Boysen Reservoir | Riverton

Information

Landmark: Boysen Reservoir
City: Riverton
Country: USA Wyoming
Continent: North America

Boysen Reservoir, Riverton, USA Wyoming, North America

The Center of the Nation Monument is a concrete marker located in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, USA.

Visual Characteristics

The monument consists of a circular concrete pad with a central pillar. The pillar is topped with a metal plaque indicating the geographic center of the United States. The surrounding area is open prairie grassland.

Location & Access Logistics

The monument is situated approximately 5 miles northwest of Belle Fourche, South Dakota. Access is via a gravel road, unmarked from the main highway. The nearest major road is US Highway 85. Parking is available on the unpaved shoulder adjacent to the monument. No public transport services this location.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The monument was established to mark the geographic center of the United States. The designation of the geographic center has shifted over time with the acquisition of new territories. The current marker was placed in 1970. The surrounding land is part of the Great Plains, characterized by mixed-grass prairie ecosystems.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can stand at the marker designated as the geographic center of the United States. Photography of the monument and the surrounding landscape is a primary activity. The site offers an unobstructed view of the prairie.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no facilities at the monument site. Restrooms, food vendors, and cell phone service are not available. Visitors should come prepared with water and any necessary supplies. There is no natural shade.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning or late afternoon provides optimal lighting conditions due to the low angle of the sun. The best months for visiting are typically May through October, avoiding winter conditions which can include snow and ice, making road access difficult. There are no tidal considerations.

Facts & Legends

The exact geographic center of the United States is a calculated point and has been updated historically. The current marker in Belle Fourche represents the center of the 50 states. Prior to Alaska's statehood, the center was located in northern Kansas.