The Minuteman Missile NHS is located at three different exits along I-90 in western South Dakota - just across from the Badlands National Park. The Visitors Center is located at Exit 131, Delta-01 (Launch Control Facility) is located at Exit 127 and Delta-09 (Missile) is at Exit 116. Currently, parking lots are being expanded at Delta-01 and Delta-09 so big rigs or RVs better not go there because you can't turn around - however there is ample room at the Visitors Center to park and either unhitch or take your smaller vehicle to the other sites. Small Class C campers shouldn't have any trouble at Delta-01 or Delta-09.
The Visitors Center is small and compact but clean and has everything you'd want to see there. There is also a small gift shop of trinkets, post cards, shirts, etc. as well as a nice exhibit to view. Hours for the Visitors Center is 8 am - 4 pm daily. There are no fees to go to the Visitors Center, but to access Delta-01 Launch Control Facility and take a tour the fee is $6.00 per person; children $4.00. I ordered our tickets through www.blackhillsvacations.com. Only 6 people can be on one tour because the elevator to the underground launch control will only hold 6 people and the launch area is so tiny that even for 6 people it's tight. Buy you tickets well in advance!! They sell out quickly. Call 866-601-5129 to make reservations through the park.
After touring the up-top command location and sleeping/relaxing quarters, you headed down to the Launch Control Center using an elevator that takes you 31 feet underground where the exact consoles are still in place. It really was like stepping back into the 70s with the technology. The Launch Control Center was have the ability to arm 10 Minuteman II missiles from this spot. They would receive orders with launch codes, they enter the codes. One officer is at one station control away from the other officer and they turn their keys simultaneously where the launch codes will interface with the correct missiles taking them to their intended targets. (Just as a note, if for some reason the elevator doesn't work when it's time to head back up top, you will have to climb 2 sets of 15 foots ladders - so take that into consideration if you want to do this tour).
I LOVED this sign: WORLD-WIDE DELIVERY IN 30 MINUTES OR LESS OR YOUR NEXT ONE IS FREE! |
See how THICK these doors were! |
Heading back up top |
Various missiles - Minuteman on the Right |
This glass covers the missile so it's hard to photograph |
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