What’s the Deal with Dugway? The Story of Utah’s Very Own Secret Military Testing Ground

Everyone has heard of Area-51, the classified facility operated by the United States government in the Nevada desert. But did you know that just an hour and half from Salt Lake City, Utah has a clandestine government complex of its own?

Since 1942, the Dugway Proving Ground as well as the Utah Test and Training range have been critical to the United States' chemical, biological and nuclear weapons programs. Learn about the history of chemical and biological warfare, and how weapons developed at Dugway helped turn the tide of World War II in the favor of the allies. Later in the 20th century, highly publicized testing mishaps at Dugway would change the US policy on weapons testing. While off limits to the public, Dugway continues to serve as a place for government research and development - as well as a lightning rod for conspiracy theorists - to this day. All just 30 minutes south of Exit 77 on I-80 in Utah. 

Pairs well with trips on I-80 through Utah, particularly the western half of the state. 

Knowledge Nugget: Vegetable Killer Acid

Deep Dives: Visit our website at https://nerdroamer.com for external links to pictures of Dugway from WWII to today! Our website is a great place to catch up on archives of past episodes and show notes.