Comments on: The Quick 10: 10 Extreme Points in the United States

By: WordyGrrl

WordyGrrl — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:42:43 +0000

I spent a few weeks in Rugby, North Dakota – geographical center of North America. A very small town with a bunch of the nicest people you could hope to meet. And yes, they said the actual center is in a nearby field, not where the monument is located. If you go there, have a buffalo burger at the Cornerstone Cafe and check out the town’s museum.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:52:58 +0000

I’ve been to Ka Lae, and got some really cool photos of the massive waves crashing over the rocks there. I’ve been to Smith County, KS, and Belle Fourche, SD, which are both observationally interesting, like going to the Four Corners, but not impressive. Like the above posters said, if you’re driving through South Dakota, hit the Black Hills and Spearfish Canyon instead.
You’d think Colorado would have the highest mountain in the lower 48, but no. We just have more peaks over 14,000 feet above sea level. Mt. Elbert, the highest peak in CO, is 14,400 feet, while Mt. Whitney is at 14,505 feet. Incidentally, I’ve climbed both.
My friend was living out in Independence, CA for a while, so when I went and saw her one weekend, we drove up to Whitney Portal, then down to Badwater the next day. I thought that was an intense drive, which gave my friend a mild case of elevation sickness, but then I found out about the Badwater Ultramarathon. People actually run from Badwater all the way up to the Portal, 135 miles with over 8500 feet climb in elevation. That’s insane.

By: Doug

Doug — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 14:14:35 +0000

Angle Inlet, MN is the most northern point in the 48 contiguous states. You have to drive through Canada to get there by land. The only way to get there and stay in the US is by boat. GREAT WALLEYE FISHING!

By: Old Geezer

Old Geezer — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:58:00 +0000

@Kristin W: What exactly did you “drive” down the two foot wide hiking trail that goes from the top of Mt. Whitney down to Whitney Portal? As I remember that trail, that would have made one heck of a “drive.”

By: Dustin Fritsche

Dustin Fritsche — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 20:22:00 +0000

An interesting one is the population center of the US – and it moves based on the distribution of the population. I’ve lost track of it, but when I was growing up it was not far away from me in southern Illinois. Not sure if it’s the lower 48 or all 50, either.

By: Scott

Scott — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:02:00 +0000

@ Brandy:

Actually, since Wake Island is west of the International Date line, it is in the Eastern Hemisphere, and technically should be considered the easternmost point of all US Territories. Not to detract from the beauty of St. Croix.

By: Dennis M

Dennis M — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:54:00 +0000

Rugby, North Dakota
Geographic Center of North America

By: Hyacinth

Hyacinth — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:43:00 +0000

I want to know where I can live and have to drive at least an hour to get to Wal Mart. Sounds like heaven to me to not have a WM in my backyard (or every 5 miles as they seem to in TN).

By: Corinne

Corinne — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:35:00 +0000

@Nonners: I beg to differ. Guam has a green sand beach. Google it!

By: Jeff

Jeff — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:59:00 +0000

There is never ever a good reason to be in Key West. None whatsoever. If you are contemplating a list of the tackiest places in the US, Key West would certainly make that list too. The only way to possibly save it is to carpet bomb and start over.