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Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile Site - FAQs

blue triangle Launch control desk at Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile Site

Is it the Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site? Or the Oscar-Zero State Historic Site?

The RONALD REAGAN MINUTEMAN MISSILE STATE HISTORIC SITE consists of the former Missile Alert Facility known as "Oscar-Zero" (four miles north of Cooperstown on ND Highway 45) where tours are conducted and the "November-33" Launch Facility (two miles east of Cooperstown on ND Highway 200) where topside self-guided tours are available.

Oscar-Zero is the command site where crewmembers could monitor and launch remote missiles from silos. November-33 represents one of the unmanned missile silos. Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site represents both of these locations, although Oscar-Zero is sometimes used interchangeably.

Is this an active U.S. Military installation? A National Park Service site?

No, the sites were acquired from the U.S. Air Force by the State Historical Society of North Dakota in 2008 with public tours becoming available in 2009.

We are sometimes confused with the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site near Wall, South Dakota. That site is managed by the National Park Service.

Do I need reservations?

Unless your party includes ten or more people, reservations are not required. Please note that during busy times there may be a slight wait.

Can I see the missile? Can I go down into a missile silo?

There were no missiles located at the Oscar-Zero Missile Alert Facility; it was a command site. A missile was once located at the November-33 Launch Facility.

Unfortunately, the November-33 Launch Facility has been filled with gravel but has been preserved to look as it did during normal operations (a blast door closed over the silo)

Can I look down into the missile silo?

Photos seen looking down through glass were taken either at the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site near Wall, South Dakota or the Titan Missile Museum near Green Valley, Arizona. The November-33 missile silo has been sealed up, although interpretive signs are available.

Where can we go underground?

The Oscar-Zero Missile Alert Facility tour takes guests 50 feet below into a Launch Control Center where crews once sat out alert tours. Equipment is representative of the time period during close down in 1997.

Is it cold underground?

It remains typically 65 degrees year round in the Launch Control Center.

When can I visit the site?

Spring / Fall Hours:
April 1 to Memorial Day and Labor Day to November 1
Monday, Thursday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday: Closed

Summer Hours
Memorial Day – Labor Day
Daily: 10am – 6pm

Winter Hours
November 1 to April 1
By Appointment Only

What does the tour include?

The tour includes a 22-minute orientation video followed by an approximately hour-long tour (half-hour topside and a half-hour below ground)

Is the facility wheelchair accessible?

Yes, a freight elevator is used to travel between the topside and the tunnel junction area 50 feet below ground. Please be aware that in the event of an elevator malfunction, immobile individuals may be evacuated via personnel basket up the ladder shaft.

Can I bring in food or drink?

No food or drink is allowed on the Oscar-Zero Missile Alert Facility tour.

Is food or drink available at the site?

Aside from some candy sold at our gift shop, we do not sell substantial food or drink. The town of Cooperstown, North Dakota four miles south offers amenities for travelers including fuel, sit-down service restaurants and other supplies.

Can I bring pets or my service animal?

In accordance with North Dakota state law, service animals are permitted on tours. Pets are not allowed. The Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site reserves the right to terminate tours if service animals become disruptive and/or destructive.

Bathrooms?

The Oscar-Zero Missile Alert Facility does have access to bathroom facilities although they are limited (especially the women's restroom). November-33 lacks bathrooms entirely. Consider stopping in Cooperstown before your tour.

Are you RV, 5th Wheel or Bus accessible?

Somewhat. Within the Oscar-Zero parking lot turn arounds in large vehicles are possible. The November-33 Launch Facility meanwhile is connected via gravel road and does NOT offer a turn-around. Any visitors to that site would need to back up down the access road.

Do you offer AAA, CAA, Veterans, Active duty or National Park Service discounts?

As a part of the Blue Star Museum program we do offer free admission to active military personnel and their immediate families.

No other discounts are available.

Can I camp on site?

Unfortunately no, however RV and tent spaces are available in the Cooperstown City Park and in Hannaford, North Dakota for a nominal fee.

How far are you from Fargo? Grand Forks? Jamestown?

Fargo - Approximately 1.75 hours or 102 miles
Grand Forks - Approximately 1.5 hours or 82 miles
Jamestown - Approximately 1.25 hours or 70 miles
Bismarck - Approximately 2.75 hours or 170 miles
Twin Cities - Approximately 5 hours or 332 miles

Is there radioactive contamination on site?

No, both sites are safe for public visitation.

I'm from a foreign country, am I allowed to visit?

Absolutely, we are a State of North Dakota site.

What do you know about the "Pyramid of North Dakota" or the Anti-Ballistic Missile sites near Nekoma?

The "Pyramid" complex and associated "Remote Sprint Launcher" sites were a part of the Safeguard Anti-Ballistic Missile program of the 1970s, these sites were recently surplused by the U.S. Army and are today held in private ownership.

At this time, the Nekoma pyramid site is unavailable for tours. Remote Sprint Launcher 3, or RSL-3, East of Langdon, North Dakota does provide tours but is unaffiliated with the State Historical Society of North Dakota.

The PAR, Perimeter Acquisition Radar site located southwest of Cavalier, North Dakota is an active U.S. Air Force installation with no tours available.

Address:
555 113-1/2 Ave NE Hwy 45
PO Box 6
Cooperstown, ND 58425
Get Directions

Winter Hours (Nov. 1 - April 1):
By Appointment Only

Spring Hours (April 1 - May 27):
Mon. & Thurs.-Sat.: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sun.: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Tues.-Wed.: Closed

Summer Hours (May 27 - Labor Day):
Daily: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fall Hours (Labor Day - Oct. 31):
Mon. & Thurs.-Sat.: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sun.: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Tues.-Wed.: Closed

Contact Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile Site:
phone: 701.797.3691
email: shsoscar0@nd.gov

Contact SHSND:
phone: 701.328.2666
email: history@nd.gov