Ellsworth Air Force Base Complete Guide

Quick Facts

Location: Rapid City, South Dakota (10 miles northeast of Rapid City)
Branch: U.S. Air Force
Size: 4,853 acres
Population: ~3,500 active duty, 1,000+ civilians, 1,400 contractors
Major Units: 28th Bomb Wing
Mission: B-1B Lancer bomber operations; future B-21 Raider home
Climate: Continental – cold snowy winters, warm summers, low humidity
Gateway to: Mount Rushmore, Black Hills, Badlands

Overview & History

Ellsworth Air Force Base, established in 1942 as Rapid City Army Air Base, has served as a critical strategic bomber base for over 80 years. The base was renamed Ellsworth AFB in 1953 to honor Brigadier General Richard E. Ellsworth, killed in a 1953 RB-36 crash in Newfoundland.

During the Cold War, Ellsworth housed B-52 Stratofortress bombers and Minuteman II intercontinental ballistic missiles, serving as a cornerstone of America’s nuclear deterrent. The base transitioned to the B-1B Lancer bomber in 1987, becoming the largest B-1B base in the Air Force.

The 28th Bomb Wing operates the B-1B Lancer, a supersonic variable-sweep wing strategic bomber capable of conventional and, previously, nuclear missions. The B-1B has served in every major conflict since Operation Desert Fox in 1998, providing close air support and long-range strike capabilities in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and operations worldwide.

In a historic announcement, Ellsworth AFB was selected as the first operational base for the B-21 Raider, the Air Force’s next-generation stealth bomber. The first B-21 squadron is expected to arrive in the mid-2020s, with Ellsworth eventually becoming home to multiple B-21 squadrons. This selection ensures Ellsworth’s strategic importance for decades to come.

Ellsworth’s location in the Black Hills region of South Dakota provides unique quality of life. Service members live near Mount Rushmore, national parks, outdoor recreation, and a strong supportive community. The combination of critical bomber mission and exceptional location makes Ellsworth a distinctive assignment.

Units Stationed Here

28th Bomb Wing (Air Force Global Strike Command): Base’s host unit and primary mission organization. Operates B-1B Lancer bombers conducting global strike, close air support, and strategic deterrence missions.

34th Bomb Squadron: B-1B operations squadron. Combat-ready bomber crews executing global missions.

37th Bomb Squadron: Second B-1B operations squadron. Maintains round-the-clock mission readiness.

28th Operations Support Squadron: Provides operational support including intelligence, weather, airfield operations, and aircrew flight equipment.

28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron: Maintains and generates B-1B bombers. Highly skilled maintainers keeping aging but capable bombers mission-ready.

28th Maintenance Squadron: Component repair, munitions, and maintenance support functions.

28th Civil Engineer Squadron: Installation infrastructure, utilities, fire protection, emergency management.

28th Mission Support Group: Installation support including security forces, communications, contracting, logistics, services.

28th Medical Group: Base hospital and healthcare services.

89th Attack Squadron: Operates MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft. Provides intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike capabilities.

Future B-21 Raider Mission: Ellsworth will transition to B-21 operations over the next decade. First operational B-21 squadron expected mid-2020s with multiple squadrons eventually stationed here. B-1B fleet will gradually retire as B-21 arrives. This transition positions Ellsworth at the forefront of Air Force strategic bombing for the next 50+ years.

Housing Options

On-Base Housing

Provider: Balfour Beatty Communities manages Ellsworth AFB family housing.

Neighborhoods:

Prairie Vista: Newest housing neighborhood, modern 2-4 bedroom homes, energy-efficient construction, open floor plans, premium finishes, garages, yards. Most desirable neighborhood with longest wait times.

Black Hills: Renovated 2-4 bedroom homes, family-friendly neighborhood, mature trees, close to schools and amenities. Popular established area.

Badlands: Mix of townhomes and single-family homes, 2-3 bedrooms, good for smaller families. Shorter wait times than Prairie Vista.

Rushmore: Older homes undergoing renovations, 2-4 bedrooms. Some updated, others awaiting improvement. More availability but check renovation status.

