North Dakota has some truly awesome historic sites. From villages datings back long before the state was even a state to military sites that went out of use only a handful of decades ago, there is a lot to see and learn about here. One of the coolest historical sites here is one you can visit yourself to see the history up close and in person. Head on out yourself and discover what makes it so fascinating.
The incredible Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile Site is so worth a visit. It is located near Cooperstown, North Dakota.
Mark H/Tripadvisor
From the surface, this site might just look like a military facility consisting of a few buildings, but there is a lot hiding underground. Large underground bunkers were built during the Cold War and have been left completely intact, exactly as they were since the site was shut down.
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Although the missile silos in this site are now empty, at one point they are armed and ready to launch at any sign of enemy missiles heading our way. Minuteman missiles were designed to destroy incoming missiles and protect the country from attack.
LOC/Wikimedia
During the site tour, you’ll be headed 60 feet underground into the launch control.
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In these heavily armored underground bunkers, you’ll see everything up close and personal as the service members who served here did from 1966 until 1997.
Peter R/Tripadvisor
The launch control area is behind a 4-foot-thick blast door that is insanely huge.
Mark H/Tripadvisor
In the launch control room you’ll get to be right up close to the very spot that could have saved thousands of people if the time was necessary. Every day, two people would be in this room for long 24-hour shifts, at the ready in case of attack.
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It’s incredible to see in person and one of the last of its kind that you can tour, and it’s right here in North Dakota.
Mark H/Tripadvisor
The Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site is located at 555 113 1/2 Ave. NE, Hwy 45, Cooperstown, ND 58425. During winter months the site is open for tours by appointment only, so be sure to call ahead of time. The rest of the year it is open daily. Click here for more information.
Mark H/Tripadvisor
HABS/Wikimedia
LOC/Wikimedia
Peter R/Tripadvisor
natechertack/Tripadvisor
This certainly will make you feel like you’re stepping back into a snapshot of the past. Check out these awesome photographs taken in North Dakota around the same time this place was built to catch even more of a glimpse of the time.
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