Omnibus

The Pyramid of North Dakota (Entry 1014.IS1901)

Mar 17, 2026
Michael Milner, Cold War history enthusiast and researcher, walks through the story of a lone concrete pyramid tied to America’s nuclear-era missile defenses. He traces ABM programs from Nike to Safeguard, explains why the Pyramid was built and quickly decommissioned, and recounts travel tales, site preservation, and modern reuse plans like a Bitcoin data center.
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ADVICE

Plan Ahead To Visit Cold War Relics

  • When traveling, research Cold War relics and plan visits; many sites are still visible and accessible if you prepare.
  • Use online records, property histories, and arrange contacts to gain site access or plan drone photography when entry isn't possible.
INSIGHT

Cold War Sites Often End Up In Private Hands

  • Many Cold War military sites have been sold to private owners via the General Services Administration and now sit repurposed or abandoned.
  • Owners include hobbyists, veterans restoring sites for tours, and unusual buyers like faith-based colonies.
ANECDOTE

Solo Motorcycle Trip Led To Cold War Site Hunting

  • Michael Milner rode solo by motorcycle from Georgia to Alaska and planned Cold War relic detours, including the North Dakota pyramid.
  • He times trips for obscure sites, carries a drone for aerial photos, and researches private ownership ahead of visits.
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