missile launch facility tour

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The Minuteman Missile Mobile Tour

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

Service animals allowed. 

Accessibility is limited by the gravel driveway and gravel or dirt surfaces from the parking area through the fence gate and to the silo itself. At the silo, a concrete apron is immediately in front of the viewing enclosure.

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A guided tour for your mobile device will enhance your visit to Delta-09 missile silo and the Delta-01 Launch Control Facility . At Delta-09 learn the history of Minuteman Missile silos on the Great Plains and how the silo was operated for thirty years. At Delta-01 learn about the features of the Launch Control Facility as you walk to the main gate. Air Force veterans who served at each location narrate these interpretative tours. Even though the stops are numbered, visitors can choose any stop in any order to accommodate their visit. Stops one through ten explore the Delta-09 silo and stops eleven to twenty take visitors to the front gate of Delta-01. The mobile web app features content for all twenty stops points of interest, including images, tour text, and links to expanded content, including the 3-D virtual tours of the silo and underground control center.

Delta-09 Audio Tour

Stops 1-10 of the Delta-09 audio tour

Delta-01 Audio Tour

Stops 11-20 for the Delta 01 Audio Tour

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Last updated: February 25, 2022

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Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

Hidden in Plain Sight

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is a fascinating destination that provides visitors with an immersive experience of the Cold War history and the historic Minuteman Missiles that never were fired at an enemy. By exploring the park's exhibits and tours, visitors can learn about the important role these missiles and the military personnel played in helping to keep America safe during this tumultuous time in history.

Visitor Center

Start your visit at the park's visitor center, where you'll find exhibits, displays, and educational materials that provide an in-depth look at the history of the Cold War and the Minuteman Missiles.

Launch Control Facility

Explore the underground missile control center at the Launch Control Facility. Discover the history and operation of the Minuteman Missile through guided tours that take visitors through the facility's various chambers and equipment rooms.

Delta-01 Missile Silo

Take a tour of the Delta-01 Missile Silo and experience the once top-secret location where Air Force personnel stood ready to launch a Minuteman Missile. Visitors will learn about the missile's construction, the personnel who operated and maintained the silo, and its role in the Cold War.

Experience the fascinating history and learn how the Minuteman missiles shaped our country at Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. With tours, exhibits and the park's unspoiled natural beauty, there's plenty to see and do at this unique and historical destination.

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Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

In for a goose-bump inducing blast from the past? The Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is the only historic site run by the National Parks Service that is related to the Cold War and serves as a historical reminder of what could have happened. Located in close proximity to Badlands National Park and an hour’s drive from Rapid City, this silo was one of hundreds nuclear missile sites deactivated in 1991 and the only silo in South Dakota designated by Congress as a National Historic Site. These grounds, unlike any other in the country, transport visitors back in time to the Cold War Era for an understanding of what it was like living, working and waiting in the facility for a launch command that had the power to destroy the world.

In the 1960’s, a total of 1,000 nuclear missiles were placed in the Great Plains – 150 in western South Dakota alone. The missiles were placed in this region due to the short distance to the Soviet Union, extended warning time if submarines launched off the U.S. coasts and sparse population centers providing less lives at risk from nuclear attack.

The Minuteman Missile National Historic Site includes a Minuteman II nuclear missile fully operational from 1963-1991. With a range of up to 7,500 miles, this generation of nuclear missiles could cause destruction almost anywhere on earth with placement near 900 yards of its intended target. It was so powerful that the missiles warhead could create sixty-six times more technological terror than the atomic bomb that crippled Hiroshima, Japan before the end of World War II.

*Delta-01 Tours are available in a modified format due to ongoing renovations.

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site offers underground tours for visitors to experience the silo and control rooms. Each tour lasts approximately 30 minutes. Guided tours are offered first-come, first-served with reduced tours in the winter.

DELTA-01 LAUNCH CONTROL FACILITY

The Delta-01 Launch Control Facility tour is located four minutes west of park headquarters. The tour includes a topside support building and an underground control center capsule, located 31 feet below the surface. Equipped with a bunker, the control center capsule is accessed by elevator, ladder and a narrow passageway. This Minuteman Missile control center remotely commanded and controlled 10 nuclear missiles.

All Delta-01 tours require advanced reservation and an amenity fee of $12 for adults 17 & over and $8 for youth ages 6-16. Same-day tours are not available.

