Belle Fourche, South Dakota
Tri-State Museum
Tri-State Museum
our History
The journey began on June 15, 1955, when a group of dedicated community members held their first official meeting to establish a local museum. Those in attendance included George Fowler, Sam Brownell, S. G. Mortimer, Walter Cunningham, Marion Lucca, K. F. Olsen, F. B. Roberts, O. H. Frost, K. L. Arthur, Urho Jarvi, and Harry Stephens. Their vision came to life later that year with the formation of the non-profit Tri-State Memorial Museum.
Around that same time, the City of Belle Fourche purchased the Bowles House with the intent of turning the beautiful three-story home into a combined library and museum. However, the house proved impractical for that purpose and was never used. Instead, the city sold the property and used the proceeds to construct a new cinder-block building on land donated by Mrs. Edith Arnold in memory of her husband, Eugene Arnold. As the collection grew, the original building saw two major additions in 1964 and 1972.
A new chapter began in 2004 when the current museum building opened as part of a complex that includes the Center of the Nation Visitor Center. This was followed by the construction of a dedicated artifact storage facility in 2013. Today, the Museum and Visitor Center is partnering with the Tri-State Museum Foundation and the City of Belle Fourche on a new expansion project. This upcoming addition will feature classroom space, a prep kitchen, and a flexible gallery designed for temporary exhibits, theatrical programs, and private rentals, ensuring the museum remains a vibrant hub for the community.
historic cabin
Johnny Spaulding Cabin
Johnny Spaulding was a hunter, guide, scout, and a Black Hills area pioneer, who came to the area during the 1876 gold rush. Johnny built this two-story cabin in 1876. It was no ordinary cabin; the hand-hewn logs had been hauled from the hills between Crook City and Deadwood. The cabin was originally located on the Lower Redwater River just north of Highway 34 east near Belle Fourche. Pioneers made the cabin a safe haven during the early days of Butte County.
With civilization taking hold in the area, Johnny moved west to other frontiers. He served in the Spanish-American War, in the Philippines, and ultimately settled in California. Many people have lived in the cabin, as it was inhabited until the late 1930’s.
In 1960, the cabin was donated to the museum by the W.A. Helmer family. The Belle Fourche Lions Club took on the project, adding a side porch, shingled the roof, built a new chimney, and stained the logs.
In 2006, the Questers Club in Belle Fourche obtained a grant to help with the preservation of the Spaulding cabin, and during that year the museum and the City of Belle Fourche moved the cabin to the banks of the Belle Fourche River. The Lions Club constructed a new porch for the cabin and the Questers Club cleaned and furnished the cabin during the spring of 2007.
On June 14, 2007 the Tri-State Museum opened the Johnny Spaulding Cabin at its new location beside the new Museum building. The Cabin is open for visitation from Memorial Day to Labor Day, during complex hours; in the off-season it is open only by special request.
the Geographic Center of the Nation
Belle Fourche, South Dakota holds the distinction of being “The Center of the Nation.” But why is the center here? Because when Hawaii was admitted to the Union in 1959, its landmass – added to the landmass of the continental U.S. – shifted the geographic center of the 50 states to latitude 44 degrees, 58’N, longitude 103 degrees 46’W, which is approximately 20 miles north of Belle Fourche. This actual geographic center is marked with a small metal survey marker and a flag. It is on private land, though it is generally accessible. We will gladly provide you with directions.
Belle Fourche, however, felt that the Center of the Nation deserved a, big beautiful monument. And since our town falls within the measurement’s margin of error, our Chamber of Commerce conducted a fundraising effort to build it on the land below the Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center.
This spectacular compass rose-shaped monument was designed by local artist Monte Amende. It is 21 feet across and is constructed of South Dakota granite. It is open to visitation 24-7, all year long and is ringed with “The Avenue of Flags,” which includes all 50 state flags, as well as the national flags of the United States and Canada. It’s a dramatic image that makes for a wonderful photo op.
Come visit the monument, the museum and the friendly little western town of Belle Fourche that is at the Center of the Nation!
Story of the Centennial Statue
Standing eight and a half feet tall, the bronze cowboy on a bucking bronco is more than just art—it is a legacy. Commissioned to celebrate 100 years of settlement in Belle Fourche, this masterpiece was created by local South Dakota sculptor and champion bull rider Tony Chytka.
Using the traditional lost-wax method, Chytka transformed clay into a towering tribute to the grit and heritage of the Center of the Nation.
A Message to the Future
Buried beneath the statue lies a time capsule, waiting to be unearthed in the year 2089. It holds a snapshot of 1989 life, including:
Personal Connections: Letters from residents and schoolchildren to their future descendants.
Cultural Artifacts: 1980s staples like Jell-O, Kool-Aid, and Polaroid photos.
Community History: Local maps, newspapers, and a Belle Fourche High School annual.
The Heart of Belle Fourche
Centennial Park sits at the “beautiful fork” of three rivers, on land once part of the ranch owned by legendary lawman Seth Bullock. This park and statue were built by the community, for the community, funded entirely by local donations to ensure the story of the Northern Gateway to the Black Hills is never forgotten.
Location- National St. & 5th Ave. (US 85)
Artist- Tony R. Chytka, sculptor
Founder- T.R. Chytka Bronze
Our Exhibits
Explore the unique history, culture, and stories centered right here in Belle Fourche. Plan your walk through our past and see what makes the tri-state region unforgettable.
Hours of Operation
Labor Day – Memorial Day:
Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Closed Sunday and Monday.
Memorial Day – Labor Day:
Monday – Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m.
Call
Our Location
415 5th Ave, Belle Fourche, SD 57717
Roundup Office
605-723-2010
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