Minuteman Missile National Historic Site- Delta-01 Launch Facility- South Dakota

We left Rapid City, sadly.  We really enjoyed our time there, and have developed a certain love for the area, and the town.  It was a real joy getting to stay at the wonderful old Hotel Alex Johnson for a second time.

Our first stop, a little over an hour from Rapid City, was the Minute Man Missile National Historic Site.  We ended up getting there about 50 minutes early.  You get off the interstate then drive down a gravel road to get there.  We drove around the area a little.  There is a farm, and a red car that has obviously been used for target practice in a field.

We waited by the gate at the parking area, and a pit bull came up.  He actually looked very sweet, and I wanted to get out and play with him, but decided to be cautious and stay in the car.

It was interesting being here for a little while on this morning.  A ranger finally came and unlocked the gate, You actually walk through a couple of fence gates and then get to a fenced in looking house.

The whole thing had a bit of an apocalyptic sci fi movie feel.  Weird and cool.  A young Ranger named Erin came and unlocked the fence to let us and the 2 other couples in.

Our tour stared around 9, and lasted 45 minutes.  It was very interesting.  The site was declassified in 1993, though it was generally known about, especially by protesters (you can still buy a book from them that tells where all of the nuclear launch sites are- Erin joked that you could buy it in the gift shop).

 It was well guarded while open, and as far as Erin knew, no one really tried to get in.  Food was kept locked too, in case someone was thinking about poisoning it.

In 1993, there was an agreement signed with Russia, and this site, and another in Russia, was deactivated.  The Russian one is now in a forest in the Ukraine.  She said it is hard to get there.  She has had the people in Russia who had the same job (waiting in a bunker for word that they would have to turn the key) tour this facility.  Two people would wait for the warning, which thankfully never came. 

BUT, while it was active, a couple of guys would be stationed in the bunker area waiting for the coded call to come.  If they ever got that call- each would have to turn a key at the same time.  The two ignition slots were placed far enough apart that one man could not turn them both.

Our informative guide told us that actually, two keys being turned at one facility really did nothing on its own....  BUT if two others in a similar bunker site turned their keys too.....  well THAT would literally start a nuclear conflict.

It was exciting taking the elevator down the 31 feet to the bunker area.  Tour groups are limited to 6 people, and we did order our tickets early.  This was a site and tour that has been on my list for some time, and I am glad that I was finally able to visit.