ELLSWORTH AFB
AIR FORCE
Box Elder, SD
United States
ELLSWORTH AFB
AIR FORCE
Box Elder, SD
United States
Ellsworth AFB
Base Essentials
Home of the B-21 Raider and 28th Bomb Wing on the South Dakota plains near Rapid City — a nuclear mission posting with extraordinary access to the Black Hills, Badlands, and Mount Rushmore.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
AFGSC
Status
Active
Est.
1942
Acres
4,800
Active Duty
4,000
Civilian
1,000
Population
75,000
Economic Impact
$600 million
Ellsworth AFB History
Named AfterBrigadier General Richard Elmer Ellsworth
Ellsworth Air Force Base near Box Elder, South Dakota, was activated in 1942 and served as a heavy bomber base during World War II. Named after Brigadier General Richard Ellsworth, who died in an RB-36 crash in 1953, the base hosted Strategic Air Command bomber and missile operations throughout the Cold War. Today Ellsworth is home to the 28th Bomb Wing, operating the B-1B Lancer. The base has been selected as the first operational home for the B-21 Raider, positioning it at the center of the Air Force's future long-range strike capability.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
28th Bomb Wing
—
—
Historic Timeline
1942
Established as Rapid City Army Air Base
1954
Strategic Air Command Makes It a B-36 Base
2023
First B-21 Raider Arrives
—
View Key Moments
(3)
1942
Established as Rapid City Army Air Base
The installation opened in 1942 as Rapid City Army Air Base, training B-17 crews for the European theater. It was redesignated Ellsworth Air Force Base in 1953 in honor of Brigadier General Richard E. Ellsworth, killed that year in a crash while commanding the base.
1954
Strategic Air Command Makes It a B-36 Base
Strategic Air Command established a B-36 Peacemaker wing at Ellsworth in the early 1950s, positioning the base as a key nuclear deterrent installation during the early Cold War. Ellsworth subsequently hosted B-52s and B-1B Lancers.
2023
First B-21 Raider Arrives
Ellsworth AFB received the first operational B-21 Raider stealth bomber in December 2023, becoming the first base to field the Air Force's next-generation strategic bomber. The B-21 is designed to replace both the B-1B and B-2 aircraft.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Ellsworth AFB.
Ellsworth AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Ellsworth AFB.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Ellsworth AFB.
Information
Check Out the FREE South Dakota Air and Space Museum
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Information
Enjoy an On-Base Vacation at Ellsworth AFB FamCamp
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Information
Ellsworth Air Force Base: In-Depth Welcome Center
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20 of the Best Ellsworth AFB Restaurants
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Information
Ellsworth AFB Schools: Daycare - High School
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Ellsworth AFB.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
28th Force Support Squadron — Raider Welcome Center (Rushmore Center)
Phone
(605) 385-8293Hours
Mon–Fri, 0800–1200 (by appointment)
In-Processing
Sponsors coordinate with the gaining unit's CSS to schedule a Welcome Center appointment upon the member's arrival. The Raider Welcome Center is a consolidated in-processing hub where Finance, Military Personnel Flight, Traffic Management, and the Base Housing Office all have representatives. Members receive an in-processing checklist and are scheduled for any remaining required appointments.
All permanent-party members attend the mandatory Right Start Newcomer's Orientation, which covers base services, community resources, and an information fair. Spouses are encouraged to attend. The A&FRC at (605) 385-4663 coordinates relocation assistance including childcare vouchers and school liaison services.
Ellsworth AFB is home to the 28th Bomb Wing (B-21 Raider and B-1B) and is located near Rapid City, SD — gateway to the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, and Badlands National Park. The surrounding area offers excellent outdoor recreation and a low cost of living.
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Ellsworth AFB.
On-post family housing at Ellsworth AFB is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. The on-post neighborhoods offer 2–4 bedroom homes convenient to the flight line; many families opt for off-post housing in Rapid City given the city's proximity and amenities. Ellsworth AFB is located approximately 10 miles east of Rapid City, South Dakota. Rapid City is a growing city…
Local Market
$1,350/mo
rent
/
$310,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around Ellsworth AFB
85
15% Below National Average
Housing
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See what you can afford using your rank, BAH, and local market data.
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Ellsworth AFB.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Office
1
Middle Schools
View schools
3
High Schools
View schools
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Ellsworth AFB sits northeast of Rapid City in the Black Hills region of western South Dakota, home of the 28th Bomb Wing. The area is famous for Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, and vast natural recreation. Rapid City is the regional hub and a genuinely appealing small city with a strong arts scene, outdoor culture, and affordable living.
Rapid City
Small Town
Western South Dakota's largest city and regional hub, Rapid City is the primary choice for Ellsworth families and is widely regarded as one of the best mid-sized cities in the American West. Rapid City Area Schools serve the city, and the downtown arts scene, Dinosaur Park, and nearby outdoor recreation make it excellent for families. Home prices are affordable, and the Black Hills lifestyle draws many repeat assignees.
Commute: 12 min
Schools: Rapid City Area Schools
Families with kids
Outdoorsy types
Retirees
Pet owners
Black Hills lifestyle, affordable housing, strong arts scene, Mount Rushmore and Badlands access, excellent outdoor recreation
Box Elder
Small Town
The small community of Box Elder sits immediately adjacent to Ellsworth AFB on Exit 61 of I-90, making it the fastest commute to the main gate. Meade School District serves the area. Housing is limited in Box Elder proper, but some rental options exist for junior enlisted. The character is modest and purely functional — a base-support community without much independent identity.
Commute: 5 min
Schools: Meade School District
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Dual military
Literally at the gate, Meade County schools, most affordable option near Ellsworth, minimal commute
Sturgis
Small Town
Made famous by its annual motorcycle rally, Sturgis is a small city in Meade County about 20 minutes north of Ellsworth via I-90. Outside rally week, it's a quiet and very affordable Black Hills community with good outdoor access and a true western character. Meade School District serves the community. Bear Butte State Park and the Black Hills National Forest are at the doorstep.
Commute: 22 min
Schools: Meade School District
Outdoorsy types
Retirees
Pet owners
Budget-friendly
Western character, Bear Butte and Black Hills access, very affordable, Sturgis rally experience, quiet outside August
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Ellsworth AFB.
State Income Tax
None
Military Pay
No state income tax
Retirement Pay
No state income tax
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
South Dakota has no state income tax. All military pay and retirement are fully exempt. South Dakota is a popular legal…
Spouse Income Tax
South Dakota has no state income tax. Military spouses are not subject to income tax in South Dakota. SD's simple domici…
Vehicle Registration
South Dakota is known for military-friendly vehicle registration — low fees, no emissions testing, and straightforward t…
Property Tax
South Dakota has low property tax rates with no state income tax. Owner-occupied residential properties qualify for an o…
Pet Policies at Ellsworth AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Ellsworth AFB.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
8
Prohibited Animals
4
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Ellsworth AFB.
Commissary
1
Ellsworth AFB Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sat 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Medical
1
28th Medical Group Clinic — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Ellsworth AFB.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Liberty Gate (Main Gate) is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
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02
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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03
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Ellsworth AFB.
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04
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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05
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Ellsworth AFB.
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Question
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.