Geographic Center of the Nation Monument

While the actual center of the nation is located on private property, the Geographic Center of the Nation Monument is located in Belle Fourche in western South Dakota. The National Geodetic Survey designated Belle Fourche as the town closest to the actual site and the monument was placed there. The 21-foot diameter monument is located next to the Center of the Nation Visitor Center and the Tri-State Museum and is accessible year-round. The actual geographic center of the nation is located on private property. While the rancher does allow people to experience the site, he does not want to develop the area. The National Geodetic Survey has designated Belle Fourche as the town closest to the actual site allowing Belle Fourche to have the monument in the town. To drive to the actual geographic center of the nation, one needs to drive 13 miles on HWY 85 north from the intersection of HWY 85 and 212. Turn left onto Old HWY 85 (look for a small blue sign with white lettering) and drive 7.8 miles until you see a barn on your left hand side. One the right hand side of the road you will see a small sign in red white and blue telling you that you have reached the Center of the Nation. Looking into the pasture, you will see a US Flag flying freely. Feel free to park and climb through the barb wire fence and make the short walk out to the location…make sure to watch for cow pies and snakes! At the location you will see the survey marker highlighting the “Center of the Nation”.