News Release

Everglades National Park hosts Nike Site Festival commemorating 60 years of HM-69 Nike Missile Site

News Release Date: January 7, 2025

Contact: Allyson Gantt, 786-610-8023

Contact: General park information, 305-242-7700

HOMESTEAD, Fla. – On Jan. 18, Everglades National Park will host the inaugural Nike Site Festival at the historic HM-69 Nike Missile Site. The event will commemorate South Florida’s role in the Cold War and Cuban Missile Crisis and will also highlight the region’s Cuban heritage. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. followed by a Cold War Era presentation at the Long Pine Key campground at 6 p.m. The event is family-friendly, open to the public, and free of charge with park admission.

The festival features a variety of events, each chosen to connect to the site’s history and the stories of its military personnel. There will be ranger presentations, guest speakers, and related educational organizations in attendance. Participants can assemble their own water-powered rocket, watch K-9 demonstrations, vote for their favorite Cold-War-era muscle car, and listen to live musical performances by the 13^th Army Band and other local musicians playing hits from the 1950s through the 1970s. Food will also be available for purchase.

The HM-69 Nike Missile Base operated from 1965-1979 to defend the United States against possible air attacks. Approximately 140 soldiers staffed the site, which was listed as a Historic District on July 27, 2004. Located near the Homestead entrance, the site is open seasonally from November through March for visitation and daily tours.

For event schedule and additional details about the Nike Site Festival, visit: https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/nike-site-festival.htm
Note: Registrations are still being accepted for the auto show.   

For more information about the HM-69 Nike Missile Site, including trip planning, visit: https://www.nps.gov/ever/learn/historyculture/hm69.htm