Wait Times: Vary by rank, bedroom count, and neighborhood. E-5 and below: 4-8 months typical. E-6+: 2-4 months. Officers: 4-8 weeks usually. Prairie Vista has longest waits (6-12 months possible). Apply immediately upon orders.

Amenities: Community centers, playgrounds, basketball courts. Most homes have yards and garages (important for South Dakota winters). Pets allowed with restrictions.

Benefits: On-base housing convenient for work, no commute through winter weather, access to all base facilities, utilities included (significant savings in winter). Strong community feel.

Contact: Balfour Beatty Communities, (605) 923-5039, www.ellsworthfamilyhousing.com

Off-Base Housing

Rapid City and surrounding communities provide extensive off-base housing options. Market is affordable compared to most military areas.

Rapid City: 10-15 minutes to base. South Dakota’s second-largest city (population 77,000). Full-service city with shopping, dining, entertainment, medical facilities. Homes $200k-$450k, rentals $1,000-$2,000/month (3BR). Wide range of neighborhoods from downtown historic to suburban developments.

Box Elder: Small town immediately adjacent to base (5 minutes). Population 10,000+. Homes $180k-$350k, rentals $900-$1,600/month. Very convenient, family-friendly, good schools (Douglas School District). Popular with military families wanting short commute.

Summerset: Growing community 5 minutes from base. Newer subdivisions, modern homes, family-oriented. Homes $250k-$450k, rentals $1,200-$2,200/month. Good schools (Douglas). Appeals to those wanting newer construction close to base.

Piedmont: Small town 15 minutes west. Rural character, larger lots, more space. Homes $200k-$400k, rentals $1,000-$1,800/month. Good for those wanting acreage or rural lifestyle. Meade County schools.

Black Hawk: Small community in Black Hills foothills, 20 minutes from base. Beautiful setting, more expensive. Homes $250k-$500k+. Douglas schools.

Surrounding Black Hills Communities: Spearfish, Sturgis, Lead-Deadwood (30-45+ minutes). Beautiful settings but longer commutes. Consider for those prioritizing scenery over convenience.

BAH Rates (2025):

E-5: $1,590/month (with dependents)
E-7: $1,737/month
O-3: $1,902/month
O-4: $2,139/month

BAH comfortably covers most Rapid City and Box Elder housing. South Dakota’s low cost of living means housing affordable relative to BAH. Many families live well within BAH allowance.

Winter Considerations: Garage essential for South Dakota winters. Off-street parking important. Snow removal services/equipment necessary. Budget for higher heating costs. Well-insulated homes preferable.

Recommendation: Box Elder and Summerset offer best combination of convenience, schools, and value. Rapid City provides more amenities and neighborhood variety. On-base housing excellent if you can wait, especially for avoiding winter commutes.

Schools & Education

DoDEA Schools (On-Base)

Ellsworth does NOT have DoDEA schools. All dependent children attend local South Dakota public schools.

Local School Districts

Douglas School District: Serves Box Elder and areas adjacent to Ellsworth AFB. Most popular district for military families due to proximity and quality.

Schools:

Vandenberg Elementary School (K-5): Box Elder, strong academics, military-friendly (large military population), safe environment. Excellent option for elementary students.
Douglas Middle School (6-8): Box Elder, solid academics, good preparation for high school. Well-regarded.
Douglas High School (9-12): Box Elder, strong performance, good college prep, competitive sports, adequate AP offerings. Most Ellsworth families’ high school. Graduation rates high. School well-accustomed to military families.

Douglas schools are solid, military-friendly, and convenient. Most families satisfied with education quality.

Rapid City Area School District: Serves Rapid City proper. Larger district with multiple schools. Quality varies by school. Research specific schools based on housing location.

Notable Schools:

South Middle School: Strong reputation
Southwest Middle School: Well-regarded
Stevens High School: Rapid City’s largest high school, comprehensive programs, many AP courses, competitive athletics, strong academics
Central High School: Historic school, downtown location, good academics, diverse programs
Various elementary schools throughout city

Rapid City schools generally good quality with some standout options. Larger schools mean more programs and extracurriculars than smaller districts.