DELTA-09 LAUNCH FACILITY (MISSILE SILO)

The Delta-09 Launch Facility houses a Minuteman II nuclear missile in an underground missile silo on the edge of Badlands National Park, 15 minutes away from park headquarters. Once fully operational, this missile could send a nuclear weapon to the Soviet Union in 30 minutes. This tour does not take place underground; rather the missile is visible through a glass enclosing.

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Launch a Missile: Top Things to Do at the Minutemen Missile Site

I n the U.S. Cold War against the USSR, two missileers stood guard, hidden in plain sight. Visitors to South Dakota can learn about a former missile launch facility and the Minuteman Missiles used to protect the U.S. Minutes east of Badlands National Park in South Dakota, visitors can tour the underground missile launch center. Then they can visit a deactivated Minuteman Missile, still housed in its silo. Both sites are found along Interstate 90, and this unique national park site is easy to visit in a few hours before driving into the Black Hills of South Dakota. Here are the top things to do at the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site.

Top Things to do at the Minuteman Missile Site

• Learn about the Minuteman Missiles
• Stop at its Visitor Center 
• Sign up for the Underground Tour
• See the Silo with a deactivated missile 
• Earn a Junior Ranger Program

Minuteman Missile Site At a Glance

Why visit the minuteman missile site.

I didn’t know what to expect when I visited the Minuteman Missile Site. My husband wanted to go on the tour, and I initially thought it might be scary for our kids, who were in grade school and middle school at the time.

The facilities were government-bland and very institutional, as you would expect. This was a military base. We signed up for the underground tour, and it was fascinating. The tour guide had family who worked for the Minuteman Missile program, and she shared a blend of history plus personal memories from the time period.

I found this experience so interesting that I then toured another deactivated missile site in Arizona at the Titan II Missile Museum.

First Stop: the Minuteman Missile NHS Visitor Center

Always a good first stop, the Minuteman Missile Visitor Center features maps along with Junior Ranger booklets. The visitor center shows a 30-minute film that covers the Cold War, along with interpretive displays and a bookstore.

In the film, viewers see why the missiles were necessary and the history of the Minuteman Missiles. Visitors will learn about the Cold War and the strategies the U.S. used, including duck-and-cover drills for schools. 

The interpretive areas at the Visitor Center cover the defense of the U.S. at the time by land, sea and air. Great Plains or Ground Zero display offers an overview of the historic site. 

The Nation’s Nuclear Defense display covers the details of the 66th Strategic Missile Squadron of the 44th Strategic Missile Wing based at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. See the locations of the 150 Minuteman Missiles along with the 15 launch centers across 13,500 square miles of South Dakota. 

The When the Homefront Becomes the Front Line display guides visitors through Cold War themes like bomb shelter basements. Visitors can also find a replica of the original door to the underground launch control center at Delta-01. 

Finally, visitors will listen to actual missileers and learn how the missile fields were made. 

It is located at 24545 Cottonwood Rd., Phillips. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. year-round.

Best Aviation Museums in the U.S. 

Nasa visitor centers across the u.s., self-guided tours at minuteman missile national historic site.

Two additional sites are included in the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site: Delta-09 and Delta-01.

The Delta-09 is the missile silo with the deactivated missile. The silo is 12 feet in diameter and 80 feet deep with a glass viewing cover. 

As a part of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, the glass cover is in place for the Russian government to see the deactivated missile. Originally, metal doors protected the missile. All of the Delta facilities are still protected by razor wire. 

Listen to the self-guided audio tour while at the Delta-09 silo to learn more about the 1.2-megaton nuclear warhead. 

To tour the Delta-Nine Launch Facility, the Missile Silo, exit 116 off of Interstate 90.

The Delta-01 is the underground launch control center with a nondescript government building above ground with a kitchen, sleeping quarters and offices. Unless you have a tour ticket, you can’t gain access, though find interpretive signs outside the fence along with an audio tour.

Guide to Badlands National Park

Guided tours at minuteman missile national historic site.

If you have more time, reserve a ticket to the Delta-One Launch Control Center led by a Park Ranger.

Delta-One Launch Control Facility Tour

As a former flight crew member, this tour tops my list of interesting National Park Sites I’ve visited over the years. Under the radar for most, my family secured tickets for a look into a classified world from 30 years ago.

The motto—in plain sight, the former military buildings are visible from Interstate 90. After parking in a gravel parking lot, my family, including three kids, waited for the special missileer ranger to arrive. After unlocking the gate on the razor-wired fence, we walked to the unassuming building. 

The upper portion of the facility contains a kitchen, living area, sleeping quarters and security area. This area also provides back-up generators and environmental systems for the underground facility. 

