Located just outside the gates of Ellsworth Air Force Base, this museum traces the base's Cold War role as a B-1B Lancer bomber station and a former Minuteman missile launch site. Aircraft on outdoor display include a B-52 and an SR-71 Blackbird, while indoor exhibits cover the history of Ellsworth and Black Hills aviation more broadly. A separate bus tour, run through the museum, takes visitors onto the active base to see the Delta-09 Minuteman Missile silo.
The South Dakota Air and Space Museum, located adjacent to Ellsworth Air Force Base near Box Elder — approximately 12 miles east of Rapid City — documents the history of American military aviation in the Great Plains through approximately 30 aircraft displayed indoors and outdoors. The museum is a joint venture between the State of South Dakota and the U.S. Air Force, focusing primarily on the aviation heritage of Ellsworth AFB, which has been home to B-1B Lancer bombers, B-52 Stratofortresses, and Cold War-era nuclear deterrence missions. The outdoor aircraft park contains full-size aircraft including a B-1B Lancer, B-52 Stratofortress, F-105 Thunderchief, F-4 Phantom II, and A-10 Thunderbolt II displayed at close range on open ground. Indoor exhibits cover the full history of Ellsworth AFB, the Strategic Air Command legacy, the Minuteman ICBM program, and local aviation pioneers who shaped Great Plains aviation history. Admission to the museum is free; optional paid tours of Ellsworth AFB itself depart from the museum and provide access to a live aircraft ramp, operational areas, and additional aircraft typically not on public display. Base tours require advance reservation and government-issued identification screening at the gate. The museum's adjacency to an active Air Force base means military aircraft takeoffs and landings occasionally occur during visits. A gift shop stocks aviation-themed merchandise and U.S. Air Force memorabilia. The museum is open year-round with reduced winter hours on weekdays only.
| Admission | Adult Free (base tours $8 USD) · Child Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 9am–5pm (summer), Mon–Fri 9am–4pm (winter) |
| Typical visit | 1.5–2.5 hours |
| Best time | weekday mornings for guided base tours |
| Getting there | Car — adjacent to Ellsworth Air Force Base, 12 miles east of Rapid City |
| Address | 2890 Davis Dr, Box Elder, SD 57719 |
Location
2890 Davis Dr, Box Elder, SD 57719
44.1452, -103.0735 View on map
Highlights
- 30 full-size military aircraft including B-1B Lancer, B-52, F-4 Phantom II, and A-10 Thunderbolt II
- Free admission covering all indoor exhibits, Cold War history, and outdoor aircraft park
- Optional paid base tours of Ellsworth AFB for access to live aircraft ramp areas
- Strategic Air Command and Cold War nuclear deterrence exhibits covering South Dakota's role
- Active Air Force base adjacent — occasional live military aircraft operations visible from the grounds
Tips for visiting
- Base tours (~$8 per person) depart on a set schedule — call ahead or check the website to reserve a spot, especially in summer
- The outdoor aircraft park is exposed to weather; sun protection and comfortable shoes are advisable in summer
- Photography of outdoor aircraft is permitted; base tour photography has restrictions that the guide explains on site
- Weekday mornings typically have the most guided tour availability and the smallest visitor numbers
- Government-issued photo ID is required for the base tour — visitors without valid ID cannot enter the AFB portion
When to visit
Weekday mornings offer the best guided base tour availability and smallest crowds. The museum is open year-round with no seasonal closure. Summer visits benefit from longer daylight for the outdoor aircraft park but draw the most visitors — arrive early to secure a base tour spot.
Accessibility
The main museum building and outdoor aircraft areas have paved, level pathways accessible for wheelchair users. The base tour bus is generally accessible; call ahead to confirm current accommodations. Accessible restrooms and designated parking are available at the museum.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the South Dakota Air and Space Museum free?
Yes — museum admission is free for all visitors. Optional tours of Ellsworth Air Force Base are available for a modest fee and require advance reservation and valid ID.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes — the large aircraft in the outdoor park are particularly impressive for children, and exhibits on bombers and Cold War history are accessible for middle-school age and above.
Are cameras allowed at the museum?
Photography is freely permitted throughout the museum and outdoor aircraft park. Base tour photography is restricted in certain areas as directed by the tour guide on site.