Highground, The (Veterans Memorial Park)

“Fragments”  sculpture.  All photos courtesy of The Highground

The Highground is a 155-acre staffed memorial park that pays tribute to the war dead and honors the survivors, their service and their sacrifices. The Park’s mission is to heal, educate and honor without glorifying the wars. The Park includes tributes to veterans of WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf. The Park provides a view of 500,000 acres of forestland with an accessible plaza containing the tributes from WWI to present.

Highground walkway

There are four miles of hiking trails, a developmental forest, and 54 tables along the trails on which to read, reflect or enjoy a meal. The Learning Center, which is also handicap accessible, features a library, media center and a gallery.  The Timberframe Information and Gift Shop, weighing 51 tons and comprised of 258 white oak timbers and 720 red oak pegs, was designed and built by Highground staff and volunteers with donated funds.

The Park’s outstanding sculptures and buildings include: The Nurse, The National Native American Vietnam Veterans Memorial, The Korean War Tribute, WWII Veteran’s Tribute, Honor Stones, WWII Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), Handicap Accessible Treehouse, Ascension of Doves, Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Tribute: “Fragments”, The Liberty Bell, Meditation Garden, Earthen Dove Effigy Mound, The Highground Learning Center, The Gold Star, The Doughboy: The Tribute to World War I Veterans, Timberframe (home to information-Gift shop and offices).

This is a “must-see” for visitors.  It is open free to the public.  The site is maintained exclusively with private donations through a charitable, non-profit organization.

Source: Clark County Area Visitor’s Guide and The Highground website.