Nike Missle site - boardwalks

Today we headed over to the Nike missile site. When compared to all of the missiles we’ve seen in our travels this was pretty minimal. It did not have a lot of information or a lot of displays.

This missile base was built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, completed in 1964 at the height of the Cold War, immediately following the Cuban Missile Crisis of October, 1962. At a time when national security against Soviet attack was America’s main priority, the United States Army chose this strategic site within Everglades National Park, located 160 miles from the Cuban coast, to build an anti-aircraft missile site. HM69 was also significant because of the technology employed. The South Florida Nike Hercules sites were integrated with Hawk missile sites to provide an all altitude defensive capability around South Florida

Next, we stopped at several boardwalks along the Everglades. In these areas, there’s usually several alligators hanging out for the day in the water, and you have a great view point from the boardwalk above.

Our last stop was at the skunk ape visitors center. Don’t know what skunk ape is? The skunk ape is a large and hairy human-like mythical creature purported to inhabit the forests and swamps in Florida. It is synonymous with, or called the "cousin" of Bigfoot. It was a little roadside attraction, and they had some big statues of the swamp ape and all kinds of T-shirts and memorabilia that you could buy.Læs mere