📷 Quincylvania, CC0Geographical Center of North America
Rugby, ND
A stone cairn with a flagpole marks the claimed geographic center of the North American continent, next to a small museum in Rugby. It is a quick roadside stop on US 2, worth it for the photo and the local pride.
Rugby is in Pierce County at the junction of US 2 and ND 3. In 1931 the town erected a rock obelisk about 4.5 m (15 ft) tall, inscribed "Geographical Center of North America"; it was moved in 1971 when US 2 was widened. Flags of the United States, Canada and Mexico fly at the monument. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, however, the actual center lies about 24 km (15 miles) away, 9.7 km (6 miles) west of Balta; other calculations point farther southwest to the town of Center, North Dakota.
The stop takes only a few minutes and fits well into a drive along US 2. If you have more time, visit the Prairie Village Museum, which houses some of the county's oldest historic buildings, including the 1886 Great Northern Railroad depot. With a break and photos, allow one to two hours in total.
- Nearest town
- Rugby, ND
- Category
- Roadside oddities
- GPS
- 48.3706, -99.9960
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
FAQs
Where is Geographical Center of North America?
Geographical Center of North America is in Rugby, ND, at GPS 48.3706, -99.9960. It is about 102 mi from Brandon.
What is there to see near Geographical Center of North America?
Places worth a stop nearby: International Peace Garden (43 mi), Lake Metigoshe State Park (45 mi), Fort Totten State Historic Site (54 mi) and Fort Mandan (91 mi).
When is the best time to visit Geographical Center of North America?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)