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Eight Air Force personnel based out of nearby Ellsworth Air Force Base worked on the topside of the Delta-One facility. A cook, a facility manager and six security personnel worked three days on and three days off, keeping the Delta-One facility secure for the two missileers located underground.

Underground Facility

After boarding a small elevator, we descended 31 feet underground before unloading in view of the 8-ton blast door. Behind the door, which can only be opened from inside, we entered a small self-contained living space. 

For 24-hour shifts, two missileers watched and waited for a launch command that would never come. In addition to standing on the ready, missileers oversaw the maintenance of the launch facilities and authenticated messages.

During our tour, our special missileer ranger walked us through a mock launch that had this kid of the Cold War ready to duck and cover under a nearby bench. The tour was gripping and offered a declassified view of post-WWII history. 

For tour ticket holders, the Delta-One Launch Control Facility is off Interstate 90, exit 127. Tickets must be reserved in advance (and up to 90 days in advance) for the Delta-One underground tour with NPS reservations. Adult admission is $12, and kids 6 to 16 are $8.

What to do at Custer State Park in South Dakota

Why tour a missile site.

Under the swaying grass of the South Dakota plains and hidden in plain sight, missiles stood ready and on constant alert for 30 years. Used as a deterrent in the Cold War against the Soviet Union, the missileers lived 30 feet underground, maintaining and potentially launching missiles that could destroy civilization on another continent. 

As a part of history, the Minuteman Missile program still prevails in the U.S. Now, the Minuteman IIIs are located near Malmstrom AFB in Montana, Minot AFB in North Dakota and FE Warren AFB in Wyoming.

After an arms reduction in the 1990s, the National Park Service opened a site dedicated to the Cold War. The Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is a decommissioned missile field next to Badlands National Park that represents similar sites across South Dakota. This unit was chosen because it was accessible to Interstate 90 and located close to the national park sites of the Black Hills.

History of the Minuteman Missile

During the late 1950s, the Minuteman I missile was developed as an Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). It was an improvement in technology from the previous ICBM’s, the Titan Missile. 

The Titan Miwase was the first-generation ICBM and required a lengthy and potentially dangerous launch with a larger underground silo. The Minuteman missiles offered solid-state fuel, a more stable option, and smaller, more efficient underground silos. 

Over the years, the Minuteman I missiles were replaced with Minuteman II until their retirement after the START—Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty in 1991. 

Best Things to Do in the Black Hills

Kids at minuteman missile site.

The Junior Ranger Program is the go-to program for families to learn more about the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. It’s free and takes about two hours to complete. My kids love the badges that the Rangers present them after completing their booklet.

The Junior Ranger Program is the go-to program for families to learn more about Joshua Tree National Park. It’s free and takes about two hours to complete. My kids love the badges that the Rangers present them after completing their booklet. 

The Minuteman Missile Site offers three different programs for kids, depending on age, and a tour of the underground facility is not necessary. The booklet can be downloaded and mailed back to the visitor center for a ranger to look over, and send the earned badges back to your kids too. 

The underground tour is an effective history lesson, though the subject matter might be frightening for some kids. At the time of the tour, my son was barely old enough to attend.

Junior Ranger Badges you can earn at home

If you have 1 to 2 hours.

Start at the Visitor Center to learn about the Cold War and the Minuteman Missile program. Then drive to the Delta-Nine Launch Facility, or missile silo, to see a deactivated missile all hidden in plain sight along Interstate 90.

The Delta-One Launch Control Facility is an industrial-looking complex that’s locked at all times. You can’t gain access unless you have a ticket for the underground tour.

Where to Eat near the Minuteman Missile Site

The Minuteman Missile Site is a day-use park. Wall, South Dakota, offers the closest restaurants. 

A stop at Wall Drug Store is a must. It’s one of the top tourist destinations in South Dakota. Really, it’s a unique roadside attraction with lots of shopping, dining and even some quirky attractions out back.

Located 21 miles west of the Minuteman Missile Site at 510 Main Street. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Why You Must Visit Wall Drug Store

Where to stay near the minuteman missile site.

If you are staying in the Black Hills of South Dakota for a few days, consider visiting Badlands National Park, located just west of Minuteman Missile National Historic Site.

Badlands National Park offers cabins with air conditioning, mini-fridges, and porches. The reception building has a restaurant. 

Located at the eastern entrance of Badlands National Park, just five miles south of the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. 

