Nestled just 65 miles from the glittering lights of Las Vegas lies a vast desert expanse that once played a central role in a chapter of history unlike any other. This isn’t your typical tourist destination; instead, it’s a portal to a bygone era of secrecy, scientific marvels, and explosive experimentation. Welcome to the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS), where ordinary tours are swapped for extraordinary adventures.
The Thrills And Wonders Of A Day In The Desert
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Before embarking on this journey, you receive an unusual warning – stay hydrated. It might seem peculiar, but when you’re about to traverse a scorching desert landscape that once witnessed nearly a thousand nuclear explosions, water becomes your lifeline. The NNSS tour is your ticket to explore a world few have seen, and it’s offered just once a month to the general public. But here’s the remarkable part – it won’t cost you a dime.
Your expedition begins at the Atomic Museum, where you join a select group of explorers on a bus that will transport you back in time. Forget about your camera and cell phone; you won’t need them. This is a journey into history, where long pants and closed-toe shoes are your attire of choice, and you’ll wear an official badge as you delve into the mysteries of the past.
The tour unfolds as you cover up to 250 miles of this desert expanse. Each turn reveals a piece of history, from dry lake beds to forgotten bunkers and two-story homes frozen in time, complete with mannequins dressed in 1950s fashion. These homes were part of an audacious experiment to measure the effects of nuclear explosions—a haunting reminder of the past.
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The Nevada National Security Site’s Rich History
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One of the tour’s crown jewels is the Sedan Crater, a colossal depression created by an underground nuclear blast. It displaced over 12 million tonnes of earth, leaving behind a testament to ambitions that sought to harness nuclear detonations for purposes beyond warfare. As you journey through the site, you’ll encounter relics from days gone by – rickety benches where officials once watched nuclear tests, an abandoned drill yard frozen in time since 1992, and Icecap, a towering 152-foot structure once central to nuclear tests, now a museum exhibit.
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While the NNSS remains an active site involved in securing the nation’s nuclear arsenal and conducting research, your visit unravels a slice of history rarely explored. Adjacent to the site is the Atomic Museum, a treasure trove of exhibits delving into the NNSS’s history. From nuclear rocket engines to diplomatic visits by Soviet officials and a 4D theatre experience that recreates a nuclear test, it’s a captivating complement to your tour.
The NNSS isn’t just a journey through time; it’s a passage into a world of secrecy, innovation, and global change. It’s a reminder of how science and politics danced on the precipice of the unknown during the Atomic Age.
Cover Image Courtesy: Nevada National Security Sites/Instagram