NPS/Minuteman Missile NHS This compound includes the topside support building and the associated underground Launch Control Center located 31 feet below the plains of western South Dakota. The topside supported the missileers stationed underground in carrying out their mission. Equipment such as a backup generator for auxiliary power, and environmental control provided backup support in the event of a power outage or an attack. There were always eight people on the topside, all enlisted Air Force personnel who were stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, 60 miles to the west. These personnel included a Facility Manager (top ranking non-commissioned officer on-site), a cook and six security police. They worked three straight days on, followed by three days off. In addition, the site had bunk housing for visitors, such as maintenance teams who were required to remain over night at the nearest Launch Control Facility (LCF) if they exceeded 16 hours in a work shift. They would spend the night at the nearest LCF before driving back to Ellsworth Air Force Base the following day. The building also contained a Security Control Center, where all security activities were coordinated and personnel would be processed when coming on site. Other areas on the topside included a day room, dining area and recreational room that Air Force support personnel used while at the facility. Walk To The GateAll visitors to Delta-01 can walk up to the large entrance gate and look through the fence into the compound. An exhibit panel provides context to the site. A cell-phone guided tour leads visitors to the front gate and provides information about the site and how it operated. ToursMinuteman Missile National Historic Site is unable to offer ranger-guided Delta-01 tours at this time. Existing tour reservations will be honored. An alternative virtual tour of the Delta-01 Launch Control Facility is available online or at the visitor center as staffing allows. Learn More
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Last updated: November 18, 2025