Introduction

Welcome to Ellsworth Air Force Base! Ellsworth Air Force Base is located about ten miles north of Rapid City, South Dakota. Ellsworth Air Force Base is home to the 28th Bomb Wing, which is one of the Air Force’s two B-1B Lancer Wings. Ellsworth Air Force Base is home to about 8,000 military personnel, members of their families, and civilians, while the nearby town of Rapid City has a population of more than 62,000. For more information about the base, including a full list of units at Ellsworth Air Force Base, visit the base’s website. 1. Where Is Ellsworth Air Force Base? 2. Google Map View 3. Getting There – Directions to the Base 4. Entering Ellsworth Air Force Base and Amenities

• Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel
• Ellsworth Air Force Base Visitor Center
• Ellsworth Air Force Base DEERS Office
• Ellsworth Air Force Base Gate Hours
• Ellsworth Air Force Base Commissary
• Ellsworth Air Force Base BX
• Ellsworth Air Force Base Barber Shops
• Ellsworth Air Force Base Post Office
• Ellsworth Air Force Base Finance Office
• Ellsworth Air Force Base Legal Office
• Ellsworth Air Force Base Library
• Ellsworth Air Force Base Hotels

5. Where Should I Live Near Ellsworth Air Force Base? 6. What Schools are Near Ellsworth Air Force Base? 7. What’s the Weather Like in Ellsworth Air Force Base? 8. Ellsworth AFB Things to Do  

Where is Ellsworth Air Force Base?

Main Liberty Gate

1940 EP Howe Drive Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706

Phone

: 1 (605) 385-1000

Ellsworth AFB Map

Directions to Ellsworth Air Force Base

Ellsworth Air Force Base is located ten miles northeast of Rapid City, South Dakota, just past the town of Box Elder.

Wichita Falls Municipal Airport

The nearest airport to Ellsworth Air Force Base is the Rapid City Regional Airport, located about 11 miles from the base.

Driving Directions

From Rapid City Regional Airport

All highways leading to the base are well marked.

• Take Airport Road to State Route 44.
• Turn right on County-212.
• Turn right onto 1416.
• Turn left on Commercial Gate Drive to base.
• This route takes about 20-25 minutes.

Directions to Rapid City by Car

• Follow Interstate 90 from Rapid City to Exit 67B.
• The visitor center or Main Gate personnel will direct you to the Pine Tree Inn to check in.

Ellsworth AFB Transportation Office

Getting ready for a PCS move and in need of some help? Contact the Ellsworth Air Force Base Household Goods/Transportation Office to get started.

Ellsworth Air Force Base Household Goods/Transportation Office

1924 LeMay Blvd. Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706

Phone

: 1 (605) 385-6597/(605) 385-2366

Ellsworth Air Force Base Transportation Office Hours

Monday – Friday

: 0730-1500

Entering Ellsworth Air Force Base and Amenities

Persons are required to have a DoD or Federal-issued identification card or a Ellsworth AFB issued pass. Click here for more information on base entry requirements at Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel

In-processing begins after new arrivals are cleared by your Squadron/Unit CC. Your sponsor will coordinate with your CSS to schedule an appointment with the Raider Welcome Center. The Raider Welcome Center, located at the Rushmore Center, is a one-stop-shop for in-processing. Welcome Center Hours are Monday through Friday, 0800 to 1200 and in-processing is by appointment only. During in-processing, the Welcome Center will in-process all members for Finance, MPF, TMO and Housing. Medical will need to be accomplished at the clinic at this time. You will be provided with a base in-processing checklist and scheduled for any additional appointments. For more information on checking in, visit the Ellsworth Air Force Base Newcomers website.

Ellsworth AFB Visitor Center

The Visitor Control Center issues temporary vehicle passes and can provide directions and information on the base. For more information on base access and the visitor control center, call (605) 385-2895.

28th Security Forces Squadron Visitor Control Center

2740 Eaker Drive Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706

Phone

: 1 (605) 385-2895 Ellsworth Air Force Base Visitor Control Center Hours

Monday through Friday

: 0500 to 2000

Saturday and Sunday

: 0800 to 1600

DEERS Ellsworth AFB

For information on making an appointment, visit the Ellsworth Air Force Base Force Support Squadron website.

Ellsworth Air Force Base DEERS and ID Card Office

1000 Ellsworth St. Ellsworth AFB, SD, 57706

Phone

: 1 (605) 385-2427

Ellsworth Air Force Base DEERS Office and ID Card Office Hours

Monday through Friday

: 0730 to 1130, 1230 to 1600

Ellsworth AFB Gate Hours

• Liberty Gate

  (Main Gate): just north of Ellsworth Road, open 24/7.

• Bismarck Gate

  : near Interstate 90, open Mon-Fri: 0600-1800.

• Patriot Gate

  : near Interstate 90, open Mon-Fri: 0600-1800.

