Things To Do Near Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
Cold War history is the main attraction at the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. Learn about the United States' nuclear missile program in the visitor center, and take time to check out the decommissioned nuclear warhead. Although the historic site doesn't have any hiking trails of its own, you'll find one-of-a-kind hikes less than 10 miles south in Badlands National Park. Shopping and dining are limited in this remote section of South Dakota, but there are a few options within 30 minutes of the park.
Hiking Trails
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Notch Trail
The Notch Trail is short but strenuous, giving you a fantastic workout as you climb through the rocks in Badlands National Park. The trailhead sits just 6.5 miles south of Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, so it's easy to do both in a single day. It travels through a canyon, eventually coming to a log ladder that scales a steep hill, and at the top, you'll see a gorgeous view of the Badlands. This hike is best for fit people who aren't afraid of heights.
Location
Door and Window parking area, SD-240, Interior, SD 57750
Length
1.5 miles round trip
Intensity
Moderate to Strenuous
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Cliff Shelf Trail
About 8 miles from the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, the Cliff Shelf Trail is a beautiful hike for the entire family. The entire hike is about 0.5-mile long, gaining 200 feet as it climbs. Wear supportive shoes; the path includes stairs and boardwalks. After it rains, keep an eye out for the bighorn sheep that come to drink from the temporary ponds.
Location
Cliff Shelf parking area, SD-240, Interior, SD 57750
Length
0.5-mile round trip
Intensity
Moderate
Sightseeing
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Delta-09 Missile Silo
One of the highlights of the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is the remarkable Delta-09 Missile Silo. You'll see the glass-covered structure right away; it covers the silo and an unarmed Minuteman II missile. Although the silo itself isn't open to visit, you can look down through the glass to get a sense of its size and scale. Make sure to download the audio tour guide to learn more about the site.
Location
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site visitor center
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Delta-01 Launch Control Facility
Before your trip, reserve a spot on a ranger-led tour of the Delta-01 Launch Control Facility. During your visit, you'll see the topside buildings where staff worked and lived. The most fascinating part of the tour takes you 31 feet underground to the Launch Control Center, where teams of two worked around the clock to keep an eye on the missiles and were ready to execute a launch command in case of nuclear war. In addition to the launch controls, the workers had space to read, study, or nap.
Location
Cs 23A, Wall, SD 57790
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Badlands National Park
From the visitor center at the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, it's just a 4-mile drive to the northeastern entrance of Badlands National Park. Even if you don't plan to explore the park, it's worth driving down to see the Big Badlands Overlook. From this pull out, you can enjoy remarkable views of the wild rock formations in the Badlands.
Location
25216 SD-240, Interior, SD 57750
Museums
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Prairie Homestead
Find out what it was like to live as a settler in South Dakota in the early 1900s at the Prairie Homestead. This unique museum sits inside an original sod home from 1909; it's one of the last of its kind in the United States. Stop in the visitor center to learn about life on the prairie, and then head out to the cabin, which has been furnished with authentic furniture, dishes, and supplies. If you like, you can borrow pioneer clothes from the visitor center for photos.
Location
21070 SD-240, Philip, SD 57567
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Badlands Ranch Store
If you're traveling from the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site down to Badlands National Park, you can't miss the Badlands Ranch Store because a giant bull statue decorates the roof. Inside, choose from souvenirs like T-shirts, plush toys, postcards, and books. You can also buy prairie dog food to feed the critters in the nearby prairie dog field.
Location
21190 SD-240, Philip, SD 57567
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Badlands Trading Post
The Badlands Trading Post is the closest store to the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. It's also one of the last places to fill your gas tank before you get to Badlands National Park. The on-site gift store has a selection of snacks and souvenirs.
Location
21290 SD-240, Philip, SD 57567
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Badlands Grocery
Badlands Grocery is a small store located in the tiny community of Interior. If you need extra water, snacks, or food during your camping trip, this is a good option.
Location
101 Main St, Interior, SD 57750
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Cedar Pass Restaurant
Located inside the Badlands Cedar Pass Lodge, the Cedar Pass Restaurant offers a menu that caters to a range of dietary requirements. Make sure to try the Sioux Indian tacos, which are served on house-made fry bread.
Location
20681 SD-240, Interior, SD 57750
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Wagon Wheel Bar and Grill
If you're traveling through Badlands National Park, the Wagon Wheel Bar and Grill is one of the most convenient dining options. Dig into a pizza, or fuel up with a burger or a hot sandwich.
Location
115 Main St, Interior, SD 57750
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Sunset Grill
As you approach Minuteman Missile National Historic Site from the east, the Sunset Grill is the last place to stop for a meal. This traditional diner serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Start the day with a huge egg platter, and end it with a steak or breaded shrimp.
Location
411 SD-73, Kadoka, SD 57543