South Dakota Air and Space Museum

If you have additional time and interest, the South Dakota Air and Space Museum offers an outdoor airpark with 30 vintage aircraft. Inside, you can find more aircraft and interpretive displays on South Dakota’s contribution to aviation. 

Located just outside of Ellsworth Air Force Base gates at 2890 Rushmore Dr. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The outdoor park is free.

Note: The indoor museum is scheduled to open in June 2024.

Fun Guide to South Dakota’s Black Hills

Where’s the minuteman missile site.

Find three separate facilities for the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. Minuteman Missile National Historical Site is open Tuesday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The visitor center is free, along with the Delta Nine Launch Facility. 

Tickets must be reserved in advance (and up to six months in advance) for the Delta-One underground tour. Adult admission is $12, and kids 6 to 16 are $8.

Know Before You Go

• Kids under 6 and under 40″ tall are prohibited on the Delta-One underground facility tour.
• Only 6 people are allowed on a Delta-One tour due to the limited space.
• Delta-One visitors must be willing to climb two 15-foot ladders unassisted in an emergency.

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The post Launch a Missile: Top Things to Do at the Minutemen Missile Site appeared first on Carful of Kids .

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System Online: We highly recommend reserving your tour online. Walk-ins welcome, but space is limited.

What to Expect

45-minute guided Tour

Go underground and back in time on the 45-minute guided tour. You’ll descend 35 feet into the missile complex, visit the launch control center, and experience a simulated launch of the missile. Then you’ll journey down the cableway to level 2 of the missile silo to get an up-close look at the Titan II missile itself. This tour lets you experience Cold War paranoia and American ingenuity while walking in the footsteps of the brave men and women who operated America’s largest land-based missile ever deployed.

Don’t forget to add an Audio Tour device to your visit as you explore the rest of the facility after going down into the silo! 

*Note: Visitors who are not able to descend and climb 55 stair steps for the guided tour can still enjoy the surface portion of the missile site.

Self-guided Topside Tour

Guests are encouraged to explore the surface of the complex after their tour of the silo. On the topside, visitors will see the alarm systems, known as tipsies, that secured the missile silo door, get to look at the engine up-close, and more. There is also a spectacular view of the missile from up above! Looking down into the 146-foot missile silo you will see the Titan II Missile standing tall as it did on Alert for over 20 years.

Visitors can learn about the Titan II missile sites on the Topside Only Tour without the underground Guided Tour for just $7.

An Audio Tour device that gives guests an in-depth description and history of some of our topside exhibits is included in the topside tour. You can also request this device for an additional $7 if you take the underground Guided Tour. 

• For a seamless listening experience, we recommend one device for every two people in your group (though more people can listen at a time).
• While not required to hear the audio tour, the devices are compatible with headphones/earbuds that have a jack (not compatible with wireless devices).
• Devices are available to check out at the counter in admissions. They are available on a first come, first served basis, and cannot be reserved ahead of time.

PRICING & RESERVATIONS

Online reservations strongly recommended to ensure your preferred tour time.

*Topside tour is self-guided and does not include underground silo access. No reservation required, purchase upon arrival. Free for ages 0-4.

Leashed pets welcome on the Topside Only self-guided tour. Only service animals in the underground silo complex.

Plan for a successful visit

Facility Rules

Requirements & accessibility.

For your safety, and for preservation purposes, there are some rules that visitors must follow.

• Visitors must be able to descend and climb 55 metal grate stair steps and stand for 45 minutes to access the underground portion of the tour. Guests unable to descend and ascend 55 stair steps or who cannot stand for 45 minutes will be limited to the surface portion of the site and will not have access to the underground area.
• Tours are limited to 25 visitors per tour. Online reservations strongly recommended to ensure your preferred tour time.
• Strollers, backpacks and other large bags/purses are prohibited and must be left in your vehicle.  The museum does not provide storage for these items.
• Weapons are prohibited on all tours.
• Food and beverages, except bottled water, are prohibited on the tours. Glass bottles and water with additives that include any food coloring are prohibited in the museum building and on the tour.
• Smoking is not permitted inside museum buildings or while on the tour. A smoking area is provided outside the museum.
• Please wear walking shoes (no heels or flip flops).
• Non-commercial photography and video recording are permitted, although flash photography is prohibited. Commercial photography is not allowed without written permission. To arrange a commercial photo or video recording session, please contact the foundation’s Advertising Manager at [email protected] .
• The use of selfie sticks and tripods is prohibited throughout the museum and missile site.
• Animals, except for Service Animals, are not allowed in the museum buildings or on the missile site.

