Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
National Historic Site ยท South Dakota
NPS Photo
Historic missile site in South Dakota, U.S.
The Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is an American national historic site established in 1999 near Wall, South Dakota, to illustrate the history and significance of the Cold War, the nuclear arms race, and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) development. The site preserves the last intact Minuteman II ICBM system in the United States, in a disarmed and demilitarized status. Guided tours are available of the underground Launch Control Center, and a missile silo can be observed from above. Some 450 of the newer Minuteman III missiles are still on active duty at Malmstrom AFB, Montana, Minot AFB, North Dakota, and F. E. Warren AFB, Wyoming.
About 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.
Park Photos
Activities
Operating Hours
Delta-09 Missile Silo
Visitors are invited to go inside the fenced compound and look down into the silo at a Minuteman missile in its historic state, protected by a glass viewing enclosure. A narrated ranger guided tour of Delta-09 is available year-round using your cell phone. Inclement weather may close this site on occasion.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | 9:00AM - 3:00PM | 9:00AM - 3:00PM | 9:00AM - 3:00PM | 9:00AM - 3:00PM | 9:00AM - 3:00PM | Closed |
Delta-01 Launch Control Facility
A recorded audio tour at Delta-01 is available for all visitors that guides you to the front gate of Delta-01. To enter the Delta-01 facility, visitors need to attend a ranger-guided tour. Due to the size of the elevator and the confined space underground, advance reservations are required and tours are limited to 6 visitors at a time. Inclement weather may close this site on occasion.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | 9:00AM - 3:00PM | 9:00AM - 3:00PM | 9:00AM - 3:00PM | 9:00AM - 3:00PM | 9:00AM - 3:00PM | Closed |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Minuteman Missile National Historic Site?
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is free to enter.
What are the best activities at Minuteman Missile National Historic Site?
Popular activities at Minuteman Missile National Historic Site include: Guided Tours, Junior Ranger Program, Park Film, Museum Exhibits, Shopping, Bookstore and Park Store.
What is the weather like at Minuteman Missile National Historic Site?
Rapid weather changes are common in the western South Dakota area where Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is located. Variations from season to season and from year to year are great. Characteristics of the climate are hot dry summers and bitterly cold winters. Wind is a constant on the Great Plains, winds in excess of 50 mph not uncommon. During the winter season, winds typically blow from the north-northwest and have been known to cause wind chills in excess of -40 degrees.
How do I get to Minuteman Missile National Historic Site?
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.
Entrance Fees
Free Admission
Weather
Rapid weather changes are common in the western South Dakota area where Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is located. Variations from season to season and from year to year are great. Characteristics of the climate are hot dry summers and bitterly cold winters. Wind is a constant on the Great Plains, winds in excess of 50 mph not uncommon. During the winter season, winds typically blow from the north-northwest and have been known to cause wind chills in excess of -40 degrees.
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.
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Official Resources
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