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.

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.

TripAdvisor/Ritch G. 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.

TripAdvisor/craigbennett1960 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.

TripAdvisor/Bill J. 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.

TripAdvisor/craigbennett1960 It’s now a National Historic Landmark, ensuring the Cold War era won’t just live on in dusty old textbooks.

If you’d like to visit the Titan Missile Museum, two different tours are offered.

Wikimedia Commons / Jeffagoldberg at English Wikipedia 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.

Wikimedia Commons / Aspersions at the English language Wikipedia 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.

TripAdvisor/cameleon01 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!

TripAdvisor/Ritch G.

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.

TripAdvisor/craigbennett1960

Sporting more reliable and longer-lasting propellants, a shorter launch time, and increased accuracy, the Titan II was a massive upgrade from its predecessors.

TripAdvisor/Bill J.

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

It’s now a National Historic Landmark, ensuring the Cold War era won’t just live on in dusty old textbooks.

Wikimedia Commons / Jeffagoldberg at English Wikipedia

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.

Wikimedia Commons / Aspersions at the English language Wikipedia

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.

TripAdvisor/cameleon01

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+.

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!

For another fascinating Arizona history trip, check out the site of the legendary O.K. Corral Gunfight.

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Address: 1580 W Duval Mine Rd, Green Valley, AZ 85614, USA