook.com/PulaskiCountyUSA

Send your Pulaski County event listings and flyers to laurah@pulaskicountyusa.com

Guide your sleigh to Pulaski County USA!

Guide your sleigh to Pulaski County USA in south-central Missouri!

Christmas time in Pulaski County is stuffed with holiday cheer- parades, tree lighting events, live nativities, and festivals loaded with mid-western charm!  Top off your weekend with shopping at our antique stores and unique boutiques, delicious food with international flair, and a glass of Missouri wine with a view of our historic courthouse and quaint square!

November 25-December 31- City of Lights in Downtown Richland

December 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, & 17- Pulaski Fine Arts Association presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”

December 2- Laquey Christmas Parade

December 2- Ole’ Time Christmas at Shady Dell Park, Richland

December 2- Lighted Christmas Parade at Dixon

December 3- Kiwanis Club of Pulaski County Annual Christmas Parade at Waynesville

December 3- Holiday in the Park, Saint Robert

December 3- Christmas on Main Street at Crocker

December 7- Christmas on the Square, Waynesville

December 8 & 9- Journey to Bethlehem live nativity near Crocker

December 9- “Window Wonderland” Christmas Parade at Richland

While in the area don’t miss Waynesville’s nativity scene, the decorated Route 66 bridge at Devils Elbow, and Christmas on the Square in Waynesville December 7th.

For more things to see and do in Pulaski County, Missouri, along with dining & lodging guides, visit www.PulaskiCountyUSA.com.

 

This Week around Pulaski County USA!

Events for the week of October 9-October 15, 2017

Welcome to the following group:
October 13 & 14- Solar Bike Route 66

October 9, 14, & 15- Uncle Buck’s Pumpkin Patch
What: Pumpkin patch and family-friendly autumn activities & concessions
Where: 10800 Highway D, Dixon
When: 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $6 admission (ages 2 & up)
Contact: Uncle Buck’s Pumpkin Patch (Marilyn Moehle)- 573.759.9045

October 13 & 14- Haunted House & Corn Maze
What: Haunted house and corn maze.
Where: 22474 Restful Lane, Waynesville
When: 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.
Cost: $15
Contact: Ruby’s Landing– 573-337-4305

October 13 & 14- Haunted River Float
What: Haunted float trip on the Gasconade River
Where: 22474 Restful Lane, Waynesville
When: First float at dark, last check-in at 10:00 p.m.
Cost: $25.00
Contact: Ruby’s Landing– 573-855-9567

October 13 & 14- Rising Haunted Attraction
What: Haunted attraction
Where: 25238 Raleigh Road, Waynesville
When: 8:00 p.m. until Midnight
Cost: $10
Contact: Rising Haunted Attraction (Matt Perrine)- 573-765-3881

October 14- Gearhead Bash
What: Cars, trucks, and bikes of all kinds
Where: Shady Dell Park, Richland
When: 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE admission
Contact: Richland Parks Department (Mark Decker)- 573-855-4828

October 14- Paranormal Investigations of the Historic Talbot House
What: Supervised paranormal investigation of one of Waynesville’s oldest homes.
Where: 405 North Street, Waynesville
When: Investigation begins at dusk, call for exact start time.
Cost: $25 per person, reservations required
Contact: Crocker’s Optimistic Paranormal Society (Dawnmarie Cecora)- 573.528.2149

Looking Ahead:

October 21 & 28- Paranormal Investigations of Historic Talbot House, Waynesville
October 21, 22, 28, & 29- Uncle Buck’s Pumpkin Patch, Dixon
October 20, 21, 27, 28, & 31- Rising Haunted Attraction, Waynesville
October 20, 21, 27, & 28- Haunted House & Corn Maze, Waynesville
October 20- Halloween in the Park, Saint Robert
October 28- Truck or Treat, Crocker
October 28- Spooktacular Trail of Treats, Richland
October 28- Route 66 Challenge, Pulaski County
October 28- Zombie Run 5K/Trunk or Treat, Waynesville
October 28- Halloween Glow Run, Waynesville
October 31- Trick or Treat on Main Street, Dixon
November 4, 11, 18, & 25- Pulaski County Farmers Market, Waynesville
November 4- Moe Bandy Concert, Dixon
November 11- Veterans Day Parade, Saint Robert
December 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30- Pulaski County Farmers Market, Waynesville
December 2- Lighted Christmas Parade, Dixon
December 2- Ole Time Christmas at Shady Dell Park, Richland
December 3- Christmas on Main Street, Crocker
December 3- Holiday in the Park, Saint Robert
December 7- Christmas on the Square, Waynesville
December 8 & 9- Journey to Bethlehem, Crocker

