MINOT AFB
AIR FORCE
Minot, ND
United States
MINOT AFB
AIR FORCE
Minot, ND
United States
Minot AFB
Air Power Capital
Base Essentials
A dual nuclear mission base hosting the B-52H bomber wing and Minuteman III missiles in northwest North Dakota — one of the most remote and coldest postings in the military with a close-knit community.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
AFGSC
Status
Active
Est.
1957
Acres
5,100
Active Duty
5,500
Civilian
1,500
Population
75,000
Economic Impact
$900 million
Minot AFB History
Minot Air Force Base in Minot, North Dakota, was established in 1957 during the Cold War missile and bomber buildup. Informally known as "Why Not Minot?" due to its remote and frigid location, it is one of only two bases in the Air Force that operates both bombers and ICBMs. The 5th Bomb Wing flies the B-52H Stratofortress, while the 91st Missile Wing operates Minuteman III missiles. Minot will be central to the nuclear triad's modernization as both the B-21 Raider and the Sentinel ICBM are fielded in coming years.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
5th Bomb Wing (B-52H)
—
—
91st Missile Wing (Minuteman III)
—
—
Historic Timeline
Timeline events coming soon
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Minot AFB.
Minot AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Minot 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 Minot AFB.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Minot AFB.
Welcome Center
Coming soon
In-Processing
Report to your unit first, then proceed to the Welcome Center at Pride Building #475, 3rd Floor, Room 305. The Military Personnel Flight (MPF) is available Mon, Tue, Thu, and Fri 0730–1630 and Wed 0730–1200. MPF phone: (701) 723-1342.
Attend Right Start orientation at the Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC), 291 Peacekeeper Place. Call (701) 723-3950 to register. Right Start is mandatory for all newcomers and is typically scheduled within your first week.
If arriving after duty hours, contact the Sakakawea Inn at (701) 723-6161 (24-hour front desk) for billeting. The Housing Office can be reached at (701) 723-4661 during duty hours.
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Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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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 Minot AFB.
On-post family housing at Minot AFB is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. Given Minot's extreme northern location and harsh winters, on-post housing is very popular with incoming families. The on-post communities offer 2–4 bedroom homes with the convenience of minimizing winter commutes and access to on-post facilities. Minot, North Dakota — about 13 miles south…
Local Market
$1,050/mo
rent
/
$220,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around Minot 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 Minot AFB.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Office
1
Middle Schools
View schools
1
High Schools
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Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Minot AFB sits north of Minot, North Dakota — an installation famous for its severe winters ("Why Not Minot? Freezin's the Reason") and equally famous for the surprisingly strong community bonds that develop when families weather those winters together. Minot is a regional oil and agricultural hub with more amenities than its population would suggest. The community is tight-knit and very welcoming to new arrivals.
Minot
Small Town
North Dakota's fourth-largest city and the only significant community near Minot AFB, the city of Minot provides all essential services within a functional mid-sized market. Minot Public Schools and Minot Area School District serve the community. The souris River Valley, Roosevelt Park, and the Scandinavian Heritage Park anchor local recreation and culture. Housing is affordable, and the community has doubled down on supporting military families over the decades. Hot summers and very cold winters are part of the deal.
Commute: 8 min
Schools: Minot Public Schools
Families with kids
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Dual military
Retirees
Strong military community, affordable housing, Souris River trails, Roosevelt Park, State Fair of North Dakota
Burlington
Small Town
A small suburban community immediately adjacent to Minot on the southwest side, Burlington is a quiet residential area popular with Minot AFB families who want a slightly more suburban feel with easy access to both the base and city services. Minot Area School District serves Burlington. Housing costs are slightly below the Minot average.
Commute: 12 min
Schools: Minot Area School District
Families with kids
Retirees
Pet owners
Budget-friendly
Quieter suburban alternative, easy base and city access, affordable, strong community character in winter months
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Minot AFB.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Partially exempt
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
North Dakota taxes active duty military pay for North Dakota legal residents but provides deductions for active duty pay…
Spouse Income Tax
Under MSRRA, military spouses may maintain their legal domicile outside North Dakota for North Dakota income tax purpose…
Vehicle Registration
North Dakota charges a 5% motor vehicle excise tax on vehicle purchases. Military members who are not North Dakota legal…
Property Tax
North Dakota has moderate property tax rates set at the county level. Grand Forks County and Ward County (Minot AFB area…
Pet Policies at Minot AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Minot 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 Minot AFB.
Commissary
1
Minot AFB Commissary
Exchange
BX
Mon–Sat 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sun 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Medical
1
5th Medical Group Clinic — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Minot AFB.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Magic City 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 Minot 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 Minot 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.