Titan Missile Museum

The Titan Missile Museum, in Green Valley about half an hour south of Tucson, preserves a Cold War site that once held a Titan II intercontinental ballistic missile ready to launch within minutes. Of 54 Titan II sites in the United States, this is the only one open to the public, deactivated in 1987 and now a National Historic Landmark. Guided tours take you down into the launch control center, where crews once waited for orders, and show how the countdown and launch procedures worked, including the tense two-key system. You then walk through the blast door and cable corridors to the silo itself, where an unarmed Titan II missile stands upright in its launch position. Guides, often former missile crew members, bring the experience to life with personal stories, and they explain what life was like living underground, ready for an event everyone hoped would never occur. Above ground, exhibits and a gift shop explain the history of the nuclear age and the doctrine of deterrence. It is a gripping, thought-provoking visit.

The standard tour lasts about an hour and involves stairs and tight spaces, so it may not suit visitors with limited mobility. Reservations are wise, especially in winter, when southern Arizona visitors fill the schedule. Special experiences, such as longer tours or overnight stays, have sometimes been offered; check the venue. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather above ground, since the underground portions maintain a steady temperature.

The museum pairs naturally with Mission San Xavier del Bac on the way south, or with Tubac and Tumacacori for a full day in the Santa Cruz River valley. It is a hit with older children and adults interested in history, engineering and science. Younger children may find parts of the tour dull, though the missile itself impresses almost everyone. Allow time to browse exhibits on the surface, which include space-race artifacts and displays about the crews.

Go with questions. The guides can explain the physics of the missile, the procedures that crews rehearsed and the larger strategic picture of deterrence, and they often answer tough questions with candor and humor. You will see the cramped bunk space, the heavy blast doors, the equipment that kept the complex running and the silo cover that slid open for launch.

Pay attention to the scale of the missile, nearly one hundred feet tall, which looks impossibly large in the narrow silo. The surface exhibits include a mock launch demonstration and rocket artifacts. It is a sobering but fascinating window into a period that shaped modern history.

Dress for a comfortable tour. The silo and control center are cool, the steps are steep and the floors can be slick, so wear closed shoes with good grip and avoid bulky bags. Photography is usually permitted, but ask the guide about restrictions. If you have time after the tour, linger at the surface exhibits and the viewing area over the silo cover, and talk with staff about the museum's preservation work. Pair the visit with lunch in Green Valley or Tubac to make it a half-day or full-day outing.

Plan lunch after the tour at a restaurant in Green Valley.