For more event listings in Pulaski County USA please visit our online calendar at: http://tinyurl.com/PulaskiCountyUSAEvents or www.facebook.com/PulaskiCountyUSA

This Week Around Pulaski County USA!

Events for the week of October 2-October 8, 2017

October 6 & 7- Haunted House & Corn Maze
What: Haunted house and corn maze.
Where: 22474 Restful Lane, Waynesville
When: 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.
Cost: $15
Contact: Ruby’s Landing– 573-337-4305

October 6 & 7- Haunted River Float
What: Haunted float trip on the Gasconade River
Where: 22474 Restful Lane, Waynesville
When: First float at dark, last check-in at 10:00 p.m.
Cost: $25.00
Contact: Ruby’s Landing– 573-855-9567

October 6 & 7- Rising Haunted Attraction
What: Haunted attraction
Where: 25238 Raleigh Road, Waynesville
When: 8:00 p.m. until Midnight
Cost: $10
Contact: Rising Haunted Attraction (Matt Perrine)- 573-765-3881

October 7- Frog Hill Half Marathon & 10K
What: Half marathon and 10K
Where: East Elementary School, 1501 State Highway F, Waynesville
When: 8:30 a.m.
Cost: Call for pricing
Contact: F.R.O.G. Fitness Group (Melissa Martinez)- 573-433-6684

October 7- Oktoberfest
What: Family-friendly Oktoberfest celebration
Where: Pershing Community Center, Fort Leonard Wood
When: 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE admission
Contact: Fort Leonard Wood MWR– 573-596-6913

October 7- Paranormal Investigations of the Historic Talbot House
What: Supervised paranormal investigation of one of Waynesville’s oldest homes.
Where: 405 North Street, Waynesville
When: Investigation begins at dusk, call for exact start time.
Cost: $25 per person, reservations required
Contact: Crocker’s Optimistic Paranormal Society (Dawnmarie Cecora)- 573.528.2149

October 7 & 8- Uncle Buck’s Pumpkin Patch
What: Pumpkin patch and family-friendly autumn activities & concessions
Where: 10800 Highway D, Dixon
When: 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $6 admission (ages 2 & up)
Contact: Uncle Buck’s Pumpkin Patch (Marilyn Moehle)- 573.759.9045

Looking Ahead:
October 14, 21, & 28- Paranormal Investigations of Historic Talbot House, Waynesville
October 9, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, & 29- Uncle Buck’s Pumpkin Patch, Dixon
October 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, & 31- Rising Haunted Attraction, Waynesville
October 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, & 28- Haunted House & Corn Maze, Waynesville
October 20- Halloween in the Park, Saint Robert
October 28- Truck or Treat, Crocker
October 28- Spooktacular Trail of Treats, Richland
October 28- Route 66 Challenge, Pulaski County
October 28- Zombie Run 5K/Trunk or Treat, Waynesville
October 28- Halloween Glow Run, Waynesville
October 31- Trick or Treat on Main Street, Dixon
November 4- Moe Bandy Concert, Dixon
November 11- Veterans Day Parade, Saint Robert

For more event listings in Pulaski County USA please visit our online calendar at: http://tinyurl.com/PulaskiCountyUSAEvents or www.facebook.com/PulaskiCountyUSA

Freedom Rock Tour comes to Saint Robert, Missouri

By Laura Huffman

Saint Robert, Missouri Mayor George Lauritson couldn’t imagine a better location to host a Freedom Rock than Pulaski County’s patriotic “Gateway to Fort Leonard Wood.” During a previous tenure as Mayor, in 2002, Lauritson brought the tanks that are displayed throughout the city to town. He had also envisioned a “Military Rock Art Park” that displayed crests and symbols from units attached to Ft. Leonard Wood. In his most recent term of service as Mayor he has been able to turn that vision into reality at a location between Interstate 44 and St. Robert Boulevard.

