Minuteman III Missile to Be Displayed in Bismarck

North Dakota museum to showcase state's role in nuclear deterrence

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:52pm

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A solitary, towering Minuteman III missile stands in a dimly lit museum gallery, its surfaces reflecting warm, diagonal beams of light, conveying the solemn significance of North Dakota's strategic nuclear defense role.The display of a decommissioned Minuteman III missile will honor North Dakota's enduring role in the nation's nuclear deterrence strategy.Bismarck Today

The North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck will soon be displaying a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, a powerful tribute to the state's enduring role in America's nuclear deterrence. Senator Kevin Cramer, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, worked with the U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman to secure the missile for public display in the museum's new Military Gallery, which is currently under construction and scheduled for completion in late 2027.

Why it matters

The display of the Minuteman III missile will highlight North Dakota's longstanding strategic importance in the nation's nuclear defense capabilities. As one of the states hosting intercontinental ballistic missile silos, North Dakota has played a critical role in the U.S. nuclear deterrence strategy for decades.

The details

The Minuteman III is an intercontinental ballistic missile that has been a cornerstone of the United States' nuclear triad since the 1970s. The missile will be a prominent addition to the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum's new Military Gallery, which is currently under construction and scheduled to open in late 2027.

  • The Military Gallery is now under construction and scheduled for completion in late 2027.

The players

North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum

A museum in Bismarck, North Dakota that will be displaying a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile as part of its new Military Gallery.

Senator Kevin Cramer

A member of the Senate Armed Services Committee who worked with the U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman to secure the Minuteman III missile for public display at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum.

U.S. Air Force

The military branch that owns the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile and worked with Senator Cramer to facilitate its display at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum.

Northrop Grumman

The defense contractor that manufactured the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile and worked with Senator Cramer and the U.S. Air Force to enable its display at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum.

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The takeaway

The display of the Minuteman III missile at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum will serve as a powerful reminder of the state's longstanding role in the nation's nuclear deterrence strategy, highlighting its strategic importance and the sacrifices made by those who have served in this critical mission.