Meade County School District: Serves Piedmont, Sturgis, and western areas. Adequate performance, smaller schools, rural character.

Private Schools:

St. Thomas More High School (Rapid City): Catholic high school, college prep, strong academics, smaller class sizes, approximately $7k-$10k/year. Good option for families seeking Catholic education.

St. Martin’s Monastery School: Catholic elementary/middle school, Rapid City.

Rapid City Christian School: K-12 Christian education, $5k-$8k/year.

Limited private school options, but public schools generally strong enough that most families choose public education.

Colleges & Universities

South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (SD Mines): Rapid City, nationally-ranked engineering and science university. Excellent STEM programs. Undergraduate and graduate degrees. Military tuition assistance accepted. Good option for technical degrees.

Black Hills State University: Spearfish (45 min), comprehensive 4-year university, education, business, sciences. Regional university with full programs.

Western Dakota Technical College: Rapid City, technical/vocational programs, associates degrees, certificates. Good for career training, affordable.

National American University: Rapid City campus, career-focused degrees, evening/online programs for working adults.

Online Education: Many Ellsworth personnel pursue online degrees through military-friendly universities. Base education office provides support and resources.

Healthcare Facilities

28th Medical Group (Ellsworth AFB Hospital)

Facility Type: Military Treatment Facility (MTF) – small hospital with limited services

Services Available:

Primary care (family practice, pediatrics, internal medicine)
Emergency care (urgent care level – stabilization, transfer for serious emergencies)
Pharmacy (formulary medications)
Laboratory and radiology (basic X-ray, limited imaging)
Physical therapy
Mental health services (behavioral health, counseling)
Immunizations and preventive care
Flight medicine
Public health
Optometry
Women’s health (routine GYN, prenatal care – deliveries occur off-base)

Services NOT Available:

Surgical procedures (beyond minor)
Specialty care (most specialties)
Labor and delivery
Advanced imaging (MRI, CT typically referred out)
Inpatient care

Off-Base Care (TRICARE):

Most specialty care, surgeries, and hospitalizations occur in Rapid City:

Monument Health Rapid City Hospital: 15 minutes from base, large regional medical center, full-service hospital, emergency room, surgery, labor/delivery, ICU, most specialties, Level II trauma center. TRICARE network. Primary referral hospital for Ellsworth.

Monument Health Spearfish Hospital: 45 minutes north, smaller community hospital, emergency room, basic services. Used less frequently.

Sanford Health: Clinic network in Rapid City area, primary care and specialty clinics, TRICARE accepted.

Black Hills Surgical Hospital: Rapid City, specialized surgical facility.

TRICARE Prime: Ellsworth MTF serves as primary care manager. Referrals issued for off-base specialty care and procedures. System works well given proximity to Monument Health.

TRICARE Select: More flexibility to choose civilian providers directly. Higher out-of-pocket costs but good option if preferring civilian care throughout.

Maternity Care: Prenatal care available on-base through 28th Medical Group. Deliveries occur at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital. Hospital has strong labor/delivery services. Coordinate with TRICARE and providers early in pregnancy.

Behavioral Health: Mental health services available on-base. Military OneSource provides additional free confidential counseling. Rapid City has civilian mental health providers available through TRICARE referrals if needed.

Base Amenities

Commissary: Full-service commissary on Ellsworth with good selection. Prices competitive with civilian stores. Adequate size for base population. Can be busy weekends. Monthly case lot sales offer best deals. Essential given Box Elder’s limited civilian grocery options.

Exchange: Base Exchange (BX) with clothing, electronics, household goods, barber shop, food court. Smaller than major base exchanges but meets basic needs. Gas station with competitive prices (significant savings). Class Six package store.

Fitness Centers:

Rushmore Fitness & Sports Complex: Modern facility with extensive equipment – cardio machines, free weights, functional fitness area, basketball courts, racquetball, indoor track, group fitness classes (spin, yoga, CrossFit-style), rock climbing wall, locker rooms. Open extended hours. Well-equipped for base size.

