Imagine having your first date here? That is our story and it has been a very fun tale to tell people ever since. "The Center of the World" has a very interesting history in that it was created by a French pioneer of skydiving (Jacques Istel) who wrote a children's book set in the small town he founded in the middle of the California desert he named honoring his wife, Felicity. Being "The Center of the World" is just a fun claim that obviously should not be taken all that seriously however, he was able to do the necessary effort to get the place recognized as such by an international governing authority. The place is also unique in that it has multiple attractions in one, which I believe fully justifies the $10 admissions fee, which covers a brief tour and explanation of the attractions, gives entry to the "Center of the World" pyramid where the marker is located, and a delightful souvenir certificate stating your remarkable achievement. Additionally, it has a "Staircase to Nowhere" which was an old piece of the Eiffel Tower, Michaelangelo's "God's Arm" sculpture/sundial, the "History of Humanity" carved in granite stone, the "Maze of Honor" honoring loved ones, a "Liberty Bell" replica you can actually ring, and finally a charmingly quaint "Church on the Hill" based on a favorite French chapel. Lastly, the friendly and helpful staff (Janice and Diana) made the entire experience both memorable and enjoyable for us. Definitely a very good visit and a strong recommendation for a 10/10 worthy roadside attraction.
This is so cool to see you and Pop in Felicity! My mom lived in Yuma for many years, and we went there a few decades ago. It sure has grown over time, but your certificate still looks identical to mine!
I went over a year ago and I loved how empty and eerie it felt being there. Looking up at the church from the bottom made me feel like I was in one of those liminal spaces.
Oh boy! There are several spots vying for that title! Just 2 days ago I came across an article on the Only in your state website. It states the center of the world is in Wisconsin! Here it goes: “Tucked away on a farm in Poniatowski is the intersection of 45 North parallel and the 90 West parallel. If you’re looking for the center of the world, well. It’s in Wisconsin. Most folks don't know that the center of the world is in Wisconsin. The 45×90 points, as they're called, are the four points on Earth which are halfway between the geographical poles, the equator, the Prime Meridian, and the 180th meridian. Only two of these points are on land - the other two fall in the middle of the ocean. And the one not in Wisconsin is in a desolate, mountainous region of China near Mongolia that's very difficult to visit.” So now what? Will the real center of the world please stand up?
That was a very cool place and especially loved all the history etched on those slabs. It was mind blowing that all that art was done with a Dremel, will definitely stop by there next time I am in the area. By the way, oddly enough, we have an obviously fake center of the earth manhole cover in Wallace, here in North Idaho, nice to know where the official one really is! = D
Good video, and a pretty cool place. Thanks! Although I might say that you could pick any spot on earth and call it the center of the world and be technically correct, but apparently no one else ever did, so the ones who called it first now get that honor. 😅
Still scratching my head wondering what I just watched, however it was entertaining because I'm smiling and doing a mental double take .. was it a prank or was it a real place people go see .. either way I watched and smiled.
Some towns and places market themselves as the "Center of the World" for historical or promotional reasons. For example, Felicity, California, USA, is designated by its founder as the "Center of the World."😉
I got to say... fun place to see but not the exact must visit, considering how out of place it is, almost like going to "Four Corners" or the "furthest "x" point in the USA."
Never knew this existed. Thanks for sharing! I wonder if part of buying the Eiffel Tower stairwell was for France to agree that it’s the center of the world? Sweeten the deal.
Of course the Center of the World is in CA. Everything revolves around us. 😂 Will definitely make a day trip to Felicity.
haha California is the center of the world for sure 😂
I love how "feel good" your channel is. Hey Pops, always fun to see u 2 out exploring.
We try to have fun with it!
I agree.
Looks like a very fun, interesting place to visit. Thanks for bringing us along.
No problem! Thanks for watching!
Another fascinating gem in California I will visit when I get there ..
Awesome, stop at Salvation Mountain if you drive down from LA
Driven by this many times but never stopped to check it out. 😆
Will have to stop by next time!
WTH.. Really? Im from Los Angeles and never heard of this! 👏 👏
haha it is a far drive out there for sure
@@californiathroughmylens just looked it up… it says 4 hours. I think I’ll make the drive some time
Have you ever thought of doing a Baja California road trip?
Would love to do that, not sure when we will though
Great to see pops back!!
Imagine having your first date here? That is our story and it has been a very fun tale to tell people ever since. "The Center of the World" has a very interesting history in that it was created by a French pioneer of skydiving (Jacques Istel) who wrote a children's book set in the small town he founded in the middle of the California desert he named honoring his wife, Felicity. Being "The Center of the World" is just a fun claim that obviously should not be taken all that seriously however, he was able to do the necessary effort to get the place recognized as such by an international governing authority. The place is also unique in that it has multiple attractions in one, which I believe fully justifies the $10 admissions fee, which covers a brief tour and explanation of the attractions, gives entry to the "Center of the World" pyramid where the marker is located, and a delightful souvenir certificate stating your remarkable achievement. Additionally, it has a "Staircase to Nowhere" which was an old piece of the Eiffel Tower, Michaelangelo's "God's Arm" sculpture/sundial, the "History of Humanity" carved in granite stone, the "Maze of Honor" honoring loved ones, a "Liberty Bell" replica you can actually ring, and finally a charmingly quaint "Church on the Hill" based on a favorite French chapel. Lastly, the friendly and helpful staff (Janice and Diana) made the entire experience both memorable and enjoyable for us. Definitely a very good visit and a strong recommendation for a 10/10 worthy roadside attraction.
That would be a pretty epic first date!
Thanks!!!!
That was a fun place we really enjoyed our time there when we went.
What a fun place to visit. Raphel is the best turtle for sure.