Saint Robert’s Military Rock Display. Image courtesy of Pulaski County Tourism Bureau.

Michael Myers, now a Saint Robert alderman, noticed that the military rock art reminded him of Freedom Rocks that he had seen across Iowa. Myers approached City Council and after particulars were hammered out between city officials and the artist, Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II, it was announced that Saint Robert would be the location of Missouri’s third Freedom Rock.

The Freedom Rock project began in Greenfield, Iowa after Sorensen watched “Saving Private Ryan.” Sorensen decided that he would cover up the graffiti on a large rock beside the highway near town with a mural thanking America’s veterans. Since 1999 Sorensen has returned to the original Greenfield Freedom Rock and painted a new tribute each year before Memorial Day. The Greenfield Freedom Rock is especially poignant as veterans have asked to have their ashes mixed into Sorensen’s paint.

The Freedom Rock, Greenfield, Iowa, 2017 rendition. Image courtesy of the artist, Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II.

Sorensen’s paint isn’t the typical “off the rack” paint found at local hardware and home improvement stores. The natural pigment used in some of his blue hued paint is mined in Afghanistan and the finished paint can cost as much as $600 a gallon. The canvas for Sorensen’s Freedom Rock at Saint Robert is a slab of Missouri limestone, quarried at Laquey, in Pulaski County, measuring 9 feet by 10 feet at its widest point. The unpainted rock slab has a retail value of approximately $12,000. The limestone rock is set in 12 inches of concrete and a structure has been built over the stone to help protect it from the elements.

Many of the Freedom Rocks use a granite slab as Sorensen’s canvas. He states that Saint Robert’s porous limestone Freedom Rock creates challenges and will give it a different look than some of the ones that he has previously painted. His methodology remains the same though—a quick “scrape” of Missouri’s military history for inspiration and then sketching his vision directly onto the rock itself in pencil before bringing the detailed work to life with vivid colors.

Saint Robert’s Freedom Rock will feature Medal of Honor recipient General Leonard Wood and the Rough Rider era. It also will pay tribute to Fort Wood’s history as a training installation with a scene of a Drill Sergeant interacting with soldier-in-training during basic combat training. The reverse side of the limestone will depict “The Spirit of Pulaski County,” a North American P-51 Mustang aircraft that was purchased for the World War II effort  during the third War Loan Drive. The “skinny side” of the slab will be painted with the Fallen Soldier Battle Cross and the top of the rock will be draped in a painted American flag.

Sorensen’s Freedom Rocks are crafted with endurance in mind. Other than the original Freedom Rock, he does not return to repaint them. The quality of materials that he uses and three protective sealants, including one layer of vandal frustrating sealer, should protect the vividness of his art work and images for forty years.

Sorensen is excited to unveil his latest Freedom Rock in Saint Robert, Missouri’s second Purple Heart City. He noted that motor coaches in Iowa plan day trips that center around visiting four or five of his rocks. “Freedom Rock groupies” travel to visit each installation. Karen Hood, CTIS, Military Reunion Coordinator for Pulaski County Tourism Bureau commented that reunion groups will especially appreciate the patriotic tribute. Leisure travelers planning a Freedom Rock themed road trip will be able to explore Missouri’s northeast (Maryville) to the stunning Ozarks of the south central region (Saint Robert) before traveling to southeast riverside town of Cape Girardeau.

Missouri’s First Freedom Rock, Maryville, Missouri. Image courtesy of the artist, Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II.

Missouri’s Second Freedom Rock, Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Image courtesy of the artist, Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II.

Mayor Lauritson and the City Council plan to continue the celebration of Saint Robert’s patriotism after the Freedom Rock is completed. The brick chimney from the former U.S.O. is being rebuilt alongside Missouri Boulevard and the site will play host to another rock- this one recognizing Missouri’s Medal of Honor recipients as well as the Show Me State’s missing in action service members. Lauritson would also like for that area to include displays honoring the Navy and Marines, and possibly a fighter plane to symbolize the Air Force.

An official unveiling ceremony for Saint Robert’s Freedom Rock will be announced soon.

For more things to see and do in Pulaski County, Missouri, please visit http://www.PulaskiCountyUSA.com