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Trip Cost $20.00
IMPORTANT NOTE: You must sign up no later than January 20th so we can finalize our group reservation.
At the Titan Missile Museum, visitors journey through time to stand on the front line of the Cold War. This preserved Titan II missile site is all that remains of the 54 Titan II missile sites that were on alert across the United States from 1963 to 1987. The Titan II was capable of launching from its underground silo in 58 seconds and could deliver a nine-megaton thermonuclear warhead to its target more than 6,000 miles away in less than thirty minutes.
This one-of-a kind museum gives visitors a rare look at the technology used by the United States to deter nuclear war. What was once one of America’s most top-secret places is now a National Historic Landmark, fulfilling its new mission of bringing Cold War history to life for millions of visitors from around the world. Learn more about the museum here.
On our 45-minute guided tour, you’ll descend 35 feet into the missile complex, visit the launch control center, and experience a simulated launch of the missile. Then you’ll journey down the cableway to level 2 of the missile silo to get an up-close look at the Titan II missile itself. Note: This portion of the field trip involves extensive standing and walking, including descending and ascending 55 stair steps. There is no elevator access. Club members with mobility issues may find this tour challenging. You can still enjoy the surface portion of the missile site.
On the surface, visitors will see the alarm systems that secured the missile silo door, an up-close view of the missile’s engine, and tour a variety of vehicles relevant to silo and site as well as other Air Force operations. The silo doors are open enough to look down into the 146-foot missile silo and see the Titan II Missile standing tall as it did on Alert for over 20 years. Be sure to check out the Education and Research Center and the museum’s gift shop. We’ll have about an hour to explore the grounds and topside museum.
Non-commercial photography and video recording are permitted, although flash photography, selfie sticks and tripods are prohibited.
We’ll meet at the Photography Club upper-level parking lot at 9:15 AM for carpooling, departure at 9:45 AM. Please wear comfortable shoes and your GVR Photography Club or Camera Club badge if you have one. For those carpooling, $2.00 is an appropriate contribution to the driver.
Following the tour, participants are invited to a no-host lunch at El Patio Mexican Restaurant, located at 100 West Duval Mine Road in Sahuarita, AZ, where the trip will end about 1:30 PM.
The tour involves extensive walking, stairs, and standing. Club members with mobility issues may find this tour challenging.
Tom Parker will be our trip leader. Contact Tom at 618-304-1456 or tparker324@aol.com with any questions. He will be disseminating more information to registered participants via e-mail as we get closer to the event.
GVR requires that every person participating in club's field trips must sign a waiver absolving GVR of any liability. You will be required to sign the waiver at the Photography club before the trip departs if you haven't already done so.
Last date to cancel for a refund is February 11, 2026.
If you need to cancel, please contact the Field Trip Co-Chair Lynn Rozema at 719-351-5193 or email lrozema51@gmail.com. We may have people on the wait list to take your place. On the morning of the trip, please call Tom and Lynn as soon as you know you cannot make the trip.
NOTICE:
All participants need to be responsible for an assessment of their mobility and health issues relating to field trips. Some trips may not be appropriate, but you must make that determination. However, the trip leader may deny participation in a specific field trip to anyone deemed not suitably prepared or able to walk with the group.
The club strives to provide several field trips specifically designed for members with physical limitations.
In order to participate in this event, you must be a member of the GVR Photography Club and GVR.
The GVR Photography Club is located in the Recreation Village of Santa Rita Springs.