For thirteen days in October of 1962, the world held its breath. After Soviet missile sites had been discovered in Cuba, tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union escalated rapidly, bringing the world to the brink of a nuclear war. For thirteen days, the future seemed uncertain. Fortunately, American and Soviet leaders were able to negotiate an uneasy peace and catastrophe was avoided in the knick of time. 

Today, the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site stands as a stark and foreboding monument to the dangers of nuclear weapons and the looming specter of the Cold War. In this article, we’ll take a look at Minuteman Missiles, their unnerving history and their impact on global security. Above all, we’ll tell you how you can gain firsthand experience with these terrible and incredible pieces of American history.     



The Cold War 

The years after World War Two marked a period of intense global tension and uncertainty. The world’s two superpowers, the United States and Soviet Union, were engaged in a relentless arms race. Each side was desperate to win the conflict of ideologies and power that came to be known as the Cold War. 

After the Cuban Missile Crisis, American nuclear policy changed. American leaders developed the “flexible response” doctrine that aimed to avoid the perilous path to all-out nuclear war. 

Part of this doctrine included the belief that the more nuclear weapons the United States possessed, the safer it would be from attack. The logic was that if the Soviet Union knew an attack would trigger a massive retaliatory strike, they wouldn’t pick a fight. This is where the Minuteman Missiles come in. 

The Minuteman Missile 

The Minuteman Missiles were technological marvels of their time. These intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICMBs) were aptly named “Minutemen” because they were ready to launch at a minute’s notice and could reach enemy targets almost anywhere in the world within 30 minutes. 

Part of what made the Minuteman Missiles so advanced was their solid-fuel propulsion systems. Unlike their liquid-fueled older siblings, which required time-consuming and complex fueling procedures, the Minuteman missiles were “cold-launched.” They could be fired directly from their missile silos in South Dakota, eliminating the need for a volatile and time-consuming fueling process.

The Minuteman Missiles also boasted multiple independent reentry vehicles (MIRVs). This means that a single missile could carry several nuclear warheads, each capable of striking a different target. This was a game-changer in terms of nuclear capabilities, making the Minuteman even more formidable. After all, the only thing more intimidating than a nuclear warhead is multiple nuclear warheads. 

The Minuteman Missile National Historic Site 

Frozen in time and preserved by the National Parks Service, the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site allows you to get up close and personal with the nuclear missile silos of the Cold War. The site is home to the remnants of what came to be known as a “missile farm.” This collection of missile silos spread out and buried beneath the plains of South Dakota acted as both the shield and the tip of the spear that protected Americans during the Cold War. 

Delta 01 Launch Control Center 

Here you can tour the actual launch control facility, but you need advanced reservations. During the summer, it’s common for these tours to be booked up to 8 weeks in advance. A little planning can go a long way. 

The Launch Control Center includes a topside support building and the underground Launch Control Center 30 feet underground. The topside building housed a backup generator and environmental support for the underground bunker. A cook, facility manager, and six security police would work three day shifts in the tophouse, providing security and support to the missileers below. The buried launch control center housed selected officers who manned the launch controls, always waiting for the order to press the big red button.

Delta 09 Missile Silo 

The site doesn’t look like much on the surface – and that’s the point. Just a small parking lot next to a fenced off section of seemingly empty prairie. The juxtaposition of the peaceful prairie all around you and the world-shattering power of the missile hidden underfoot is humbling and ominous. 

Here you can see an actual Minuteman Missile – don’t worry, the warheads have long since been removed. No reservations or tickets are required to explore this area, just park your car and check out the giant nuclear missile hidden a few feet away. Be sure to take advantage of the self-guided cell phone tour to learn more about the anatomy of these missile silos. 

Visitor Center 

Here you can get a taste of the Cold War history and development of the Minuteman Missile. You’ll also get a sense of what life was like for the missileers who protected and defended our nation 24/7 for more than 30 years. The Visitor Center provides a glimpse of the unbearable weight and responsibility given to the missileers. 

Legacy of the Minuteman Missiles 

Talking about nuclear weapons and the potential end of civilization isn’t exactly uplifting, and it can be heavy. But it’s not all doom and gloom, and there is a silver lining here. The Minuteman Missiles, immortalized at the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, left an enduring legacy that extends beyond their role as a deterrent during the Cold War. 

The Minuteman Missiles played a part in negotiations between the United States and Soviet Union. They symbolized American strength and were a bargaining chip in the complex diplomatic dance of global security. The legacy of the Minuteman Missiles extends even further, as they continue to stand as a testament to the resolve and vigilance of a nation committed to its security and global stability. 

Today, the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site allows visitors to connect with this legacy and gain a deeper understanding of how these weapons, once a source of tension and fear, ultimately contributed to a safer world. 

Hansen Inn & Cabins 

After you’ve emerged from a day spent in the history of the recent past, enrich your journey with the present-day comfort and convenience of Hansen Inn & Cabins. Nestled in nearby Wall, South Dakota, our inn and cabins offer travelers a comforting and welcoming environment. 

Your stay at Hansen Inn & Cabins puts you in close proximity to the best that South Dakota has to offer. Our location is ideal for those who wish to explore the rich history of South Dakota and experience the striking beauty of Badlands National Park. Make the most of your visit to South Dakota, book your stay with us today.