The Delta-01 Launch Control Facility

Delta-01 as seen from Interstate 90.

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 Gate

All 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.

Entry through the Gate Requires a Reserved Ranger-Guided Tour

Built for nuclear war, the control center features a small elevator and a tight underground space. To protect the historic facilities and to provide for visitor safety, each tour is limited to six participants and a park ranger. This tour begins and ends at the entry gate to the Delta-01 compound. All tours of the Delta-01 Launch Control Facility require advanced reservations and an amenity fee. Reservations can be made on-line or by phone at 605-717-7629. Reservations can be made up to 90 days prior to tour date. SAME DAY tour reservations are not available in the summer season. In the summer season tours fill up to eight weeks in advance. All tour participants must be able to be physically capable of climbing two 15 foot ladders unassisted in the event of an elevator failure. More information on tours and tour reservations....

Learn More

• View a photo gallery of Delta-01's topside structure
• View a photo gallery of Delta-01's underground launch control center
• Learn more about the history of Delta-01
• Take a virtual tour inside Delta-01's topside structure
• Take a virtual tour inside Delta-01's topside support areas
• Take a virtual tour inside Delta-01's underground launch control center

 

WARNING: Modified Tours at Delta-01 until further notice

Due to issues with the fire suppression system, tours at Delta-01 will not be going into the underground launch control center. Tours will consist of the topside portion and a virtual presentation of the underground.

 

Delta-01 Tour Tickets

All tours of the Delta-01 Launch Control Facility require advanced reservations. Reservations can be made on-line or by phone at 605-717-7629.

Reserve Your Tour Now