Minuteman Missile NHS Tours

This compound includes the topside support building and the associated underground Launch Control Center located 31 feet below the plains of western South Dakota. The topside supported the missileers stationed underground in carrying out their mission. Equipment such as a backup generator for auxiliary power, and environmental control provided backup support in the event of a power outage or an attack. There were always eight people on the topside, all enlisted Air Force personnel who were stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, 60 miles to the west. These personnel included a Facility Manager (top ranking non-commissioned officer on-site), a cook and six security police. They worked three straight days on, followed by three days off. In addition, the site had bunk housing for visitors, such as maintenance teams who were required to remain over night at the nearest Launch Control Facility (LCF) if they exceeded 16 hours in a work shift. They would spend the night at the nearest LCF before driving back to Ellsworth Air Force Base the following day. The building also contained a Security Control Center, where all security activities were coordinated and personnel would be processed when coming on site. Other areas on the topside included a day room, dining area and recreational room that Air Force support personnel used while at the facility.

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is located at three sites along a fifteen mile stretch of Interstate 90 in western South Dakota. The Visitor Center is located immediately north of I-90, exit 131. The two historic sites which make up the park are four miles (Launch Control Facility Delta-01) and 15 miles (Launch Facility Delta-09) from the Visitor Center. No public transportation systems serve the park. A variety of maps are available to assist you visit and historic understanding. To The Delta-01 Launch Control Facility Launch Control Facility Delta-01 is located on the north side of Exit 127, Interstate 90. No facilities presently exist at Delta-01 except for the ticketed, ranger-led tour; no entry to the facility is allowed without tour reservations. From the east, via I-90 Follow I-90 east to exit 127. Turn right off the exit. The road will soon turn to gravel. The launch control facility will be 1/2 mile on the left. From the west, via I-90 Follow I-90 west to exit 127. Turn left off the exit and go under the underpass. The road will soon turn to gravel. The launch control facility will be 1/2 mile on the left.