Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

National Park Service, South Dakota.

During the Cold War, a vast arsenal of nuclear missiles were placed in the Great Plains. Hidden in plain sight, for thirty years 1,000 missiles were kept on constant alert; hundreds remain today. The Minuteman Missile remains an iconic weapon in the American nuclear arsenal. It holds the power to destroy civilization, but is meant as a nuclear deterrent to maintain peace and prevent war.


Directions

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is located at three sites along a fifteen mile stretch of Interstate 90 in western South Dakota. The Visitor Center is located immediately north of I-90, exit 131. The two historic sites which make up the park are four miles (Launch Control Facility Delta-01) and 15 miles (Launch Facility Delta-09) from the Visitor Center. No public transportation systems serve the park.

Additional Information

  • Minuteman Missile National Historic Site Map
  • Minuteman Missile National Historic Site Official Website

Photo Gallery

  • Delta-09 enclosureThe glass enclosure allows visitors to view a Minuteman II missile in the silo.
  • Minuteman II MissileA Minuteman II nuclear missile remains on alert, representing the 1,000 missiles which kept a constant vigil during the Cold War.
  • A winter visit to Delta-09A visit to the Delta-09 missile silo allows the opportunity to consider the role of these missile in America's defense during the Cold War.
  • Delta-01For thirty years, US Air Force staff monitored a flight of ten nuclear missiles at the Delta-01 Launch Control Facility.
  • "Thirty Minutes or Less"Behind this blast door is the control center where two missileers kept a constant watch over ten nuclear missiles.
  • Morale Art of the Cold WarLocated next to the elevator, this painting served as a reminder to missileers who they were defending the United States against.
  • Nose-to-Nose with ArmegeddonVisitors can peer through the glass at a Minuteman II missile in the silo at Delta-09.
  • Night view of Delta-09Night view of the Delta-09 site
  • Minuteman Missile Visitor CenterThe visitor center at sunset.
  • Cold War "Blast Door" art at Delta-01Morale art reminded missile officers who the enemy was during the Cold War
  • Park Ranger leads a tour in the underground control centerA park ranger leads a tour in the underground control center

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