Launch Facility (LF) Delta-09 is the only remaining missile silo of the 150 Minuteman II LFs of the 44th Strategic Missile Wing of the US Air Force. While the Air Force named the site "D-9", it is pronounced "Delta 9". The park service has used the spoken designation in all of its written information, so I have as well. The LF has been rendered inoperable to meet the requirements of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. The blast door has been opened and a glass canopy erected over the 80 foot deep silo. The actual Minuteman II missile has been removed and destroyed. A training missile has been installed in its place.
When I visited the site in August 2017, a seasonal ranger was stationed there for a couple of hours to answer visitor questions. She had a series of photographs to pass around and interpret as the visitors came and went. Like the vast majority of interpretive rangers I've met, she did a great job of engaging visitors and imparting her knowledge about this specific site and the Cold War in general.
To reach LF Delta-09 from the visitor center, drive west on Interstate 90 about 14 miles to exit 116. Turn west and follow the gravel road for about 0.7 miles as it turns south. The LF is on the right and is the only fenced site in the area. Park in the gravel lot north of the driveway. The gate is latched at the top to only allow foot access to the site. In addition, a chain is hung across the opening about waist high to deter cattle from entering the site. The chain is easily moved to allow entry. Please remember to hang the chain back after passing through the gate opening. The site is open daily from 9 AM to 3 PM, Mountain Time. Contact the visitor center for the interpretive ranger schedule. A self-guided cell phone tour is also available.
The only facility onsite is a portable toilet located inside the enclosure at the northwest corner. Water is not available at the LF. There is no shade at the site and the summer temperatures can soar, so plan to bring water and sunscreen with you.
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| Entrance gate |
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| Signage at the gate |
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| Interpretive display |
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| Site map |
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| Space inside the fenced enclosure for the erector/transporter to setup (yellow markers once outlined a helipad) |
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| Silo end of the enclosure |
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| Major components |
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| Motion detector mast |
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| Personnel access hatch |
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| Control panel for access hatch |
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| Glass canopy |
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| Training missile in the silo |
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| Blast door and rails |
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| Hardened high frequency antenna |
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| Diesel generator located underground |
Entry to the historic site is free. A fee of $6 per adult is charged for a guided tour of the Delta-01 Launch Control Facility. Tours usually sell out weeks to months in advance, so advance planning is required.
The park website is https://www.nps.gov/mimi.
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