Argonne, Illinois: Site A/Plot M Atomic Marker

Disposal site for early atomic piles in the Chicago region. Marked by a monument with the ominous title, "Do Not Dig."

Address:: 107th St. (near), Argonne, IL
Directions:: In the Palos Forest Preserve, former site of the Argonne National Laboratory. Take Hwy 171/Archer Ave. south from I-294 about three miles, then turn left (east) into the park. From the parking lot walk east along a trail through the woods about 3/4 mi. to a clearing and the marker. Do Not Dig marker: 41.707285,-87.910551

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World's First Nuclear Reactor stone marker.

Site A/Plot M Atomic Marker

The forest preserve is now called Red Gate Woods. The trail entrance is at the south end of the parking lot, on a small circular drive. We never did find the "Do Not Dig" marker, but we found another marker in the same area. To find the rock that marks the location where the reactors are buried, stay on the paved road. Do not take any of the trails that shoot off -- just follow the pavement. It should be noted it is almost straight up hill for at least half the walk (took us 15 mins to get to marker).

[Sara Howe, 09/10/2012]

Atomic Marker

Marker much harder to find than earlier comments suggest. Parking lot and initial trail are easy, but beyond that this preserve is a maze of trails and old roads and site of marker isn't shown on their onsite map. Tips from several regular onsite trail bikers didn't help. Searched one hour to no avail. Would appreciate more detailed instructions from someone who's found the marker. GPS coordinates?

[Hal Clarke, 07/04/2011]

The actual marker coordinates are: 41.707285,-87.910551. Remember: Do not dig!

Caution - Do Not Dig.

Site A/Plot M Atomic Marker

Site A/Plot M Atomic Marker.

[Mark Cymerman, 03/29/2010]

Site A/Plot M Atomic Marker

Disposal site for early atomic piles (we call them nuclear reactors today). Elevated tritium levels in groundwater around the site have been detected.

[Rafe Johnson, 06/07/2009]

There seems to be a monument, but we can't tell whether the public is really encouraged to hang around. Another one for the Atomic Tour (which we detonated in our first book in...1986!).