Outdoor Recreation: Equipment rental for camping, fishing, hunting, skiing, snowboarding (critical for South Dakota outdoor lifestyle). Guided trips to Black Hills attractions. Discount tickets for local attractions including Mount Rushmore, Badlands, Custer State Park, skiing.

Swimming Pool: Indoor pool for year-round use (important given cold winters). Lap swimming, family swim times, swim lessons, water aerobics.

Youth Programs: School-Age Program, Child Development Center (infant through PreK), Youth Center, summer camps, sports leagues. CDC waitlists exist – register immediately upon orders.

Library: Base library with books, computers, wifi, children’s programs. Decent collection for base size.

Bowling Center: 12-lane facility, pro shop, food service, arcade. Popular family entertainment especially during cold months.

Auto Hobby Shop: Self-service vehicle maintenance bays, tools available, knowledgeable staff. Essential for DIY vehicle maintenance, especially winterizing vehicles.

Arts & Crafts Center: Woodworking, ceramics, framing, pottery. Classes and open shop.

Outdoor Activities: South Dakota and Black Hills offer exceptional outdoor recreation:

Hiking: Hundreds of trails in Black Hills National Forest
Fishing: Streams, lakes, reservoirs (trout, bass, walleye)
Hunting: Excellent hunting – deer, elk, turkey, pheasant (South Dakota known for pheasant hunting)
Camping: Countless campgrounds in Black Hills
Rock Climbing: Needles, Devil’s Tower (Wyoming, 1.5 hrs)
Winter Sports: Skiing/snowboarding (Terry Peak, Deer Mountain), snowmobiling, ice fishing, cross-country skiing
Motorcycling: Black Hills roads legendary for motorcycle touring

Golf: Two courses on Ellsworth:

Meadowbrook Golf Course: 18-hole course, affordable rates, well-maintained, beautiful Black Hills views. Open seasonally (weather dependent).

Prairie Green Golf Course: 9-hole course, shorter layout, good for quick rounds.

Clubs & Dining:

Badlands Club: On-base club with dining, events, catering
Enlisted dining facility
Food court at BX

MWR Programs: Trips to Mount Rushmore, Badlands, Custer State Park, Devils Tower, skiing. Discount tickets. Outdoor adventure programs. Strong MWR given incredible location.

Employment Opportunities

Civilian Jobs on Base: Ellsworth employs approximately 1,000+ civilian employees:

Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS): Positions in aircraft maintenance, munitions, logistics, administration, contracting, civil engineering, security. Check USAJOBS.gov regularly. Aircraft maintenance technicians particularly in demand.

28th Bomb Wing Hiring: Maintenance technicians, supply specialists, administrative support, various technical positions supporting bomber operations.

Contractor Positions: Defense contractors including Boeing (B-1B support), Lockheed Martin, various smaller contractors. Jobs include maintenance, engineering, technical support, administrative roles. Check company websites and contractor job fairs.

Future B-21 Employment: As B-21 Raider arrives, significant hiring increases expected for maintenance, operations support, construction, and support services. Economic boom anticipated for region.

Spouse Employment:

Military Spouse Preference (MSP): Available for federal civil service positions. Provides hiring advantage. Apply through USAJOBS and indicate MSP status.

On-Base Jobs: Exchange, commissary, CDC, youth programs, fitness center, library hire regularly. Check websites and visit in person.

Rapid City Employment: Healthcare (Monument Health hires), retail, hospitality/tourism (Black Hills tourism industry), education, service industries. Ellsworth Regional Airport provides aviation jobs. Rapid City’s economy diverse for city size.

Remote Work: Increasingly viable option. Internet infrastructure adequate in Rapid City area. Many spouses pursue remote employment for flexibility and career continuity.

Unemployment: South Dakota typically has low unemployment (often below 3%). Job market generally healthy but smaller than major metros. Plan ahead.

Education Benefits: Military spouses eligible for MyCAA (up to $4,000), SECO resources, base education office support.