For more information call (520) 625-7736 or send an email to [email protected]

For the daily 45-minute guided tours, guests are required to ascend and descend 55 stair steps. There is no elevator access to the underground tour. Visits made by guests unable to independently use the metal grate stairs that lead underground without the use of cane, crutches, walking stick, walker, or wheelchair, will be limited to the surface portion of the site.

The Titan Missile Museum is an  ADA compliant facility . Handicapped parking is available and all restrooms are wheelchair accessible.

The museum does not provide wheelchairs. If you need a wheelchair or scooter, please bring one with you.

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Alerts in effect, hidden in plain sight.

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. Read More

Learn more about what facilities and services will be available during your visit.

May 2024 will make 20 years of doing tours at Delta-01. Come join us for an Open House celebration.

***Please Be Aware*** The park will NOT be changing days of operation. The park will remain open Tuesday-Saturday.

Earn your Junior Missileer patch, just like Bert the Turtle! Download your book directly from our website.

Can't get tickets to tour Delta-01? In this video, you can go underground with Ranger Jim to tour the Launch Control Center.

The Delta-09 missile silo allows a rare opportunity to view a nuclear missile once on constant alert during the Cold War.

Walk to the gate of the facility that once controlled ten nuclear missiles the ten missile of Delta Flight.

Tours of the Delta-01 Launch Control Facility are offered daily. Advanced reservations are required for all guided-tours.

Visit the front line of the Cold War from the comfort of your digital device. Go behind the scenes inside Delta-01 and Delta-09.

The Delta-01 and 09 audio tours tell the story of the historic sites. Can be done at the sites or at your convenience

Like the missile field itself, the park is hidden in plain sight immediately adjacent Interstate 90. Find the best directions here.

Last updated: April 25, 2024

Learn More About The Cold War

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24545 Cottonwood Road Philip, SD 57567

605 433-5552

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Missile launch facility marks it’s 20th anniversary of tours with open house event

Minuteman missile national historic compound was once on high alert during the cold war.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - May 2024 will mark 20 years of the park giving tours at the Delta-01 Launch Control Facility.

Jeanne Berry, Acting Administrative Officer for Minutemen Missile National Historic Site says, on Wednesday, May 15, they are hosting a 20th Anniversary of Tours Open House Event. From 9 a.m. to noon they will have Delta-01 open to the public for a topside-only walkthrough. They will also have a ranger available at Delta-09 (Missile Silo) offering information about that site, retired security police will be volunteering at the visitor center explaining the mission of the police and the Peacekeeper vehicle they drove.

They will be giving virtual tours of the underground portion of Delta-01 in the visitor center theater and providing “Jr Missileer” and missile launching programs on the front lawn of the visitor center. There will be cake and Wall Drug donuts available while supplies last. The open house is to commemorate when we first began offering tours of the sites.

The Minuteman Missile NHS is comprised of Launch Control Facility Delta-01 with its corresponding underground Launch Control Center and Launch Facility (Missile Silo) Delta-09 they protect and preserve and the Minuteman Missile NHS Visitor Center. They offer limited tours of the Delta-01 site by reservation only. These tours are limited to 6 people per tour due to the constraints of the elevator that goes down 30 feet into the Delta-01 Launch Control Center and book quickly.

They also offer cell phone self-guided tours at both the Delta-01 and Delta-09 sites, and the visitor center hosts exhibits and a theater showing the park film and occasional virtual tours of the Delta-01 site (as staffing allows). Three separate sites are located east of Rapid City along a 15-mile stretch of I-90 between Exit 131 and Exit 116. The visitor center is located just north of Exit 131, Delta-01 Launch Control Facility and underground Launch Control Center are located north of Exit 127, and Delta-09 Launch Facility (Missile Silo) is located just south of Exit 116.

The visitor center is open Tuesday – Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., the Delta-09 Missile Silo is open from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. the same days. Limited tours (6 people per tour) of Delta-01 are offered by reservation only Tuesday – Saturday at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. during the winter, Tuesday - Saturday at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.; and 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. during the summer. You can get more information about their site and tour reservations on their website .

Missile National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service) during the Cold War, was a vast arsenal of nuclear missiles 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.

Reminder: even if you cannot get on a Delta-01 tour there is still much to see at the visitor center and Delta-09 Missile Silo.

The Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is a unit of the National Park Service established on November 29, 1999, to preserve portions of the last remaining Minuteman II Intercontinental Ballistic Missile System (ICBM) in the United States. The site interprets the land-based portion of America’s nuclear defense during the Cold War era and commemorates the people and events during this key portion of American history. They protect and preserve two facilities once part of the Minuteman Missile Field that covered the far western portion of South Dakota during the height of the Cold War from 1963 through the early 1990s.

The purpose of the historic site is to preserve, protect, and interpret the Delta-01 Launch Control Facility and Delta-09 Launch Facility associated with the Minuteman Intercontinental Ballistic Missile System, and interpret its role as a key component of America’s strategic defense in the broader context of the Cold War.

On July 19, 1991, President George H. W. Bush and Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev signed the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START I Treaty) limiting the number of intercontinental ballistic missiles and nuclear warheads either country could possess. As part of the agreement, both the United States and the Soviet Union could disarm and preserve a certain number of weapons or facilities for interpretation of the Cold War history.

The Air Force and the National Park Service partnered to preserve the facilities now part of the Minuteman Missile Historic Site .

Copyright 2024 KEVN. All rights reserved.

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Tour a Missile Silo

There are a number of former active Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) sites that are now museums open to the public.

You can visit a Titan II, Minuteman or Peacekeeper Missile Alert Facility (Launch Control Facility), including the underground Launch Control Center where missile combat crews sat on alert, and tour a Titan II or Minuteman missile silo or Launch Facility.

You can see the tools and equipment the Missile Maintainers used and visit places few have been. In some cases, reservations are required for a full visit, and some sites charge a small fee. Check the web page for each to find how to visit these important facilities that were significant to our nuclear deterrence posture. At each location, you will meet docents who will guide you and answer questions - your docent may have even worked on the site you are visiting

Titan II Missile Museum — Arizona

Located in Green Valley, Arizona, south of Tucson, on I-19, Launch Complex 571-7 was part of the 390th Strategic Missile Wing at Davis Monthan AFB from 1963 to 1987, one of the 54 Titan II sites in that wing. The museum opened in 1986 and is operated by the Arizona Aerospace Foundation.  The Titan II Museum offers a variety of tours and other activities. You can find all the information you need on hours, directions, tours and fees on their website:  www.titanmissilemusuem.org

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site (MiMi) — South Dakota

Located on I-90 east of Wall, South Dakota, near the Badlands National Park, MiMi includes a Visitors Center with displays, videos and a store.

The Missile Alert Facility (Launch Control Facility) is D-01, one of the five flights in the 66th Strategic Missile Squadron, 44th Strategic Missile Wing/Missile Wing at Ellsworth AFB, between 1963 and 1994. Launch Facility D-09 was in the same squadron and controlled by D-01.  The site is managed by the National Park Service.

MiMi offers tours of the above ground and below ground facilities at D-01 and above ground at D-09. Reservations are required for some tours and a fee is charged. You can find all the information you need on hours, directions, tours and fees on their website:  www.nps.gov/mimi

Located on I-90 East of Wall, South Dakota, near the Badlands National Park, MiMi includes a Visitors Center with displays, videos and a store. The Missile Alert Facility (Launch Control Facility) is D-01, one of the five flights in the 66th Strategic Missile Squadron, 44th Strategic Missile Wing/Missile Wing at Ellwsorth AFB, between 1963 and 1994. Launch Facility D-09 was in the same squadron and controlled by D-01. The site is managed by the National Park Service. MiMi offers tours of the above ground and below ground facilities at D-01 and above ground at D-09. Reservations are required for some tours and a fee is charged. You can find all the information you need on hours, directions, tours and fees on their web site:  www.nps.gov/mimi

Oscar-Zero and Launch Facility N-03 — North Dakota

Quebec-01 peacekeeper site — wyoming.

Wyoming State Parks opened the Q-01 Missile Alert Facility (Launch Control Facility) as the newest state historic site.

Quebec-1 is significant as the only accessible Peacekeeper Missile Alert Facility left in the world.  The site strives to preserve and interpret the Cold War history of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, fostering an understanding of the mission and duties of the personnel assigned to work there.

Quebec-01 Missile Alert Facility State Historic Site offers the opportunity to see a military installation that was “hidden in plain sight” and controlled one of the most destructive nuclear weapons ever built by the United States. Delve into the daily lives of missileers, topside personnel, missile technology, the Cold War, and the deactivation of this missile system. Q-01 was part of the 90th Strategic Missile Wing/Missile Wing, initially as a Minuteman site (1962-1986) but then as one of five Peacekeeper Missile Control Centers in the 400th Missile Squadron (1986-2005).

