Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

National Historic Site South Dakota
View of Minuteman Missile National Historic SiteView of Minuteman Missile National Historic SiteView of Minuteman Missile National Historic SiteView of Minuteman Missile National Historic SiteView of Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

During the Cold War, a vast arsenal of nuclear missiles were placed in the Great Plains. Hidden in plain sight, for thirty years 1,000 missiles were kept on constant alert; hundreds remain today. The Minuteman Missile remains an iconic weapon in the American nuclear arsenal. It holds the power to destroy civilization, but is meant as a nuclear deterrent to maintain peace and prevent war.

Entry Fees

No additional fees

Weather Information

Rapid weather changes are common in the western South Dakota area where Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is located. Variations from season to season and from year to year are great. Characteristics of the climate are hot dry summers and bitterly cold winters. Wind is a constant on the Great Plains, winds in excess of 50 mph not uncommon. During the winter season, winds typically blow from the north-northwest and have been known to cause wind chills in excess of -40 degrees.

Address

24545 Cottonwood Road, Philip, SD 57567

Activities & Topics

Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Engineering Military US Air Force (Army Air Corps) Science Technology and Innovation Social Movements Tragic Events Wars and Conflicts Cold War

Operating Hours

wednesday

9

monday

Closed

thursday

9

sunday

Closed

tuesday

9

friday

9

saturday

9

Location

Coordinates: 43.89558013, -102.0272131

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