South Dakota Air and Space Museum

South Dakota Air and Space Museum

www.nps.gov
4.5/5
(963) · Museum in Ellsworth Afb, United States
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The South Dakota Air and Space Museum is an aviation museum located in Box Elder, South Dakota, just outside the main gate of Ellsworth Air …

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4.5/5 · 963 reviews
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4-star
27%
3-star
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2-star
9%
1-star
8%
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Jul 16, 2025
This was a fun stop. Truly the best part here is the outdoor area, so if it is open - even if the inside galleries are closed - it's a good stop. They have one of Eisenhower's planes and a B-52. Insi…Full review by Erica D
Jul 11, 2025
Lots of aircraft and interesting museum. When we went there was a volunteer airman there answering questions. Set in a cockpit, learn about candy drops during WW2, and women pilots of WW2. Very ni…Full review by Barbara B
Mar 2, 2025
While the South Dakota Air and Space Museum itself was informative, if very outdated, my experience in the gift shop was outright discriminatory. I was ignored while others were warmly greeted, close…Full review by Lynn G
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Facts

Established:1983
Located:Adjacent to Ellsworth Air Force Base, Box Elder, South Dakota, United States
Founder:Gerald E. Teachout
Type:Aviation museum

Questions & answers

Q:
Are there stairs or a ladder(s) to climb when visiting the missile silo?
A:
Yes you must go down a set of stairs to the actual missile.
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Q:
How much time should one allow for a good overview of this museum?
A:
It depends on if you want to explore both the static displays on the outside and the exhibits inside. 30-45 minutes outside should be good to see most of the aircraft. The inside can …
A:
It depends on if you want to explore both the static displays on the outside and the exhibits inside. 30-45 minutes outside should be good to see most of the aircraft. The inside can be viewed for the most part in a few hours. I would go with 3-4 hours as Alli mentioned, too. If you're in a hurry to get to Wall Drug, the Badlands, Deadwood, or Mt. Rushmore, 2 hours will give you time to see most of the exhibits and some of the static displays. It is free to visit but you can donate or purchase items from their gift shop.
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Q:
Are dogs on leashes allowed to walk around the outside portion?
A:
Yes they sure are! Leashed dogs can freely walk around the outside exhibits. We just ask that you clean up after your pet as you tour the museum. Thanks for asking!
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Q:
Looks really interesting. We were just in Lithuania and toured a Soviet missile silo so we'd love to see how a US …
Q:
Looks really interesting. We were just in Lithuania and toured a Soviet missile silo so we'd love to see how a US installation compares. Is the museum open in late May? Thank you!
A:
The South Dakota Air and Space Museum does not have a misleading silo, but does have a great array of airplanes and aviation memorabilia. However, about an hour away is the …
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The South Dakota Air and Space Museum does not have a misleading silo, but does have a great array of airplanes and aviation memorabilia. However, about an hour away is the Minuteman National Historical Site which has a very interesting museum and you can tour a retired command and control facility. It's a very interesting tour. Our tour was actually given by a gentleman that was an Air Force officer who served in the facility for year. Well worth the trip.
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Q:
We will be in Rapid City in early October (5th- 8th) and this sounds interesting. Is there any changes to note for the …
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We will be in Rapid City in early October (5th- 8th) and this sounds interesting. Is there any changes to note for the fall season?
A:
They close earlier - 4:30 pm instead of 6pm - during the off season. You also won't be able to go on a base tour in the fall.
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Frequently asked questions

Q:
What can we see at the park?
A:
A visit to the park allows for an exploration of America's Cold War nuclear deterrent. We suggest that you start a visit at the Visitor Center. Ranger-guided...
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