2021-12-16 06:25:57
Hidden in plain Site ABOUT THE PARK Relive the underlying drama of the Cold War at Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. The park consists of three sites along a 15-mile stretch of I-90 and is the first national park dedicated to commemorating Cold War events. The national historic site preserves two facilities which were once part of a Minuteman Missile field — Launch Control Facility Delta-01 with its corresponding underground Launch Control Center and Launch Facility (Missile Silo) Delta-09. VISITOR CENTER Explore exhibits and displays about the Cold War, the nuclear arms race and the Minuteman Missile system. Their friendly staff will help you learn more about the park. The park store is located inside the visitor center off I-90 at Exit 131. Discover more at nps.gov/mimi. Things to Do Delta-09 Missile Silo Take a self-guided or cellphone tour of the Delta-09 Missile Silo, located at I-90 Exit 116. The underground missile silo kept a fully operational Minuteman Missile that could send a nuclear weapon to the Soviet Union in just 30 minutes. The launch facility consists of a silo 12 feet in diameter and 80 feet deep. Gaze through the glass roof to see an unarmed missile standing ready, just as it was during the Cold War. Launch Control Facility Delta-01 Go on a ranger-guided tour of Launch Control Facility Delta-01, I-90 Exit 127, to learn what it was like to have the responsibility of thermonuclear war at your fingertips. Descend 31 feet underground to the Launch Control Center and see the electronic consoles used by missileers to control ten nuclear missiles. Be sure to plan ahead. All tours require reservations and a fee. Tour spots fill up quickly and may be modified due to pandemic restrictions. Visit the park’s website for the most up-to-date information. Mobile Tour Take a mobile phone guided tour of Delta-09 and Delta-01 to learn the history of Minuteman Missile on the Great Plains and how it was operated for thirty years. Air Force veterans who served at both sites narrate these tours.
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