
Do you know where the
Geodetic Center or
Geographic Center of North America and the USA (
Contiguous States) is? These are two different "Center Points" Ever play Trivia or the game "Jeopardy" this information may come in handy. If you are into geocaching or land surveying you probably already know this answer. Both Center Points are in Kansas, USA off Highway 281.
Continue reading "The Center of North America is near Hwy. 281" »

Celebrate the road less traveled, (Highway 281) small towns in rural USA appreciate the economic boost we travelers bring to their area. More often than not you will be doing business with the owner rather than a corporation. It could be Mom, Pop or one of the kids working the store. Have you noticed that people in small towns seem friendlier. You don't have to travel far, or break the bank to have an awesome adventure!

We urge you, the family, friends and neighbors to get up and go explore rural America, the people, the places, the history and the many different cultural activities and recreational opportunities this great land has to offer. Anyone that appreciates Americana and the foundations of free enterprise should consider spending their tourist dollars where it benefits other Americans.
Continue reading "Rural fun runs support America." »
We are traveling the southern part of North America into Texas on Highway 281. Hidalgo County part of one of the fastest growing areas in the United States and with a cost of living lower than the U.S. average. A great agricultural area. Fresh fruits and vegetables most anytime of the year here. Winter visitors like to call this area, "home away from home". Entertainment for every member of the family. Annual events, festivals and weekly happenings, lots to see and do in these International Border-towns.
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Good news ahead, things are predicted to brighten throughout middle America.
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Where seldom is heard a discouraging word, And the sky is not cloudy all day.
"Home on the Range" was written around these parts. Out here on the Great Plains we are exploring North-Central Kansas, about 150 miles Northwest of Wichita. Just South of the Nebraska State line, Smith Center to Osborne on US Highway 281.
"Home on the Range" the state song of Kansas. By
Dr. Brewster M. Higley wrote the words in a poem called "My Western Home" originally, in the early 1870s. Higley's first words are similar to those of the song today but not identical. The song was adopted by settlers, cowboys, and others and spread across the USA in various forms. The poem was first published in a December 1873 issue of the Smith County Pioneer under the title
"Oh, Give Me a Home Where the Buffalo Roam." Source: Wikipedia®.
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If one was making their own Lewis & Clark Expedition today, they would cross US Highway 281 as the Missouri runs South through Fort Randall Dam next door to Pickstown, SD. Enjoy another one of our satellite highway expeditions.
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O'Neill, Nebraska population +/- 3,500. The largest permanent shamrock in the World, is here at the intersection of Hwy 20 & US Hwy 281. Made of colored concrete this shamrock is so large it can be seen with Google's Satellite View. O'Neill is the official "Irish Capital of Nebraska". Named after its founder, an Irish born American who brought three groups of people from Ireland to Nebraska during the 1870s. Enjoy some "Blarney". The word blarney has come to mean clever, flattering, or coaxing talk. - Source: Wikipedia®.
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Cando, North Dakota. This town has around 1,000 hardy citizens. I say that because the City proclaims the founders had the "Can Do Spirit".
"... and in virtue of our authority we select this location and name the town 'Cando' to show you that we can do it." ~ Captain Prosper Parker, February 14, 1884. I believe them. The weather up here on the Northern end of US Hwy 281 can get bone deep COLD. It reminds me of that old saying, "Can't do it, Can't stay."
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New Rockford, ND with 1,200 residents in this pretty little town, founded in 1883. US Highway 281 crosses the
James River on the North side of town, where the Memorial Park is located. A heated swimming pool, basketball courts, softball, picinic areas, overnight camping, and a children's play area for all to enjoy.
Continue reading "Wide open spaces on ND Hwy 281." »