South Dakota Economy: Low taxes, business-friendly environment, growing economy. Tourism, agriculture, finance (credit card companies), healthcare, and military are major sectors.

Recommendation: Federal employment and contractor positions offer best career stability. Rapid City provides adequate civilian opportunities for most fields. Remote work excellent option given location. Network early through spouse groups.

Nearby Cities & Attractions

Rapid City: 10-15 minutes from base, population 77,000. “Gateway to the Black Hills.” Full-service city with shopping (Rushmore Mall, big-box stores), dining (diverse restaurants – steakhouses, ethnic food, breweries), entertainment (movie theaters, Main Street Square, Performing Arts Center), medical facilities. Downtown revitalized with shops, restaurants, art galleries. City of Presidents (life-size bronze president statues throughout downtown). Dinosaur Park (concrete dinosaur sculptures with city views). Journey Museum (Native American and pioneer history).

Mount Rushmore National Memorial: 30 minutes southwest. America’s iconic presidential monument carved into Black Hills granite. Faces of Washington, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, Lincoln. Visitor center, museum, evening lighting ceremony (summer). Must-see attraction.

Badlands National Park: 60 minutes east. Otherworldly landscape of eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires. Stunning geology, fossils, wildlife (bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs). Hiking, scenic drives, stargazing. Extraordinary natural wonder.

Custer State Park: 40 minutes southwest. 71,000-acre state park with iconic Wildlife Loop Road (bison, elk, pronghorn, deer, wild burros). Needles Highway (scenic drive through granite pinnacles). Sylvan Lake, hiking trails, camping, lodges. One of America’s best state parks.

Crazy Horse Memorial: 35 minutes southwest. Massive mountain carving in progress honoring Lakota leader Crazy Horse. Visitor center, museum, cultural programs. Work continues on world’s largest sculpture.

Wind Cave National Park: 50 minutes south. One of world’s longest caves with unique boxwork formations. Cave tours, prairie hiking, bison viewing.

Jewel Cave National Monument: 50 minutes southwest. World’s third-longest cave with calcite crystals. Cave tours available.

Deadwood: 50 minutes northwest. Historic Wild West town where Wild Bill Hickok was killed. Preserved 1870s architecture, casinos, reenactments, museums, Mount Moriah Cemetery (Wild Bill and Calamity Jane buried). National Historic Landmark. Fun for history buffs and entertainment.

Spearfish: 55 minutes north. Beautiful town in northern Black Hills, Spearfish Canyon (spectacular scenery), Black Hills State University, skiing nearby (Terry Peak), outdoor recreation.

Sturgis: 30 minutes north. Famous for Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August – 500,000+ bikers, avoid if not participating). Rest of year small quiet town. Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.

Devils Tower National Monument: 1.5 hours northwest (Wyoming). Iconic volcanic rock tower, rock climbing destination, hiking, Native American cultural significance. Close Encounters filming location.

Black Hills National Forest: Surrounds Ellsworth region. 1.2 million acres of ponderosa pine forest, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, scenic drives. Endless outdoor recreation.

Hot Springs: 1 hour south. Mammoth Site (active paleontology dig, see mammoth fossils in situ), hot springs pools, historic downtown.

Outdoor Recreation: Black Hills offer year-round activities:

Summer: Hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing, camping, scenic drives, motorcycling
Fall: Hiking, hunting, fall colors (aspen), fishing
Winter: Skiing/snowboarding (Terry Peak, Deer Mountain), snowmobiling (extensive trail system), cross-country skiing, ice fishing
Spring: Hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing

Events:

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August): World’s largest motorcycle rally – impact entire region
Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo (January/February): Major rodeo and livestock show
Central States Fair (August): Regional fair in Rapid City
Various summer festivals, concerts, cultural events

Culture: Conservative, friendly, Western heritage, strong Native American presence (Pine Ridge Reservation nearby – Lakota culture significant). Outdoor lifestyle embraced. Tourism important but not overwhelming outside peak season. Genuine small-city/rural Western culture.

