Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site was established in 1999 to illustrate the history and significance of the Cold War, the arms race, and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) development.

This National Historic Site consists of three facilities: a main office and two significant Cold War-era sites, a launch control center and a missile silo/launch facility, formerly operated by the 66th Strategic Missile Squadron of the 44th Strategic Missile Wing, headquartered at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, South Dakota.

The facilities represent the only remaining intact components of a nuclear missile field that once consisted of 150 Minuteman II missiles, 15 launch-control centers, and covered over 13,500 square miles (34,964.8 km2) of southwestern South Dakota.

The silo, known as launch facility Delta Nine (D-09) was constructed in 1963. It occupies 1.6 acres (6,000 m2) nearly one-half mile (800 m) southwest of Interstate 90 at Exit 116 and six miles (10 km) from the town of Wall, South Dakota, in eastern Pennington County.

Location

24545 CottonWood Road
Philip, South Dakota
USA

Getting There

The Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is located near Wall, South Dakota. Unfortunately, there is no public transportation available directly to the site. The closest airport is the Rapid City Regional Airport, which is about an hour's drive away from the site.

The best way to visit the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site would be to rent a car or hire a private transportation service. There are several rental car companies available at the Rapid City Regional Airport. Once you arrive at the site, there is ample parking available.

Alternatively, there are also several tour companies that offer guided tours to the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. These tours typically include transportation from Rapid City or other nearby cities. You may want to research and book a tour in advance if you prefer not to rent a car.

Nearby Airports

This is a list of primary airports in South Dakota that have scheduled passenger service on commercial airlines.