Nike Missile Site C-47 Wheeler Indiana

The Nike Missile Site C-47 near Wheeler, Indiana, was constructed from 1954 to 1956 and consists of two separate parcels of land located nearly a mile apart. The first parcel of land, 14 acres, was the Launcher Area and is surrounded by two eight-foot-tall cyclone fences, original to the base. A guard shack remains at the main gate. The actual launchers, three independent concrete underground bunkers with blast doors, remain intact. This site has three modules, each with its own magazine, elevator and ventilation system. The Administrative Building, with its flat roof and concrete block construction, served as the day barracks where the launcher area crew would have their meals and relax during 24-hour shifts. The Fallout Shelter, to the east of the main gate, was constructed with solid poured concrete walls and roof system. The shelter has no windows and once had blast doors to protect the occupants from nuclear fallout. The largest building on the launcher site is the Vehicle Maintenance Building.

Blast Doors of the Nike Missile Site

The second parcel of land was for the Control Area and contains 13 buildings, five radar towers, a wastewater treatment in-ground enclosure, basketball court and a cyclone fence. All the buildings at the Control Area are single-story, slab-floored, concrete walled buildings with flat roofs. The Administration Building housed the day room, supply rooms and a barbershop.

The Nike Missile Site C47 is located near Wheeler, Indiana. The Launcher Area is found on the south side of County Rd. 700 N., approximately one quarter mile west of County Rd. 500 W. The Control Area is located on the north side of County Rd. 600 N., near the town of Wheeler. Nike Missile Site C47 is closed to the public, except the Administrative area, which is a recreational area/store, open 1:00pm to 7:00pm, Monday-Friday and 11:00 to 7:00pm Saturdays and can be contacted at 219-947-7733. Closed December 16-February 28.