Arkansas' Abandoned Nuclear Missile Silo Has Transformed Into A Nostalgic Rental

Picture this: The world is ending, but you're 50 feet underground, nestled behind two 6,000-pound blast doors, watching every season of "Friends" on a 144-inch projection TV. Well, the end of the world aside, you don't have to imagine this scenario, since Arkansas is home to an abandoned nuclear silo that's been turned into a one-of-a-kind rental where nostalgia, history, and modern-day comforts all go hand in hand.

Located outside of Vilonia, just 20 minutes from Conway, Arkansas, aka the "City of Colleges," Titan Ranch is one of the few rentals in the world where you can say, "I can't talk right now — I'm in an underground missile silo." Built during the Cold War as part of the Titan II Missile Program, this historic silo was one of 18 constructed in Arkansas. In service from 1963 to 1987, the Titan II was the biggest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) ever built by the U.S. Coming in at 103 feet long and 330,000 pounds, the Titan II was literally the size of a blue whale. But unlike the ocean's gentle giant, it was capable of committing horrific mass destruction by carrying nuclear warheads 30 times more powerful than the atomic bombs the U.S. dropped on Japan in 1945.

Thankfully, no Titan II missile was ever deployed, so staying at this unique rental can be done with a clear heart and conscience. Guests can bunker up in the launch control center and blast lock area, which covers about 3,500 square feet and includes access to 150 feet of futuristic-looking tunnels. Whether you're a history buff, an adventure seeker, a spy enthusiast, or just want to do exposure therapy to confront dystopian fears, you'll have an unforgettable experience in this comfortable underground bunker that's currently one of the top 5% rentals on Airbnb.

When the Cold War ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, it was hard to imagine that at any point, those in charge of figuring out what to do with nearly 50 years' worth of weapons and facilities would have said, "Well, what if we turned these old bunkers into vacation rentals?" So how, exactly, did Titan Ranch come to be?

When the Titan II program and missiles were decommissioned, the U.S. government decided to close off the silos and access portals and fill them with cement and soil. The site in Vilonia closed in 1986, and some time later, a man named GT Hill heard about Arkansas' underground silos while stationed in Jacksonville (an overlooked paradise of trails and eateries just outside of Little Rock). Hill purchased this bunker and land in Vilonia in 2010 for $90,000 and then spent 10 years and over $600,000 renovating it. The result is a nostalgic, Cold War-era home with futuristic and modern touches.

The structure itself captures the fears and beliefs of the time. Each building is constructed on springs, with walls and floors that are disconnected from each other to allow for greater shock absorption in case of nuclear attack or earthquakes. With its super-thick and heavy blast doors and underground position, Titan Ranch is a proper end-of-the-world bunker that can be used as a tornado or storm shelter capable of withstanding any number of events or scenarios.

Titan Ranch sleeps up to six people with two bedrooms, three beds, and three bathrooms, including one behind a cool secret door. Amenities include a washer and dryer, WiFi, and a full kitchen. The living room has a bar, plush armchairs, and couches, so you can relax in this place where the sun literally don't shine. Because of that, it does get chilly in the silo, so pack extra-warm clothes or just make use of the blankets the hosts provide. Note that there are five flights of stairs you'll need to be able to climb in order to access the silo. 

Of all that's included with a stay at Titan Ranch, perhaps the best thing is the free tour that explains how the facility was used, why it was decommissioned, and how to navigate the tunnels to get out. It's a great touch that allows guests to understand the context that led to a massive underground missile silo being created in the first place. Anyone can book a tour of the facility if you'd like to see it without actually spending the night there.

While some Airbnb alternatives focus specifically on curated and cool rentals like Titan Ranch, the uniqueness of this accommodation is enough for it to stand out on Airbnb and get a 5-star rating. It also has a 4.9 rating on Google, with many past visitors highlighting how friendly and helpful the hosts are, while others appreciate the family-friendly touches, like toys and games for kids. Guests can also relax on the nine acres of land surrounding Titan Ranch, which is itself nestled within 200 acres of beautiful ranch land less than an hour from Little Rock.