Learn more by visiting:  wyoparks.state.wy.us/index.php/places-to-go/quebec-01

Wyoming State Parks is preparing the Q-01 Missile Alert Facility (Launch Control Facility) as the newest state historic site. This site is significant as the only accessible Peacekeeper Missile Alert Facility left in the world and will strive to preserve and interpret the Cold War history of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, fostering an understanding of the mission and duties of the personnel and crews assigned to work there. Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility State Historic Site, once open, will offer the visitor the opportunity to see a military installation that was “hidden in plain sight” and controlled one of the most destructive nuclear weapons ever built by the United States. Delve into the daily lives of missileers, topside personnel, missile technology, the Cold War and the deactivation of this missile system. Q-01 was part of the 90th Strategic Missile Wing/Missile Wing, initially as a Minuteman site (1962-1986) but then as one of rive Peacekeeper Missile control centers in the 400th Missile Squadron., (1986-2005). Learn more by visiting:  wyoparks.state.wy.us/index.php/places-to-go/quebec-01

Mailing address:

P.O. Box 1767

Monument, CO 80132

• 1.866.601.5103

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.  Visit the once secret facilities where Air Force personnel controlled and maintained ten nuclear missiles, part of a force of 150 missiles located in South Dakota. Discover the Cold War events that shaped our lives and still remain through a tour of the underground control center at Delta-01. At the Delta-09 silo, view a nuclear missile which once carried a 1.2 megaton warhead.Plan to visit all three sites

Reservations are required for the Delta 0-1 tour and can be made between 24 hours and 90 days prior to arrival. Tour reservations inside 24 hours are not available. No same day tours in the summer season. Only six people allowed per tour. At least one adult must accompany a child on the Delta -01 tour. Children must be 40” tall and at least six years old.

The TOTAL number of slots available per tour are indicated by clicking on the Adult Ages 17+ drop down box. If it says 2 under Adults and Kids – there are only 2 TOTAL people available,  Not 2 Adults and 2 Children. If there are no matches for the date you search you will get this message: NO RESULTS FOUND. Change your dates to check other availability. Again, if there are no tours available you will get this message: NO RESULTS FOUND.

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 Launch Control Facility Delta-01 (reservations required) is four miles west and the Delta-09 missile silo self guided tour is 15 miles west of the Visitor Center.  Built to execute a nuclear war, the historic Delta-01 compound cannot be made fully accessible. For those visitors unable to safely experience the underground control center, the Visitors Center at exit 131 offers a Virtual Tour experience that can be enjoyed by all.

Additional Information

There are currently no packages available for this location, there are currently no maps available for this location.

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Wallops Flight Facility

NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility provides agile, low-cost flight and launch range services to meet government and commercial sector needs for accessing flight regimes worldwide from the Earth’s surface to the moon and beyond. 

Wallops Island, Virginia

May 7, 1945

David Pierce

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Explore decommissioned underground nuclear missile launch centers

You can tour Minuteman Missile Launch Control Centers in North and South Dakota. Here's what they look like inside.

The Minuteman Launch Control Centers of the Dakotas

Our tour, and yours, begins here, at the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site  visitor's center in South Dakota. It's near one of the main entrances to Badlands National Park.

For more about the launch centers, and our tour, check out Midwest missiles: Minuteman Launch Control Centers hiding in plain sight .

Off a nearby Interstate 90 exit is the Delta-One Launch Control Center. But you'll need to book a tour to get beyond the gate.

Launch Control Facility

Topside, it looks like a fairly mundane. If it weren't for the fencing and security, you'd think it could be a warehouse.

The Minuteman missile silos were spread out from the LCC to prevent them being taken out by one enemy attack. As such, each center had a security patrol. 

This is a Cadillac Gage Peacekeeper , a top-heavy lightly armored vehicle built on a Dodge truck chassis.

Each Launch Control Facility was run by the Facility Manager, a noncommissioned officer. They got their own room, as seen here.

In addition to the missileers and the Facility Manager, each LCC was staffed by a cook and six security police.

Meals and time off were spent in the day room.

Each LCC was quite far from the nearest town, so they had to make their own fun with TV, movies, books and board games.

Typically, everyone first entered the facility through this main door. A security station is to the right (camera left).

Security Control Center

From here, security personnel controlled access to the facility, not just from the outside, but also to the door on the left -- which leads to the elevator down to the underground launch control center.

