Few People Know There’s A Cold War-Era Missile Museum Right Here In Arizona
Despite the fact that no overt combat took place during the Cold War, it was still a highly influential era in world history. Right here in Arizona, there’s a museum dedicated to the war—specifically, the Titan II missiles that were stored at Air Force bases across the U.S.
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If you’re a war buff, history enthusiast, or just someone who loves to explore new places, the Titan Missile Museum in Green Valley belongs at the top of your bucket list.
It’s the last remaining Titan II missile site from the Cold War, offering visitors a rare peek into the state-of-the-art technology used to prevent an all-out nuclear cataclysm.
Three Air Force bases (one each in Kansas, Arkansas, and Arizona) received 18 Titan II missiles each, for a total of 54. The units were deployed in early 1963, and all were on alert by December of that year.
Sporting more reliable and longer-lasting propellants, a shorter launch time, and increased accuracy, the Titan II was a massive upgrade from its predecessors.
While the original plan was a 10-year deployment, the Titan II program ended up lasting almost double that amount of time.
It was finally deactivated in 1982, shortly after President Reagan launched the Strategic Forces Improvement Program. This initiative sought to replace the Titan II missiles with more modernized alternatives
The other two missile sites no longer exist, but Arizona's is still standing.
The 45-minute guided tour provides the most in-depth experience, taking you 55 feet underground into the missile complex. You’ll visit the launch control center, watch a simulated takeoff, and even get an up-close look at the missile itself.
In addition to (or instead of) the guided tour, guests can also poke around on the surface of the complex.
That’s where you’ll get to see the alarm systems, marvel at the engine, and enjoy a spectacular view of the missile from up above. Visitors who cannot descend and climb 55 metal stair steps and stand for 45 minutes should opt for this tour instead of the guided experience.
The museum is open seven days a week and hours vary by season. From October through May, it is open from 9:45 a.m. until 5 p.m. From June through September, it is open from 9:45 p.m. until 3 p.m.
Ticket prices are as follows: $13.50 for ages 13 and up, $10 for juniors ages 5-12, $1 for children 0-4 and Arizona Aerospace Foundation members, and $12.50 for military, Pima County residents, and seniors age 65+.
Make sure to stop by the gift shop before heading out! It has all sorts of cool Titan II memorabilia, as well as educational items, T-shirts, and other knick-knacks. The museum also has an antenna that guests can use to operate their HAM radios. How neat!
Visit the museum’s website or Facebook page to learn more. Have you ever been to the Titan Missile Museum? If so, tell us all about your experience in the comments!
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
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