Ledges State Park to commemorate 100-year anniversary with free event, rededication
Ledges State Park has been “rock solid for 100 years.”
That’s the tagline on the T-shirts being sold at the park concession stand near the campground entrance commemorating its centennial.
Ledges State Park in rural Boone County is named for the sandstone ledges that tower above the Des Moines River. It has been a popular spot for hikers, picnickers, and campers for several decades.
The park boasts four miles of trails and historic structures constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the New Deal era in the 1930s. Dedicated on Nov. 9, 1924, Ledges State Park is located a few miles south of Boone.
A number of celebrations and educational events will mark the 100th anniversary, with many still yet to be announced.
“The events are kind of like pop-up activities," said Rick Heldt, president of Friends of the Ledges, an organization that advocates for the park.
The 100th anniversary events will be announced on the group’s Facebook page, “Friends of the Ledges.”
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Free event will celebrate Ledge's 100th year
A grand celebration will take place on Sept. 28 to honor the 100th anniversary of the Ledges, coinciding with National Public Lands Day.
“We want to give back to the community with a celebration at the Ledges,” Heldt said.
The day will begin with Friends of the Ledges’ annual pancake breakfast, followed by a bags tournament.
Many free activities will offered throughout the day, including guided trail hikes, a professional magician, face painting, several carnival games and a jump house. The clown Silly Sally will be on hand making balloon animals and other shapes.
Five bands will grace two stages throughout the evening and afternoon, one in the campground and one near Oak Woods Shelter. Performers include the Weary Ramblers, Lincoln Highway, Booneshine, Rural Route, and Justin Elliott and Aaron Ely.
Bingo will be played at the Carl Fritz Hennings shelter for a small fee. A handful of food trucks will be on hand to provide meals, snacks, and beverages.
The event will be of relatively low cost for visitors, Heldt said.
“The food trucks and bingo are the only expenses people might have,” Heldt said. “Otherwise everything is free of charge.”
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Ledges plans rededication ceremony in November
Ledges State Park will be rededicated on Nov. 9, exactly 100 years after its initial dedication.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is collaborating with Friends of the Ledges to plan the event. Additional details are not yet available.
The celebration should have statewide appeal, joining one other park celebrating its centennial.
“There are only two parks in the state of Iowa having a 100th year celebration this year,” Heldt said. “The Ledges and the other one is Pilot Knob up in Forest City.”
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Ronna Faaborg covers business and the arts for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rfaaborg@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: 'Rock solid for 100 years': Ledges State Park celebrates centennial
