If you’d asked us the location of the geographic center of our nation before we went to South Dakota, we might have answered Kansas or Missouri, maybe even Iowa or Nebraska. But we’d be wrong. The official Geographic Center of the Nation is in Belle Fourche , South Dakota. It really is!
The center of the nation, however, wasn’t always there. According to “In the Middle of Nowhere, a Nation’s Center” published in the New York Times on June 2, 2008, the center of our nation had “bounced around the heartland like the ball on an old movie-screen singalong.” Prior to Alaska joining the Union the center was Lebanon, Kansas. (See, we were right with our assumption after all.) But when the U. S. took in Alaska, the center moved to prairie land in Butte County, South Dakota. And then when Hawaii became a state, the National Geodedic Survey announced that the center had moved again — about 21 miles above to Belle Fourche, SD — where it remains today.
In October 1959, folks gathered to commemorate the spot, that was, at first, pretty inconspicuous — a rest area, a 40-foot flagpole, and some “Center of the Nation” signs that disappeared on a regular basis. But in 1999, Teresa Schanzenbach, president of the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce, spearheaded numerous efforts (fundraising mostly) to mark the spot in a dignified way with a massive map of the U. S. on a compass rose, made of 54,000 pounds of South Dakota granite. (After all, the Geographical Center of North America in Rugby, ND has a 15-foot stone obelisk to mark the spot — and you know about competition among the states for bragging rights.)
So that’s about it, as centers go. Belle Fourche (pronounced bell-foosh) is a good side stop for seeing the Geographic Center of the Nation, especially if you are touring the Black Hills on your way to see Devils Tower in Wyoming, as we were. But there’s more. If you can time your trip just right, you might be lucky enough to catch the Black Hills Roundup that pulls out all the stops with a Cattle Drive, Ranch Rodeo, Parade, Miss Black Hills Roundup, and a whole lot more — ending with fireworks on the Fourth! This year’s 101st Black Hills Roundup is June 28 to July 4, 2020.
How to get there: From Sturgis, Belle Fourche is about a 35-minute drive if you take I-90 W and SD-34 W. And when you arrive, you can stand near the compass rose, have your picture taken among the flags, visit the Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center, and then get you some cowboy gear in downtown Belle Fourche.
If nothing else, you’ll have bragging rights when people ask, “Where is the Geographic Center of the Nation?” Because you’ll know the answer!
Happy road trippin’ —
Rusha & Bert
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The Wandering RVer
When we were in Wisconsin, we went to one of the “4” corners of the world, where the 90 and 45 cross, it was pretty neat. We’ll have to get to SD and visit the center. Very cool.
Oh, the Places We See
I don’t know what lasting virtues these markers have, but we have fun with them anyway. Glad they’re there!
Curt Mekemson
Peggy and I stopped there four years ago when we were retracing my bike route around North America, Rusha. So that makes at least two times I was there. 🙂
Abrie Joubert
In South Africa there is always a “fight” about where the Indian and Atlantic Ocean. Cape Town claims it is at the Cape Peninsula (hence the 2Oceans aquarium), but the people of Cape Agulhas claim it is there (the most southern point of Africa).
Oh, the Places We See
Interesting. I guess every town or country wants bragging rights for something!
Easin’ Along
Well darn, we’re close, but out of time to get there. Leaving Dubois, WY on Saturday for Jackson. We’ve had a great time here and fell in love with the Wind River area. We’ll be back and visit this spot when we do. Joe
Oh, the Places We See
The more I read about SD the more I’d like a return trip. We traveled through Spearfish Canyon but didn’t hike — and today I’ve seen pictures of the waterfalls we missed. It’s hard to see it all, though. We just appreciate what we’ve been able to do.
CompassAndCamera
Cool fact! Thanks for sharing!
dawnkinster
Never knew this! Love the cattle shot!
Oh, the Places We See
I didn’t know this either! Funny, we know a lot about where we live but there’s still lots to learn about other parts of the world. I love that cattle shot as well and would love to be there for that event. Thanks for commenting!
Pit
Same here for me!
maristravels
Really enjoyable post, thank you.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. I didn’t have many pictures because the monument is about all there is. But the story is fascinating about how the center has changed over time.
ralietravels
We once saw an old sign proclaiming the center of the nation in Kansas. We also have spent time in the Black Hills and at Devils Tower. But we did not know about Belle Fourche. Well, maybe the next time….
Oh, the Places We See
I think the center in Kansas has some historical significance, but the new one is the center for now. It’s fine, of course. But when you live in the South as we do, you just don’t think of SD as the center! It’s way north , in our opinion!!!