Belle Fourche

Belle Fourche is a city in South Dakota's Black Hills region, sitting at 921 meters on the northern slopes and serving as the county seat of Butte County. Today it functions as a regional commerce center connecting communities across several states.

The city began in 1895 as a key livestock shipping hub after Seth Bullock built rail infrastructure connecting the Black Hills region. These early transportation links allowed the area to market its resources and products efficiently.

The Black Hills Roundup draws thousands of visitors annually to celebrate regional cowboy traditions through rodeo competitions and western entertainment. The event shapes how locals see themselves as part of a ranching community.

The downtown area is walkable and gives you access to local shops, restaurants, and public facilities that serve daily needs. The surrounding landscape also offers outdoor recreation and trails, especially for visitors interested in exploring the Black Hills terrain.

A monument marks the geographic center of the nation, a point determined by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey in 1918. This site draws visitors curious about the symbolic heart of the country, though it sits quietly outside town.

Location: Butte County

Elevation above the sea: 921 m

Shares border with: Deadwood

Website: https://bellefourche.org

GPS coordinates: 44.66750,-103.85028

Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:58