National Museum of Nuclear Science & History — Cold War Tourist

National Museum of Nuclear Science & History - Albuquerque, NM

Located just north of Kirtland AFB, the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is a must-see for anyone with an interest in the atomic age, nuclear weapons and our nation’s role in the development of nuclear technology. Although not a particularly large museum, they pack a lot of very interesting and relevant exhibits into their footprint which makes this place a real gem. In terms of Cold War history, they have collected quite an assortment of military hardware including a MIRV “bus” from a Trident SLBM, two Mk28 hydrogen bombs recovered from the 1966 Palomares, Spain B-52 crash and a Davy Crockett battlefield nuke that could be launched from a recoilless rifle.

MIRV "bus" from a Trident I Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile.

B28 (aka Mk28) thermonuclear gravity bomb.

Davy Crockett nuclear projectile.

Larger military hardware can be found outdoors in the 9-acre Heritage Park. Several nuclear armed missiles are on display including the Titan II and Peacekeeper MX ICBMs, the BOMARC air defense missile as well as a number of early cruise missiles. There are also a number of nuclear capable aircraft in Heritage Park along with a replica of Trinity Tower and, surprisingly, the sail of the James K. Polk nuclear submarine.

Titan II ICBM including reentry vehicle and decoy section.

Peacekeeper (MX) ICBM.

BOMARC air defense missile.

Mace cruise missile.