Agree 100%!
Cool. I love these quirky places…we’ll add it to a future RV trip.
Me too, I am all for the quirky roadside attractions
Leonardo is cool :) Thank you for sharing such a feel-good experience with your Dad!
Agreed, thanks for watching!
You’re like the you tube version of Huell Howser. I love it! Taking us in a virtual adventures of California’s hidden gems.
Very kind of you to say that, loved Huell!
I’ve never heard of this place. But what a cool museum
Yea it really is unique!
I’ve driven past a number of times and never known it was there. Thank you.
No problem!
Amazing place!
Looks like a very interesting place to visit.
Thank you! Greetings from Tampa. Thank you for my adventure from "The Center of the World"
Our pleasure! Thanks for watching the videos!
This is so cool to see you and Pop in Felicity! My mom lived in Yuma for many years, and we went there a few decades ago. It sure has grown over time, but your certificate still looks identical to mine!
So awesome! We stopped in Yuma as well and enjoyed the museums there and a great coffee shop
I went over a year ago and I loved how empty and eerie it felt being there. Looking up at the church from the bottom made me feel like I was in one of those liminal spaces.
Oh boy! There are several spots vying for that title! Just 2 days ago I came across an article on the Only in your state website. It states the center of the world is in Wisconsin!
Here it goes:
“Tucked away on a farm in Poniatowski is the intersection of 45 North parallel and the 90 West parallel. If you’re looking for the center of the world, well. It’s in Wisconsin. Most folks don't know that the center of the world is in Wisconsin.
The 45×90 points, as they're called, are the four points on Earth which are halfway between the geographical poles, the equator, the Prime Meridian, and the 180th meridian. Only two of these points are on land - the other two fall in the middle of the ocean. And the one not in Wisconsin is in a desolate, mountainous region of China near Mongolia that's very difficult to visit.”
So now what? Will the real center of the world please stand up?
Nice video. Thanks for sharing…!
Thanks for watching!
Wow? Beautiful! Thank you so much!❤️😀🇺🇸🚙
Pretty awesome! I'll have to see how far a drive it is from Utah.
haha probably a very far drive!
Love you guys 😁👍
Thank you!
Never knew this existed in California. This is going on my bucket list. By the way, did Pop put the crack in the Liberty Bell?
It was probably him!
Nice job filming! Never knew this existed
Thank you for introducing me to this. I didn't know about it. #BucketList
That was a very cool place and especially loved all the history etched on those slabs. It was mind blowing that all that art was done with a Dremel, will definitely stop by there next time I am in the area. By the way, oddly enough, we have an obviously fake center of the earth manhole cover in Wallace, here in North Idaho, nice to know where the official one really is! = D
Good video, and a pretty cool place. Thanks! Although I might say that you could pick any spot on earth and call it the center of the world and be technically correct, but apparently no one else ever did, so the ones who called it first now get that honor. 😅
haha that is true! 😂
Growing up I always heard that Ojai, CA was the center of the world
It might be!
I didn't know about this place 😮
It is pretty far out of the way for most people
Now it's on my bucket list 😊
Still scratching my head wondering what I just watched, however it was entertaining because I'm smiling and doing a mental double take .. was it a prank or was it a real place people go see .. either way I watched and smiled.
haha happy to help with the mental double take. We have fun with it
Growing up my favorite was Donatello too. Although I am no scientist 😅😅
haha Donatello is my daughters favorite now as well!
Some towns and places market themselves as the "Center of the World" for historical or promotional reasons. For example, Felicity, California, USA, is designated by its founder as the "Center of the World."😉
niiiice
We had fun!
Huh, now we know your last name. Not sure what that gets me, I guess I could follow you on LinkedIn … if I had a LinkedIn account 🤔
You should have pulled the finger and seen if a fart would have happened 😂
😂😂😂
@@californiathroughmylens I truly enjoy your videos thanks for all the work you do
Children’s novel?! Which one?
If the world is round, then how..... Ahh nevermind looks like fun tho 😊
I was Team Rafael for sure
Heck yes!
No, center of the world is the kitchen of my favorite Thai restaurant😊
haha fair enough!
I got to say... fun place to see but not the exact must visit, considering how out of place it is, almost like going to "Four Corners" or the "furthest "x" point in the USA."
haha that is true!
Fun video but the Center of the World is on State Rte. 5 in Leavittsburg, OH 44430.
I will have to check it out!
very different than the center of Earth.
haha that is true!
Still waiting.
Michelangelo 🐢🍕
What I remember about the ninja turtles is stepping on them in my son’s room when he was a kid, Ouch !
haha that is the kind of memory that will stay with you!
I wish for a free Starbucks salted caramel cream cold brew with extra cold foam, venti.
Pretty sure those granite signs are done on a CNC, then touched up by hand…….
That could be true, especially the text.
I don’t understand if this is real, or what? How is it the center of the world?
Never knew this existed. Thanks for sharing! I wonder if part of buying the Eiffel Tower stairwell was for France to agree that it’s the center of the world? Sweeten the deal.
haha maybe!
The man who founded The Center of the World is from France and a pioneer of sport parachuting/skydiving.
Cult crazy central
The "center of the world" seems less interesting than all of the other things you can see there. Looks fun though haha
haha true, the granite museum is pretty epic!
Hmmmm....
If yku paid for that and did the ritual may god have mercy on your soul
So the world is flat 💪🔥 i knew it 🔥
Well I hope all who marry there have a well-centered life together.🤔
haha!
No . World peace ,No way
Id be one to never go into a cavern or cave , You can keep California....cool arm of GOD .Bats, caverns, heights, no thank you
Nope ! The world is still a F'd as it's always been