The Cold War era was truly a terrifying period in world history. The threat of a nuclear war and the resulting nuclear catastrophe could befall any minute. In the vast expanse of South Dakota plains lies a living testament to this gripping time – the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site.

The Minuteman Historic Site was established in 1999 as a legacy and reminder of the effects of the Cold War, the arms race, nuclear deterrence, and the intercontinental ballistic missile development. Inside the site are actual remains of Minuteman II ICBM that were in active use during the Cold War.

The Minuteman Historic Site consists of three facilities: the main office; a launch command center; and the missile silo and launch facility. The facilities once contained 150 active Minuteman II missiles. The site is open for officially guided tours.