In our last post we visited the Skate Palace, and from their rear patio you can see a fountain surrounded by a pond. This pond actually connects the Skate Palace to its neighbor, the Cobb
In our last post we visited the Skate Palace, and from their rear patio you can see a fountain surrounded by a pond. This pond actually connects the Skate Palace to its neighbor, the Cobb Memorial Park. Just as the Skate Palace is maintained and operated by the American Legion, so is this park, which was started to honor our veterans and their bravery. And just as the Skate Palace was graciously donated to the Legion, so was this property.
Converted into a park to display military aircraft, supplies and memorabilia, visitors today can walk around the park, which can also be considered an outdoor museum. While there, you’ll read about the battle at Iwo Jima in 1945, as well as admire sculptures erected to honor Ida Grove veterans and those who fought and died in WWI, WWII and Vietnam.
First impressions
Upon my very first drive into Ida Grove in mid-July, this park was the first real landmark I saw, and I knew I needed to plan my visit. From the road, I could see military air craft on display, our country’s flag blowing in the wind, and a large man-made pond. Knowing I was strapped for time, I couldn’t stop, but I made a mental note that this needed to be one of my stops on list of “Things to do in Ida Grove”. Therefore, a month later I drove the hour back to this small town, and made time to stop and walk around.
First off, I thoroughly enjoyed the tranquility of this park. It may be small, but it has a lot to offer. Walking past one of the buildings, you can peer inside and see an amazing piece of history. I’m not sure if the rock housed in this shelter is an actual fragment of Iwo Jima island, or if it is a reminder of our veterans’ sacrifices, similar to the Freedom Rock in Onawa, Iowa, but it does make you stop in awe at the amazing triumph we felt that victorious day during WWII.
Past the Iwo Jima tribute is a walking trail which will take you to two monuments displaying names of Ida Grove residents who have either died in battle, or are veterans of various military branches. In the background you’ll also see a pond with benches dotting the shoreline.
Camp Cobb
After spending some time admiring the landscape, I walked back along the trail and was surprised to find camping! I had no idea this was also a campground, which is so awesome. Not only are there full hookups, but also lots of wide open space for campers to have their privacy. Currently it is $10 a day to camp with no hook up, and $20 with hook up, or you can stay a week for $120. Not a bad deal, and something to consider if you’re traveling through with an RV.
Shelter rentals are available for those who want to have their family reunions here or other events, you’ll just need to contact Jack Rupp at 712-364-2958. This would actually be a really nice place for Summer gatherings since you have the pond and lots of land to explore, and it’s easy to find, right off Highway 59.
How suiting it is that this was the first landmark I saw driving into Ida Grove a month ago, other than the Ida Grove entrance sign on your way in, and it is the last thing I’m writing about in this small Iowa town. There are a couple places I didn’t get a chance to visit, but who knows…maybe I’ll make a return visit by the end of the year.
