When you think of Kansas what's the first thing that pops into your head. "Wizard of Oz"? We're not in Kansas anymore? Wide open spaces? Sunflowers? Center of the U.S.? While there are "Wizard of Oz" museums to visit, sunflower fields for days, and acres of wide open spaces all over this great state that I call home, there is only one place where you can stand in the center of the contiguous 48 states.
Just outside of the town of Lebanon, Kansas (located close to the center of the northern boarder of the state) and about 15 minutes from the Nebraska boarder, you will find the geographic center of the contiguous 48 states. While the landmark location is technically not the exact center (which is located about a mile away in the middle of a former pig farm on private property), this location is still worth the visit if you are in the area or just driving through. Or, if you are a geography nerd like me, make a day road trip to see it!
The location is land marked by a plaque set in stone which gives you the exact coordinates of the site, and a few other small structures that celebrate the location. At the site, you will also be surprised to find a small white six seat chapel known as US Center Chapel. This chapel is actually the second chapel erected on this site, as the first one was destroyed in 2008 by a reckless driver. Take the time to sign the guest register and to read the entries of previous visitors while you are there. The location also has a covered picnic area.
This might just be the geography nerd in me, but if you stop and take a moment to appreciate it, the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere but at the same time knowing that you are standing literally in the middle of everything is a surreal experience. The area is surrounded by the beautiful wide open spaces that Kansas is famous for and if you visit the landmark later in the day you may also get a glimpse of an epic Kansas sunset over the plains. If you are really lucky you might even get a wave and a hello from a friendly Kansas farmer driving by on a tractor.
To many people, Kansas is seen as a flyover state, the state you drive through when heading west to see bigger and better things. I call Kansas my home. I understand why people have no interest in visiting Kansas. But, while Kansas doesn't have towering mountains or miles of beaches, if you look hard enough you will find small treasures hidden all throughout the plains.
