Belle Fourche, South Dakota: Abandoned Shepherds Monument

The sign no longer says road closed. Now says "Please Close Gate." We drove to the old parking/picnic area. As shared by others, this once nice stop has been abandoned. I don't think rattlesnakes are the reason. The City of Belle Fourche petitioned the USGS to declare their city as the Center of the Nation as it is the closest town. They built a very nice granite marker. I'm fairly sure this is why the former was abandoned (which, BTW, was also not the true center. The true center is a flag in a pasture about 6 miles west of here.)

We live in a rural area with plenty of snakes and are very snake aware. The weather was sunny and in the 70s. We saw zero snakes. I went first and my four and five year old daughters -- who are also snake smart -- followed me. The only hazards were cactus and other spiked plants. We did see numerous holes and places I certainly would not stick my hand into. The trail is still visible but steps have eroded so it was easier to follow beside the old trail.

The views from the top are amazing. The Stone Johnnys have been toppled, but there is one visible to the East that is intact. The girls loved the hike, and I think even in its decay it's well worth the stop. I have no doubt there are snakes around, like all places in western Dakota. Be smart. Be careful and use your best judgment.

Found the monument by accident and was intrigued. The paved road leading up to the old rest area is now completely gated off, although a person can easily slip through. It is quite obvious, as it has a large "Road Closed" sign over it. It's a decent walk from the highway, but worth it. At the old rest area, there is still a bathroom,what appears to be an old dumping station, and slightly farther uphill, an old base for a picnic shelter. You then hike up a moderate trail to the top, where there are still 2-3 stone cairns, on large rocks. The area is fenced off, but you can slip through the gate for photos. The wooden sign is still there, but fading away.

It seemed odd there would be such development for a seemingly small historical tidbit. When we got home, I did some research. The State of SD got double duty out of it, by using it as the "Geographic Center of the 50 States" marker as well! It's a shame the site has been abandoned. Kind of forlorn now.

On a hilltop in the quiet and serene South Dakota plains, I found the Shepherds Monument. Many years ago it appeared to be an official state landmark, but has since fallen into disrepair. It has not been maintained in at least 10-15 years. Evidence of its once offical status can be found by an old info/ticket center. A narrow road takes you to the foot of a hill, where you have to leave your car and take a old abandoned path to a fenced in area among the rocks. It takes a little effort but once at the top you will treated to breath taking vista of the plains.

A tired old wooden marker with faded yellow lettering in the fence tells you about the rock formation found behind fence. The story goes that shepherds tending their flocks would pass the time making rock formations.