Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

For 30 years, 1,000 nuclear missiles sat in the prairie of South Dakota ready to be launched at any moment. Why? During the Cold War from 1963-91, the threat of nuclear attack from the Russians was palpable. Ironically, building a nuclear arsenal in what became known as the “arms race” between the U.S. and Soviet Union proved critical to creating a deterrent to nuclear war.

This park preserves two 1960s missile sites to educate the public about the arms race, missile technology, and how such weapons affected America’s politics and strategy.

Start at the visitor center to see exhibits and a timeline wall detailing close-calls before touring Launch Facility Delta-09. If you’d like to tour Delta-01 Launch Control Facility, there is a fee and advance reservations are required. Reservations can be made online or by phone at 866-601-5129.

Learn more at www.nps.gov/mimi

Watch more films at www.nps.gov/mimi/learn/photosmultimedia/multimedia-presentations.htm