A Landscape with a Hidden Past
Before Montour Woods became a place to hike, explore, and connect with nature, it was part of something much larger—and far more urgent. 
At the height of the Cold War, this quiet stretch of land played a critical role in protecting Pittsburgh’s steel industry. Hidden among these hills, Nike missiles stood ready as the “last line of defense” against potential Soviet bomber attacks. From 1955 to 1974, this site remained on constant alert—an ordinary landscape carrying an extraordinary responsibility.
Today, the missiles are gone. The underground storage areas have been filled in. The fences and infrastructure have faded. But the story is still here—woven into the land beneath your feet.
Where there were once weapons, there are now wildflowers. Where there was once fear, there is now curiosity. Where access was once restricted, the community is now invited in.
Then and Now: The Missiles Themselves
Curious about what the Nike missiles actually looked like—and how surviving examples appear today? This video traces the missiles from their original Cold War appearance to how they’ve been restored and preserved, giving you a vivid sense of what once stood on land like this.
A Powerful Reminder
The Nike Missile Site is more than a historic landmark—it’s a powerful reminder that landscapes can change. By preserving places like this, we create space to honor the past while shaping a more connected, hopeful future.
Explore the Nike Missile Site Walking Tour
As you walk the Nike Missile Site trail, you’re not just moving through the woods—you’re stepping into history.
Follow the atomic symbols along the route, and each stop reveals a piece of the past: where missiles were stored and launched, how they were fueled, how radar systems tracked incoming threats, and what daily life looked like for those stationed here.
It’s a story shaped by tension and innovation, secrecy and service—but also by transformation.
As you explore, take a moment to imagine what once stood here—and to appreciate what stands here now.
This walking tour would not be possible without the knowledge and dedication of those who helped bring its history to life. We extend our sincere thanks to First Sergeant George Millerschoen and National Guard veteran & Moon Township Historian Earl Edwards for their invaluable contributions and for sharing their firsthand insight into the site’s history.
