Lebanon: Spending a Day in the Center of the U.S.A.
Lebanon, Kansas is not your usual tourist spot. Unlike other destinations, it does not boast of rolling hills that teem with wildlife or a rich cultural heritage. It does, however, bear the title “Historical Geographical Center of the 48 States or the Contiguous United States.” Lebanon, KS was originally declared by the U.S. National Geodetic Survey (NGS) as the “Geographic Center of the United States,” a title that was subsequently passed on to Belle Fourche of South Dakota when Alaska and Hawaii were added to the then 48 states of the U.S.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to make a trip to Kansas is from June-September as the summer and the fall months bring in warm and dry temperatures. Lebanon, Kansas hotel rates might be a bit higher during peak season, so make sure to plan ahead and get good hotel deals. Kansas winters are harsh with frequent blizzards, and are best avoided.
What to Do & Area Attractions
A visit to Lebanon, Kansas will not be complete without stopping by at the Geographic Center of the Contiguous United States. The area features the reconstructed U.S. Center Chapel and a picnic shelter where you can have lunch on a pleasant day. Book a one-night stay at the budget-friendly US Center Motel, which features cherry granite furniture, and gives you a choice between single rooms, suite rooms or kitchenette apartments. Victorian-inspired Ingleboro Mansion B&B also promises a good time, thanks to the very accommodating host.
