(KIWA / SCR) — Iowa’s highest point now has another claim to fame.
Visitors to Hawkeye Point north of Sibley will now be greeted by what organizers are calling Iowa’s tallest ear of corn after a landmark silo was transformed into a giant painted ear of corn as part of a community improvement project.
Hawkeye Point Board President Mike Earll says the project has been in the works over the past year and was completed with the help of mural artist Troy Freeman of Bloomington, Illinois.
“It’s been kind of a unique project here for the Hawkeye Point Foundation and a lot of our supporters. This last year, we hired a gentleman by the name of Troy Freeman from Bloomington, Illinois, to come out and paint the silo to look like a giant ear of corn. So now we’re basically saying it’s Iowa’s tallest ear of corn at the highest point in Iowa.”
Celebration Set for Saturday
The new attraction will officially be dedicated during the “I Reached the Peak” celebration on Saturday at Hawkeye Point.
Activities begin with a pancake and sausage breakfast from 10:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by the Klassen Family of Worthington, Minnesota, performing patriotic and gospel music throughout the morning. Families can also enjoy children’s rides and hayrides before the dedication ceremony begins at 1:00 p.m.
Earll says the afternoon program will officially unveil the new mural while highlighting other improvements that have been made at Iowa’s highest point.
“We’ll have a short program basically just to unveil the silo and just to show folks some of the things that we’ve been able to accomplish here at Hawkeye Point.”
Volunteers Keep Hawkeye Point Growing
Earll says the Hawkeye Point Board is made up entirely of volunteers from across Osceola County, including student representatives from local FFA chapters and 4-H clubs. The group’s mission is to promote Hawkeye Point, oversee development projects, and encourage visitors to experience Iowa’s highest elevation.
He says the site’s future was secured in 2008 when the Osceola County Board of Supervisors purchased the property from the Sterler family after local FFA members advocated for preserving the landmark. Today, Osceola County owns the property, the Osceola County Conservation Board maintains the grounds and campground, and the volunteer foundation continues raising funds and completing special projects like the new corn mural.
“Our goal basically is to promote Hawkeye Point, to work on development efforts, and just to encourage people to come out and visit Iowa’s highest point.”
Residents and visitors are invited to attend Saturday’s celebration. The meal begins at 10:30 a.m., with the dedication program scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of Troy Freeman
