MEET YOUR HOSTS
MATTHEW & BUDDY (the Missile Silo dog)
Matthew & Leigh Ann Fulkerson
I have quite a unique story...
In 1990 I was 10 years old hiking through the Flint Hills of Kansas with a friend, in the middle of rolling hills we found a decommissioned Cold War era Atlas E Missile Base. The place looked abandoned and we ventured through an open high security gate with barbed wire on top, into a "Top Secret" decommissioned underground Air Force Base.
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The paved road in the middle of the countryside turned and disappeared into an underground bunker through a 47-ton blast door built to withstand a Nuclear explosion.
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To the side was a personal entrance, when I tried the handle the door opened to reveal a tunnel leading into darkness. Realizing we needed flashlights to properly explore the bunker we felt like we were in a Indian Jones movie.
The next day I met the owner who was converting the abandoned bunker into an underground mansion called Subterra Castle. Over 30 years I have watched as the site has been developed & featured on National Geographic, Home & Garden Network even Oprah. Years later I helped building stones up one of the Castle towers.
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In 2010, I moved onto the Subterra Castle property with my then wife and we started assisting with the acquisition and sales of decommissioned missile bases, communication bunkers and other DOD underground facilities.
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In 2013, we purchased the Atlas F missile silo property near Wilson, Kansas. This is also the year that Buddy (the Missile Silo dog) found us, he was a stray that was struggling to survive, and is now my best friend, always by my side.
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In 2017, we established an AirBnB suite at Subterra Castle and gained some international press for our unique underground suite. Unfortunately, we had to close it when the property went under contract for sale.
Since then, I have been transforming this beautiful, 24-acre property into a private adventure resort. It is a work in progress.
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This next year I am being sponsored by Airbnb to develop this site into an Educational Center for Space Habitat Studies and an OMG destination, with underground bookings only available through my Airbnb SuperHost website.
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Currently there is a primitive campground with sites for tent & hammock campers as well the VanLife, Carcamping, RV's & Trailers with plenty of room for large rigs which can be booked below.
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I hope to have my full-fledged RV park with water and electrical hook-ups and high speed internet ready for the 2023 season. Future plans include a wellness center for massage and sauna. A gift shop with a gourmet coffee shop + wine/whiskey bar, campground showers and laundry center, and an event center for hosting larger events.
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I have some big visions and dreams for the future development of the site... I hope you'll join the adventure, come stay with me, take a tour, and follow my progress on social media.
You can help me meet my goals and enjoy staying here by clicking on my Patreon link and supporting the cause.
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ABOUT THE PROPERTY
THE HISTORY
During the late 1950's, the US Government spent billions of dollars on strengthening our military in defense against Soviet Communism.
As a response to Sputnik, the US began, in earnest, to develop a rocket and nuclear missile defense program. During this period, rockets quickly evolved. As they evolved, these massive and expensive missile installations became obsolete and were quickly abandoned. Over 70 Atlas F Missile Silos were built in the United States, many of which are in the great plains.
My site was built in 1959 and was active until 1965 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Back then, it cost $12.8 million to build the structure alone. In today's dollars it would be over $120 million!
Most of these facilities are in private hands & closed to the public. I am excited to invite you to experience, enjoy and learn from my site.
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TODAY
Nestled in the Smoky Hills of Kansas, my 24-acre property has beautiful views of the Post Rock Wind Farm and surrounding countryside, where you can enjoy walking/biking paths, secluded camping spots and easy access RV parking.
I am located 4 miles off I-70, 2 miles from the town of Wilson, and 12 miles from Wilson Lake.
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Explore nearby Wilson State Park and Reservoir, which boasts one of the largest & cleanest lakes in Kansas. Wilson State Park offers over 20 miles of single-track biking trails (some of which are Epic rated) kayaking, boating and other watersports.
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The site is close to over 9,000 acres of hunting and fishing lands at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, Smoky Hills/Kanopolis Wildlife Area and Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area.
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At the end of the day relax next to a community campfire or spend some time pondering the Universe and stargazing under an immense starry sky without much light pollution.
I hope you'll connect and monitor my progress as I am constantly working to add, refurbish and improve my adventure resort.
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TAKE THE TOUR
Join us for the 5-star reviewed one-hour tour.
Tour Schedule:
Daily
8:30am and 5:30pm
or by appointment
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Cost:
$25/adult
$20/military & veteran
$15/kids 10-17
free/kids 0-9
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Please call for group tours
for parties of 6 or more.
785-499-3704
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Regardless of whether you stay at the campground, I encourage you to join us for our one-hour historical tour of the Atlas F Missile Base, where you will learn about history of the Cold War, the Atlas Program, better understand the property and the structures that were built by the US Army Corps of Engineers. You'll descend several flights of stairs and catch a thrill as you gaze down into a enormous 176 ft. deep silo which once held an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). Experience being deep underground in one of the most hardened structures humans have built. and hear about my exciting future plans for this site.
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SAFETY ISSUES TO KEEP IN MIND:
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The entire site is somewhat of a construction zone. I strive to make it as safe as possible, but there are inherent hazards on this site. Driveway speed limit is 15mph. Park only in designated areas. Be aware of your surroundings and where you are putting your feet. There are a number of structures coming out of the ground and there are also holes from the missile base infrastructure, our construction and from wildlife.
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There are several flights of stairs to go down and then back up. Wear comfortable footgear and hold on to railings. People with foot, ankle, knee issues, please proceed with caution, and at your own pace.
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The silo is spacious, you will most likely not feel claustrophobic; it is like being in a large basement. The most "confined" area is the large tunnel between the Launch Control Center and the Silo, but even here, you can stand up fully. You can always leave the tour at any point if you feel uncomfortable. There is also plenty of light in the underground structure.
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There is some degree of moisture, mildew, and rust as I have not yet finished renovating the underground structure. If you are highly sensitive to mold/mildew plan accordingly.
