The Atlas Ad Astra Missile Silo Adventure Resort is situated in Ellsworth County, Kansas, and is part of a Cold War-era missile complex. Originally used by the U.S. government in the 1950s for missile defense, the site has now been transformed into an adventure resort and Airbnb by a creative entrepreneur, Matthew Fulkerson.
Matthew purchased the silo in 2013, and after extensive renovation, the launch control center's two floors are now available for you to stay in, with the top floor already complete. The unique accommodation is situated in a remote area with stunning views and proximity to Lake Wilson in the Smoky Hills of Kansas.
Atlas Ad Astra means "to the stars" in Latin
The missile silo is massive, measuring 52 feet (16 meters) in diameter and 176 feet (54 meters) deep. Matthew's long-term goal is to develop the site into a space-themed adventure resort where you can undergo astronaut training programs and learn about sustainable technologies for lunar bases or interplanetary colonization.
Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch pad at Atlas Ad Astra's site
Fortunately, today, things are much more peaceful. But during its active years (between 1961 and 1965), the site was an Atlas F missile silo, part of the U.S.'s first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system. It was built in response to the Soviet Union's Sputnik launch in the 1950s. Hence, it was, of course, also designed to withstand a nuclear strike.
The silo has an escape hatch filled with sand to protect against overpressure from an explosion
The missiles operated using a combination of kerosene and liquid oxygen, which were stored in cryogenic chambers. The launching system could be ready in 15 to 20 minutes. A shield was designed to direct the flames away from the launch site to prevent damage to the silo.
The silo was engineered to withstand a nuclear strike, featuring 9-foot-thick concrete and 3-inch-thick rebar. It was strategically located in central Kansas to maximize response time in case of an attack.
The entrapment room had a security feature where you had to provide the correct access code to proceed or risk being trapped
You can book a night at the silo for about $300 or enjoy camping (in your tent, car, or RV) on the property for $38 per night. The RV park is designed to look like a sunflower from above, symbolizing nuclear disarmament and the state flower of Kansas.
The silo has 3-ton blast doors that were operated by large hydraulic rams
The silo goes down 176 feet and originally had nine floors, known as a crib, which held the missile in place.
The bunker's first floor is ready for adventure-seeking guests, while Matthew is working on the second level, which will soon feature a three-bedroom, three-bathroom guest area and a lounge and spa area.
What was once the showcase of human ingenuity and resilience during the Cold War era is now a fun underground playground for friends and families.
The site uses a bio-digester to convert waste into biogas, which can be used for cooking and heating.
The accommodation offers two types of rooms: one featuring a bunk bed and the other a double bed, with flooring made from hempwood, which is a sustainable and fast-growing material.
The underground temperature remains in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit year-round, similar to a cave.
354 4th Rd, Wilson, KS 67490
