If you ever find yourself in or around Tucson, Arizona (hopefully not during summer) you MUST visit the Titan Missile Museum. It’s eerie, fascinating, and historic. You will learn more about the Cold War then you ever thought possible all first hand and if you are lucky from those who lived, breathed, and experienced it. It was definitely an once in a lifetime opportunity and a trip that will be remembered forever by the DTM crew!

During the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union (you know it as the time of bomb shelters and nuclear threats) there were 54 top secret Titan II missile complexes across the United States which stood on alert 24 hours a day, 7 days a week waiting for the call to launch. These missiles were equipped with a thermonuclear warhead that was capable of reaching its target more than halfway across the world in less than thirty minutes.

During the museum trip you will learn the logistics of the Titan II Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, experience a simulated launch, and tour the underground complex. This is the only underground missile site that was preserved of the 54 that were in existence and can be viewed and toured today after coming off alert in 1987. You can even view the missile and warhead, which of course has been deactivated.

If you are lucky you can get a tour from an actual crewmember that was stationed at the site. Their stories and experiences are chilling and bring the historic site to life. You will leave with a new understanding and appreciation for the cold war and those who experienced it. For even the most daring individuals with a little extra pocket book money you can do over-night tours, which includes crew training, sleeping in the crew quarters, and war-games.

For more information on the museum, admission rates, museum hours, and other information on the cold war visit their website found here.

*photo credit goes to the lovely Melodye Gibson who accompanied the DTM crew on our journey.