Ellsworth Air Force Base is an active United States Air Force installation near Box Elder, South Dakota. This page gives contact numbers, visitor hours, driving directions, housing and lodging, medical services, and base facilities. Use the Visitor Control Center to check current access rules before you travel.

Base Overview

Official name Ellsworth Air Force Base
Military branch United States Air Force
Base status Active
Street address 1000 Ellsworth Street, Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706-4946
Main phone number 605-385-1000
Visitor Center phone 605-385-2895
Official website Ellsworth Air Force Base official website

Location and Directions

Ellsworth AFB sits near Box Elder, about 10 miles east of Rapid City. The base is east of Rapid City on Interstate 90 and is served by Exit 63 and Exit 67B; new arrivals are directed to use Exit 67B. From Rapid City Regional Airport take Route 44 west to I-90 east to the base.

Visitor Information

The Visitor Control Center is reachable at 605-385-2895 and is open Monday–Friday 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To request a base tour, submit requests no earlier than 90 days and no later than 30 days before your visit; contact 28BW.Public.Affairs@us.af.mil or 605-385-5056. Confirm access rules with the Visitor Control Center before you travel.

Housing and Lodging

Family housing on Ellsworth is privatized and managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. Unaccompanied housing uses single-occupancy rooms. For temporary stays, advance reservations are suggested, especially May through September.

Military Housing Office 3025 Lincoln Drive, Ellsworth AFB — 605-385-2570
Unaccompanied housing Nine dormitories with 886 single-occupancy rooms
Temporary lodging Pine Tree Inn, 2349 Risner Drive — 605-385-2844 (open 24 hours)

Facilities and Services

Ellsworth has a commissary, a base exchange complex, a Base Post Office, Bellamy Fitness Center, and support programs including the Military and Family Readiness Center (605-385-4663), education services (605-385-2308), legal (605-385-2329), and chapel services (605-385-1598).

Schools and Childcare

The School Liaison Office is on base and can help with local districts including Douglas, Rapid City Area, New Underwood, and Meade. The Douglas School District is adjacent to the installation. Child care is available for ages 6 weeks to 5 years; call the Child Development Center at 605-385-2488 or request care via MilitaryChildCare.com.

Medical Services

Medical group 28th Medical Group
Address 2900 Doolittle Drive, Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706
Phone 605-385-6700

The 28th Medical Group provides family health, women’s health, pediatrics, dental, optometry, pharmacy, mental health, physical therapy, immunizations, radiology, laboratory, and veterinary services. The clinic closes Wednesdays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for readiness training; hours may vary. For emergencies call 911 or go to a civilian emergency room.

Recreation and Amenities

The South Dakota Air and Space Museum is on base and open to visitors; Prairie Ridge Golf Course and Dakota's Club are also on the installation. Bandit Lanes Recreation Center offers bowling.

Bellamy Fitness Center serves active-duty members and families. Outdoor Recreation through the 28th Force Support Squadron runs programs and gear rentals for residents.

Things to Know

  • Ellsworth is near Box Elder; Rapid City is the nearest major city.
  • New arrivals should use I‑90 Exit 67B to reach the base.
  • Housing is privatized and local housing is in high demand.
  • Temporary lodging fills quickly in May–September; book early.
  • The base does not provide shuttle service and rideshare access is not guaranteed.
  • Always confirm gate access and operating hours before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Ellsworth AFB? It is near Box Elder, about 10 miles east of Rapid City, South Dakota.

How do I contact the Visitor Control Center? Call 605-385-2895; hours are Mon–Fri 6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. and Sat–Sun 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

How do I request a base tour? Submit tour requests between 90 and 30 days before the visit; email 28BW.Public.Affairs@us.af.mil or call 605-385-5056.

Is there on-base temporary lodging? Yes. Pine Tree Inn is the temporary lodging facility and takes reservations; it is open 24 hours.

What medical care is available on base? The 28th Medical Group offers primary care, dental, pharmacy, mental health, and other services; call 605-385-6700 for appointments.