The North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck will soon feature a decommissioned Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer announced on Mar. 30. The missile will be a central exhibit in the museum’s new Military Gallery, which is under construction and expected to open in late 2027.
The display aims to highlight North Dakota’s significant role in America’s nuclear deterrence strategy and military history. Visitors will have the opportunity to see one of the most recognizable elements of the nation’s strategic arsenal up close, reinforcing the state’s longstanding connection to national defense.
Cramer said he worked with the U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman to secure the missile for public viewing as part of his efforts on behalf of North Dakota’s defense interests. “The Minuteman III is now over 50 years old,” said Cramer. “It demonstrates the might of this country like no other weapon before. It’s not just a weapon, it’s an attitude, and that’s why the North Dakota Military Gallery is so important. It’s been an honor to be part of the project.” He also emphasized that recognizing those who have served remains among “the most important and solemn roles” for state institutions.
First deployed in the 1960s, nearly 400 Minuteman III missiles are still operational across three bases nationwide, including Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota. The base continues its unique role as home to both intercontinental ballistic missiles and B-52 bombers—two legs of America’s nuclear triad—as reported by the official website.
Cramer has played a key role on several Senate committees related to national security, environment, veterans’ affairs, banking, housing and urban affairs; he was also first from his state on the Senate Armed Services Committee according to his official biography. He grew up in Kindred, earned degrees from Concordia College and University of Mary according to official records, served three terms as at-large representative before joining the Senate as noted by his office, assists constituents with federal agencies as stated by his office, and together with his wife Kris has raised five children and enjoys time with eight grandchildren according to biographical information.
Grand Forks Air Force Base also played an important Cold War role as home base for a large network of Minuteman silos managed by its Strategic Missile Wing.
Cramer’s continued advocacy includes bringing senior defense officials to observe missions at Minot Air Force Base firsthand—a move intended to reinforce support for modernization projects such as replacing aging missiles with next-generation systems.
