Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

National Historic Site · SD

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

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.

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Photos

Glass structure over the silo allows visitors to look down at the missile — The glass enclosure allows visitors to view a Minuteman II missile in the silo.

A cylindrical missile inside an underground silo. — A Minuteman II nuclear missile remains on alert, representing the 1,000 missiles which kept a constant vigil during the Cold War.

Two people are visible at the missile silo through a chain link fence — A 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.

A brown building behind a tall fence with warning signs — For thirty years, US Air Force staff monitored a flight of ten nuclear missiles at the Delta-01 Launch Control Facility.

A large metal blast door with art of a Domino with a nuclear missile — Behind this blast door is the control center where two missileers kept a constant watch over ten nuclear missiles.

A painting of a nuclear missile bursting through a Soviet Flag — Located next to the elevator, this painting served as a reminder to missileers who they were defending the United States against.

View down a silo at a nuclear missile — Visitors can peer through the glass at a Minuteman II missile in the silo at Delta-09.

A modern building with a prominent glass clerestory dominates a prairie landscape at sunset — The visitor center at sunset.

A view of a concrete wall with a painting and a blastdoor with art — Morale art reminded missile officers who the enemy was during the Cold War

A ranger talks to visitors next to electronic cabinets. — A park ranger leads a tour in the underground control center

Activities

Guided Tours
Junior Ranger Program
Park Film
Museum Exhibits
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store