Ellsworth AFB Commissary

2649 LeMay Blvd. Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706

Phone

: 1 (605) 385-4510

Ellsworth Air Force Base Commissary Hours

• Sunday

  : 1100 - 1700

• Monday

  : Closed

• Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

  : 0900 - 1900

• Saturday

  : 0900 - 1800

Ellsworth AFB BX

Ellsworth Air Force Base Exchange

2725 LeMay Blvd. Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706

Phone

: 1 (605) 923-4816 ext. 4774

Ellsworth AFB BX Hours

• Monday through Friday

  : 0900 - 1800

• Saturday

  : 0900 - 1800

• Sunday

  : 1100 - 1700

Ellsworth AFB Barber Shops

Main Exchange Barber Shop

2725 LeMay Blvd. Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706

Phone

: 1 (605) 923-4816 ext. 4774

Main Exchange Barber Shop Hours

• Monday through Friday

  : 0800-1700

• Saturday through Sunday

  : Closed

Ellsworth AFB Post Office

511 N Ellsworth Rd. Box Elder, SD 57719

Phone

: 1 (800) 275-8777

Ellsworth Air Force Base Post Office Hours

• Monday through Friday

  : 0915 to 1615

• Saturday

  : 1000-1130

• Sunday

  : Closed

Ellsworth AFB Finance

1000 Ellsworth St. Suite 1100 Ellsworth AFB, SD, 57706

Phone

: 1 (605) 385-1550

Ellsworth Air Force Base Financial Office Hours

• Monday - Friday

  : 0730 -1530

Ellsworth AFB Legal Office

1000 Ellsworth St. Suite 2700 Ellsworth AFB, SD, 57706

Phone

: 1 (605) 385-2329

Ellsworth Air Force Base Office Hours

• Monday through Friday

  : 0730 - 1630

Ellsworth AFB Library

2650 Doolittle Dr. #3910 Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706

Phone

: 1 (605) 385-1688

Ellsworth Air Force Base’s Library Hours

• Monday - Friday

  : 1000 to 1500

Ellsworth AFB Hotels

There are several hotels near Ellsworth Air Force Base, so you’re sure to find one to fit your budget. For a full list of military lodges and affiliated resorts in the area, visit the Department of Defense Lodging website. 1. Ellsworth Air Force Base Pinetree Inn Ellsworth AFB 2349 Risner Dr. Rapid City, South Dakota, 57706

Phone

: 1 (605) 593-0415 2. Best Western Rapid City Rushmore 723 Eglin St. Rapid City, SD 57703

Phone

: 1 (800) 568-8520 3. Cambria Hotel Rapid City 3333 Outfitter Rd. Rapid City, SD 57701

Phone

: 1 (605) 341-0101

Hot Tip: Download MyBaseGuide's Ellsworth AFB Military Relocation Guide for information about hotels nearby.

Where Should I Live Near Ellsworth Air Force Base?

If you’re considering living on base, check out the available on-base housing options. Otherwise, read on to find out more about living off base.

Cities Near Ellsworth Air Force Base

While many military family members call base housing their home, others choose to live in nearby communities. The neighboring communities of Ashland Heights, Box Elder, and Rapid City are the closest to Ellsworth Air Force Base. The cost of living near Ellsworth Air Force Base is lower than the national average, so area rental housing and real estate prices are reasonable.

Best Places to Live Near Ellsworth Air Force Base

Ashland Park

The town of Ashland Heights is only a few minutes from Ellsworth Air Force Base. It’s a small town with a population of about 900 people. Local attractions include the Children's Science Center, which is located on the way to Mount Rushmore. Horseback riding is also available in the area.

Box Elder

The city of Box Elder is just four miles away from Ellsworth Air Force Base. Box Elder is home to around 3,000 people. Local attractions include 9-hole regulation length golf courses which offer fun fairways and good pricing. In nearby Lead, visitors can find the Homestake Gold Mine Visitors Center, which offers tours of the oldest and deepest mines at over 8,000 feet below the town. The center also includes historic artifacts and mining and education memorabilia.

Rapid City

Rapid City is the second largest city in South Dakota with a population of over 59,000 people, but it’s just 13 miles from Ellsworth Air Force Base. Nearby attractions include the 1.2 mile Black Hills Maze, the Reptile Gardens, and of course, Mount Rushmore.

Hot Tip: Look for Ellsworth AFB homes and apartments for rent or sale, and find BAH, PCS, TLA & ETS military housing information at AHRN.com.

Ellsworth AFB Schools

Ellsworth Air Force Base does not have any on-base schools. Children who live on base will attend a school in the Douglas Public School District, while those who live closer to Rapid City will attend a school in the Rapid CIty School District. Those looking for more information should contact the School Liaison Officer at (605) 385-1381; the Douglas Public School District at (508) 476-7901; or the Rapid City School District at (605) 394-4031. Find more local school information at The Best Ellsworth AFB Schools: Daycare – High School.

Ellsworth AFB Weather

Ellsworth Air Force Base enjoys all four seasons. In the winter, average highs are in the 30s and 40s and average lows are around 20 degrees. In the summer, temperatures can reach the high 80s, with average lows in the 60s. Ellsworth Air Force Base gets about 19 inches of rain and about 42 inches of snow annually. April through October is tornado season, though tornadoes can occur at any time. For more information on tornado preparation and safety, visit the Ready.gov website.

Ellsworth AFB Things to Do

Ellsworth Air Force Base and the surrounding region are home to many historical sites, museums, theaters, great restaurants, and shopping districts. On base, there are a multitude of recreational opportunities, including bowling, golfing, hunting, shooting, swimming, and more. The base’s location provides easy access to several nearby cities and towns, so there’s no shortage of things to do off-base. Get out and explore!

Suggested Reads

: 19 Of the Best Things to Do Near Ellsworth AFB and 20 of the Best Restaurants Near Ellsworth AFB

Hot Tip: Connect with military-trusted businesses and deals exclusively for Ellsworth AFB at MyBaseGuide.

Conclusion

Moving to a new base is always challenging, but Ellsworth Air Force Base’s location means you’ll always have things to do when you get there. Head to local hangouts, explore the nearby cities and towns and discover other area gems to experience everything this region and base have to offer during your time here.  

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

 

Last Updated:

9/29/2021