Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
During the Cold War, a vast arsenal of nuclear missiles were placed in the Great Plains.
Photo: NPS Photo / NPS
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.
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Driving times from Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Hours
Delta-09 Missile Silo
- Mon
- 9:00AM - 3:00PM
- Tue
- 9:00AM - 3:00PM
- Wed
- 9:00AM - 3:00PM
- Thu
- 9:00AM - 3:00PM
- Fri
- 9:00AM - 3:00PM
- Sat
- 9:00AM - 3:00PM
- Sun
- 9:00AM - 3:00PM
Delta-01 Launch Control Facility
- Mon
- 9:00AM - 3:00PM
- Tue
- 9:00AM - 3:00PM
- Wed
- 9:00AM - 3:00PM
- Thu
- 9:00AM - 3:00PM
- Fri
- 9:00AM - 3:00PM
- Sat
- 9:00AM - 3:00PM
- Sun
- 9:00AM - 3:00PM
Activities
Getting there
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.
Frequently asked questions
- What is there to do at Minuteman Missile National Historic Site?
- Popular activities include Bookstore and Park Store, Guided Tours, Junior Ranger Program, Museum Exhibits, Park Film, Shopping.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Minuteman Missile National Historic Site?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Mount Rushmore National Memorial (1 h 35 min), Badlands National Park (1 h 57 min), Jewel Cave National Monument (2 h 5 min), Wind Cave National Park (2 h 20 min), Devils Tower National Monument (2 h 46 min), Niobrara National Scenic River (3 h 34 min).