One of the reasons I wanted to see this National Historical Site is because of its limited use. Because of the size of the command center, only 12 people go on the tour a day.  You have to call in advance to make a reservation.

There are 2 chairs in the command centers launch control room.  This is the commanders chair.  In the picture, directly above the headrest of the chair, is one of the launch key panels.

Each command center was in charge of 10 missiles, but could control up to 50 if necessary.

In South Dakota there were 150 Minuteman II Missile Silos.

A view of the room empty.  The curtain is a bunk for the missile operators to get some sleep during their shift.

After a visit to the Command Center a short drive takes us to the the missile silo.  The only item added to this site is the glass dome encasing the top of the Minuteman II Missile.

Inside, a real Minuteman II Missile - minus the fuel and nuclear payload.

 

Camping at the KOA Campground at Interior, South Dakota near the Badlands National Park.

Badlands National Park, South Dakota.

Badlands National Park, South Dakota.

Chicago's famous EL train tracks getting the people of Chicago from place to place.

Downtown Chicago.

After visiting my friend Angela and her family in Chicago I rode to my parents home in Pennsylvania.  I arrived on May 7, 2005, and on May 10, 2005, the three of us flew to Alaska for a 2 week land/cruise adventure.

You can see full details of our adventure on my Alaska Cruise 2005 page. When I return from the Alaska Cruise I will continue my World Tour by riding to Prudhoe Bay Alaska and work my way South along the Pan American Highway.