MINOT AFB
AIR FORCE
Minot, ND
United States
MINOT AFB
AIR FORCE
Minot, ND
United States
Minot AFB
Air Power Capital
Base Essentials
The Air Force's only dual-wing nuclear-capable base, 13 miles north of Minot, ND — home to B-52H bombers (5th Bomb Wing) and Minuteman III ICBMs (91st Missile Wing). A high-stakes strategic deterrence posting with brutal Northern Plains winters and a tight-knit military community of roughly 12,000.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
AFGSC
Status
Active
Est.
1957
Acres
5,615
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
1955
Ground Broken at Minot AFB
1957
Air Force Accepts First Building
1963
First Minuteman Missile Installed
1971
First Operational Minuteman III Squadron
2010
Transfer to Air Force Global Strike Command
—
View Key Moments
(5)
1955
Ground Broken at Minot AFB
On July 12, 1955, contractors broke ground on what would become Minot Air Force Base. Minot business leaders and residents had lobbied hard for the installation and put up $50,000 to buy the first land, motivated by Cold War concerns about a stealth Soviet bomber attack from the north.
1957
Air Force Accepts First Building
On Jan. 10, 1957, the Air Force accepted its first building at Minot. The Air Defense Command’s 32nd Fighter Group activated on Feb. 7, and the Air Force officially moved in Feb. 15. Minot AFB became North Dakota’s first major military installation.
1963
First Minuteman Missile Installed
After the Air Force began building underground missile complexes around Minot in late 1961, the first Minuteman I missile from Hill AFB was lowered into its launch facility in 1963, establishing Minot as a cornerstone of the U.S. land-based ICBM force.
1971
First Operational Minuteman III Squadron
The 91st’s 741st Strategic Missile Squadron finished upgrades in December 1971 to become the nation’s first operational Minuteman III squadron, cementing Minot’s leading role in the U.S. nuclear triad.
2010
Transfer to Air Force Global Strike Command
On Feb. 1, 2010, the 5th Bomb Wing transferred from Air Combat Command to the new nuclear-focused Air Force Global Strike Command. Minot AFB remains the only Air Force base hosting two of the three components of the nation’s nuclear triad — the 5th Bomb Wing’s B-52H bombers and the 91st Missile Wing’s ICBMs.
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 hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Welcome Center
Phone
(701) 723-3789Location
527 Bomber BoulevardIn-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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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.
ND191
MHA
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
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Cost of Living Around Minot AFB
85
15% Below National Average
Housing
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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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4
Colleges & Universities
View colleges
4
Other Schools
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Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
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
Fully 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
North Dakota exempts military pay. MSRRA applies.
Vehicle Registration
Non-resident military may keep home-state registration.
Property Tax
Disabled veterans may qualify for property tax credit.
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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
Temporary Lodging
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
Minot AFB Hospital — Hospital
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
Waitlist: Due to high demand, there are waiting lists for some age groups.
Youth Programs
MWR & Recreation
4
Fitness Center
Golf Course
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
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.