A few years back, my Nepali friend Ashis and I decided to take a spontaneous weekend road trip, and one of our stops was the giant statue of Pocahontas in the small town of Pocahontas, Iowa. It was one of those quirky roadside attractions that you don’t expect to stumble upon, but it added a unique touch to our trip and left us with lasting memories.
The drive to Pocahontas was typical Midwest—endless fields of corn and soybeans, stretching out as far as the eye could see. It was a peaceful drive, the kind that makes you appreciate the simple beauty of rural America. When we arrived in the town, it was hard to miss the statue—standing 25 feet tall, this imposing figure of Pocahontas dominates the skyline.
The statue itself is a tribute to the famous Native American woman, although it’s important to note that Pocahontas never had any direct connection to this part of Iowa. Still, the town adopted her as a symbol of strength and honor, and the statue has become a bit of a local landmark. Ashis and I found it fascinating how such a figure had come to be the town’s namesake, and we both admired the craftsmanship of the statue.
Standing at the base of the statue, we couldn’t help but feel small in comparison to its towering presence. The details on her face and traditional attire were striking, and we took our time walking around the base, reading the nearby plaques that explained more about Pocahontas and the town’s history. It was interesting to learn how this small rural town had embraced her image and made it a focal point of their identity.
After snapping a few photos (because who wouldn’t want a picture with a 25-foot Pocahontas?), Ashis and I took a moment to just sit and take in the quiet surroundings. There wasn’t a huge crowd—just a few other curious visitors like us—but that added to the charm. It was one of those moments where you realize that even in the most unexpected places, you can find something that sparks your curiosity and makes you pause for reflection.
The statue was part of what made our road trip memorable. It wasn’t a major tourist destination, but it was exactly the kind of off-the-beaten-path stop that makes road trips so fun. For Ashis and me, it became a symbol of the random but meaningful discoveries we made along the way.
As we left Pocahontas, we both felt a sense of satisfaction. It wasn’t just about seeing a statue; it was about the journey and the experiences that come with stepping off the main road and exploring something a little different. The giant statue of Pocahontas reminded us that every place has a story, no matter how big or small, and it’s always worth taking the time to listen.
If you ever find yourself driving through the heart of Iowa, I recommend making a stop in Pocahontas to see this towering tribute. It’s a great reminder that even the most unexpected roadside attractions can leave a lasting impression.