Delta-One has a small elevator, which limits how many people per day can visit. As I said, book in advance!

The blast door was decorated by facility personnel, perhaps during the long South Dakota winters.

Knock knock

The 8-ton door is so well-balanced it isn't difficult to move. Well, when it's unlocked.

There's a short tunnel to get to the LCC itself.

The LCC is inside a reinforced concrete shell, which in this case is 31 feet underground. Other LCCs were typically deeper.

Each LCC was staffed around the clock by two Air Force officers, the Missile Combat Crew Commander and the Deputy Missile Combat Crew Commander. 

Missile Combat Crew Commander

Here's the Missile Combat Crew Commander's station. 

And this was the Deputy Missile Combat Crew Commander's station.

Each officer had their own lock and key, which they would take with them at the end of their shift. If required, both officers would get the launch codes out of this lockbox.

In the red box is one of the places where officers would insert their keys to launch the facility's missiles.

Apart by design

By design, the keys are too far apart for one person to activate both.

This is the MCCC's status board. 

It's fascinating to see all the old computer hardware.

Though quiet now, in its day the computers made this a hot, loud place. 

You're on duty for 24 hours, so you'll need a nap.

Two more exits east on Interstate 90 is one of the few remaining launch facilities, Delta-Nine. Much like the Titan II missile silo in Arizona, which I've also toured , the silo has a glass roof so you can see the missile.

Minuteman II

This Minuteman II , seemingly ready in its silo, is a training missile. It has no fuel, engines or a nuclear warhead. 

Out into the plains

Delta-One isn't the only LCC you can tour. There's another a few hours northeast near Cooperstown, North Dakota. 

Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site

Though the Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site has a different design, the surface facility looks similar on the outside.

Here, the break room is much larger.

Variety (kinda)

Some meals were cooked to order, others were essentially heated-up TV dinners.

Classic tech

The museum has largely left everything as it was when the site was decommissioned in the 1990s. I was amused to see the same Dustbuster I had in my house growing up.

Facility Manager

The Oscar-Zero facility was part of the  321st Missile Wing , which had launch a 6,500-square-mile area around Grand Forks, North Dakota. This is the facility manager's room and office.

Similar to Delta-One, the main entrance is adjacent to the Security Control Center.

This is a bit more spacious than at Delta-One. Though all the Minuteman missiles are from the same era, each had slightly different designs. 

Even more classic tech

Remember fax machines?

Oscar-Zero has a larger elevator, making it far easier for big groups to visit.

Underground complex

One of the main differences between Delta-One and Oscar-Zero is that the equipment needed to keep the underground base livable also is underground. 

Like the LCC, the HVAC equipment and other gear is suspended on a platform to isolate it from attacks.

For temporary power outages, there's a generator with exhaust routed to the surface. 

LCC Entrance

Now we're headed inside.

Oscar-Zero's blast door isn't decorated.

Also more spacious

Oscar-Zero is both deeper, and far larger than Delta-One. Here you can see the shell, with the facility suspended within.

This is the Missile Combat Crew Commander's station.

Deputy Missile Combat Crew Commander

Note the missile key slot above the coffee mug at the DMCCC's station.

Yes, it's still locked.

DACs and more

There's communications gear, analog to digital converters, and a lot of heavy-duty equipment.

I spy an actual teletype , model AN/UGC-129(V)1 .

Those are some Wolverine-level claws on that bird.

Thankfully, for all of us, the launch order for these sites never came.

November-33

A few minutes from Oscar-Zero is the November-33 launch complex.

Unlike at Delta-Nine, this silo is filled in. It is remarkable how small it all is, especially compared to the much-larger Titan II silo .

The Pyramid

And then there's this! I've wanted to see this in person for ages. It's not strictly related to the Minuteman project, other than being part of the US strategic defense during the Cold War.

It's called the Pyramid of North Dakota, or more accurately, the Stanley R. Mickelsen Safeguard Complex .

Launch or landing?

Rising out of the plains of northern North Dakota, the Pyramid seems like it was dropped there by aliens. Or perhaps  as a landing site for some .  

Safeguard was a US Army Anti-Ballistic missile program that was scaled back and back and eventually cancelled just a few months after the only complex, this one, was completed. 

Currently you can't go enter, but they do have an excellent photos of what it's like inside .

Unlike the Minuteman LCCs, the Mickelsen Safeguard Complex is locked. 

Check out the full story behind our tour over at  Midwest missiles: Minuteman Launch Control Centers hiding in plain sight .

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