The Friday, July 11, 2003, issue of USA TODAY included Belle Fourche, SD, as one of its 10 Great Places to Slow Down.
Irv Gordon, who has driven over 2 million miles in his 1966 Volvo, suggests visiting America’s small towns. A retired school teacher, Gordon is from Long Island, NY. “Get off the gridlocked interstates and head toward one of our thousands of peaceful small towns,” he says. “Each one is a jewel packed with bizarre attractions, important history and plenty of fun.” Here is what Gordon shared with USA TODAY’S Shawn Shell about this great little town:
Belle Fourche is French for “beautiful fork,” which is appropriate because the town sits at the fork of two rivers. “It’s a quaint little Black Hills burg with thick pines, beautiful parks and friendly people. Drive 20 minutes north on Highway 85 to the official geophysical center of the U.S. where there’s a marker and a large pile of rocks.”
Belle Fourche threw a huge 100th birthday party for itself this July during its 84th Annual Black Hills Roundup with parades and rodeos, art and concerts in the park, queen contests and any number of colorful small town events. Gee, I wish Irv had been there then!
605-892- 2676; www.bellefourche.org.
Photos by Milo Dailey, Editor, Belle Fourche Post & Bee