Weather: Four distinct seasons. Winters cold and snowy (highs 20-40°F, lows 0-20°F, significant snowfall – prepare for winter driving). Summers warm (highs 75-90°F, lows 50-65°F, low humidity – pleasant). Spring and fall variable but beautiful. Rapid weather changes possible. Blizzards occur (rare but memorable). Overall, Black Hills have milder climate than eastern South Dakota due to elevation and geography.

Legal Services

28th Force Support Squadron Legal Office provides free legal assistance to active duty members, retirees, and family members:

Services Offered:

Wills and Estate Planning: Simple wills, living wills, powers of attorney (financial and medical). Essential for all service members. Update before deployments or TDYs.
Notary Services: Free notarization for legal documents.
Landlord-Tenant Issues: Lease reviews, advice on disputes, South Dakota tenant law, SCRA protections including lease termination rights.
Consumer Affairs: Contract disputes, creditor problems, scams, identity theft. Assistance negotiating with creditors and resolving consumer issues.
Family Law Consultation: Basic advice on divorce, separation, custody, child support. Cannot represent in court but explains process and options. Referrals provided.
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA): Advice on protections including 6% interest rate cap, lease terminations, civil court stays, residency issues.
Tax Assistance (Seasonal): Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program during tax season providing free tax preparation. South Dakota has NO state income tax (significant benefit).
Immigration Assistance: Limited advice for family member immigration matters.
Advance Medical Directives: Living wills, healthcare proxies, end-of-life planning.

Limitations: Legal office cannot represent service members in civilian court, handle criminal matters (contact Area Defense Counsel for courts-martial), or manage complex civil litigation. Referrals provided for matters beyond scope.

Appointments: Call (605) 385-6465 to schedule. Walk-ins accepted for notary services when staffing allows. Bring ID, relevant documents, spouse’s ID if applicable.

South Dakota Law: Legal office familiar with South Dakota-specific laws. South Dakota is military-friendly state with no state income tax. Community property does NOT apply (South Dakota is equitable distribution state for divorce).

Off-Base Attorneys: State Bar of South Dakota provides lawyer referral at www.statebarofsouthdakota.com. Many Rapid City attorneys offer military discounts or free initial consultations.

For more comprehensive military legal information and resources, visit [your military legal website link].

PCSing to Ellsworth AFB

Before You Arrive

Orders Review: Verify orders show Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota with correct report date, weight allowance, dependents properly listed. Confirm unit assignment (28th Bomb Wing).

Housing Application: Apply for on-base housing immediately through Balfour Beatty Communities (605-923-5039, www.ellsworthfamilyhousing.com). Join waitlist even if considering off-base options. If planning off-base, begin house-hunting 60-90 days out. Box Elder and Summerset popular – competition moderate. Virtual tours available for many rentals.

Winter Preparation: If arriving during winter months (November-March), prepare for cold and snow. Ensure you have winter clothing, vehicle winterization (battery, antifreeze, winter tires or good all-seasons, emergency kit), and understand winter driving.

School Enrollment: Contact Douglas School District if living in Box Elder/Summerset area (most common) or appropriate district based on housing choice. Enroll early. Immunization records required.

Childcare: Ellsworth CDC has waitlists. Register at militarychildcare.com immediately upon orders. Explore off-base daycare in Rapid City/Box Elder as backup.

Spouse Employment: Begin job search early if spouse seeking work. Federal positions have long timelines. Explore remote work options. Register with base employment assistance programs.

Vehicle Considerations: Ensure reliable vehicle for South Dakota winters. 4WD/AWD helpful but not mandatory with good winter tires. Budget for potential vehicle winterization costs.

South Dakota Residency: Consider establishing South Dakota residency – NO state income tax (significant financial benefit). Military members can maintain home state vehicle registration under SCRA. South Dakota driver’s license and vehicle registration available if desired.

Arrival & Inprocessing

Arrival: Report to 28th Force Support Squadron (Military Personnel Section) in Building 1670 within 24 hours of arrival (duty days). Bring orders, ID cards, medical/dental records.

