The First National Park Remembering The Cold War: Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

If you’re ever feeling adventurous and want to explore some of the lesser-known tourist spots in the United States, I recommend checking out the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site in South Dakota.

It’s not only historically significant, but it’s also a great place to get a glimpse into what life was like during the Cold War.

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site near Wall, South Dakota, provides an excellent opportunity to get up close and personal with the battleground where nuclear war could have been started. Visitors here can come face-to-face with how things might have ended if the Cold War had turned into a hot war.

An Intense History

Thousands of Air Force members were deployed to the great plains during the Cold War to work on nuclear weapons, which had a much greater destructive power than any weapons that existed before them. The United States and its allies have for many years relied on nuclear weapons to deter any nation from launching a nuclear attack. This is because of the tremendous destructive power of a single atomic bomb and the certainty of retaliation in kind. Thus creating a deterrent, and peace.

For 30 years, the missile field was active 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Despite the summer heat and brutal South Dakota winters, these missiles were consistently maintained to ensure they were always ready for launch.

The specter of global thermonuclear war loomed over the world for much of the second half of the 20th century. Though close on more than one occasion, eventually this momentous event came to pass and the standoff between the Soviets and Americans came to an end.

The Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is dedicated to telling the story of one of the most significant times in American History through exhibits and preserved locations. They are known for giving visitors an incredible opportunity to explore the Cold War with a focus on early-to-mid 1960s America. Visitors can walk in the footsteps of those that helped defend our country during turbulent times and learn about their experiences, both personal and public.

It is the first national park to focus on the Cold War and gives visitors a chance to explore the area from a different perspective. This park also provides a public site for examining the challenges and paradoxes of this period in history.

What Is The Best Way To Visit The National Historic Site?

The visitor center is the first stop for anyone interested in visiting this amazing place. Interactive exhibits, films, and a bookstore provide an introduction to the Minuteman Intercontinental Missile System and its role during The Cold War.

Next, visitors can take a self-guided tour of this historic missile silo that contains the last disarmed Minuteman II ICBM system in America. The tour provides an excellent opportunity to see the ground-breaking technology that was once a key part of maintaining American national security.

And lastly, for those who are looking for a truly memorable experience, the once restricted Launch Control Facility is available for ranger-led tours. The walk-through includes both topside grounds and support buildings as well as going below ground to the Launch Control Center for an up-close look at where the missileers spent their time on duty and some of the equipment they used daily in controlling their Minuteman II missiles. The tour gives visitors a chance to learn about the history of the facility and see first-hand how it operated during the Cold War. It’s a unique opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at a piece of American history.

Each tour can have up to six people on it to make sure the historic facilities are protected and people’s safety is guaranteed. The tour lasts 45 minutes and includes a moderate amount of walking. Keep in mind that there won’t be much modern seating available, so you’ll need to be able to walk and stand unassisted. But it will all be worth it when you get to see the historic facilities up close! Just be sure to sign up in advance so you don’t miss your spot on the tour, reservations are required.

If you’re interested in learning more about America’s history, the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is a must-see. The site is home to some of the most important relics from the Cold War era, and offers a unique glimpse into life during that time.

Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what your favorite part of the site was!

Where Do I Go?

Located at:
24545 Cottonwood Road
Philip, SD57567

For more information visit the official web site