Temporary Lodging: Ellsworth Inn (on-base lodging) available for PCS inprocessing – reserve early, limited capacity. Off-base hotels in Rapid City and Box Elder if needed (plentiful options). TLA days limited – arrange permanent housing quickly.

Inprocessing Checklist: Standard military inprocessing – ID cards, finance, medical/dental screenings, safety briefings, unit sponsor meeting, security clearances (if applicable). Allow 2-4 days for full inprocessing.

Vehicle Registration: Register vehicles at Pass & ID Office. Bring state registration, proof of insurance, valid driver’s license. Obtain base decal. South Dakota registration optional unless establishing residency.

Base Orientation: Ellsworth compact and easy to navigate. Main base facilities centralized. Flightline and bomber operations on opposite side. Base map helpful initially.

Winter Arrival: If arriving in winter, drive carefully – black ice, snow, wind common. Base cleared but roads can be slippery. Allow extra time. Emergency kit in vehicle recommended (blanket, water, snacks, flashlight, phone charger).

Household Goods: Coordinate delivery with TMO. Ensure housing ready before delivery. Winter deliveries require attention to weather – plan accordingly.

First Week Tips

Gate Access: Main gate off Radar Hill Road. Back gate available. Traffic manageable except shift changes. Real ID compliant identification required. Visitors need sponsor escort.

Winter Adjustment: Invest in quality winter gear – insulated coat, boots, gloves, hat. Layer clothing. Heated garage/remote starter valuable. Learn winter driving if unfamiliar (slow down, increase following distance, brake gently). Windshield ice scraper essential. Block heater for vehicle helpful (plugs in overnight to warm engine). Snow tires or good all-seasons with deep tread important.

Grocery Shopping: Use commissary on-base for savings. Rapid City has all major grocery chains (Walmart, Safeway, Albertsons, Target) if prefer variety. Stock pantry before winter storms.

Explore Black Hills: Don’t wait – explore Mount Rushmore, Badlands, Custer State Park early. Black Hills incredibly beautiful. Take advantage of location. Outdoor Rec offers tours and discount tickets.

Find Community: Attend newcomer’s orientation. Join spouses’ club, base clubs, outdoor recreation programs, unit activities. Ellsworth has strong, welcoming community. Making connections essential for enjoying assignment.

Outdoor Gear: Invest in outdoor equipment – hiking boots, camping gear, fishing equipment, winter sports gear (skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing). Black Hills reward outdoor enthusiasts. Outdoor Rec rents equipment initially.

Mount Rushmore Pass: Annual pass to Mount Rushmore parking ($10) covers entire year. Good investment if visiting multiple times.

Wildlife: Black Hills have wildlife – deer (common on base and roads, drive carefully especially dawn/dusk), mountain lions (rare but present), black bears (rare), rattlesnakes (summer, hiking – watch where you step). Bison in Custer State Park (dangerous – keep distance, they charge).

Sturgis Rally: If assigned during August, be aware of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally impact. 500,000+ motorcyclists flood region for week. Traffic, crowds, noise significant. Many residents leave area during rally. Plan accordingly – stock up on supplies before, avoid unnecessary travel during, or embrace the spectacle if interested.

Mental Preparation: Ellsworth’s remote location and winter climate not for everyone. If you love outdoor activities, natural beauty, and four seasons, you’ll thrive. If you require urban amenities, diverse culture, and warm year-round weather, adjustment may be difficult. Attitude determines experience. Embrace Black Hills’ unique offerings.

Mindset: Ellsworth AFB offers strategic mission (B-1B now, B-21 future), exceptional outdoor recreation, low cost of living, friendly community, and iconic American landmarks in your backyard. Winters are real but manageable. Those who embrace outdoor lifestyle and Black Hills beauty have outstanding assignments. Mount Rushmore in your backyard isn’t offered at many duty stations. Enjoy this unique opportunity!

Sources: Ellsworth Air Force Base Official Website, Wikipedia (Ellsworth Air Force Base), Defense.gov, 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs, Balfour Beatty Communities

Last Updated: January 2025