The South Dakota Air & Space Museum

As you roll in to Raid City from the east on I-90, you pass through the outer suburb named Box Elder. Right smack dab on the north side of Box Elder is the sprawling complex known as Ellsworth Air Force base. Unless you have business or family there, it is not a place for random visitors in this post 9/11 age. There is an attraction located just outside of it that is fit for the tourist, however. That attraction is the compact but comprehensive South Dakota Air & Space Museum.  

It consists in part of numerous outdoor displays of aircraft, missiles and interpretive displays such as one that discusses the Berlin Airlift and how Ellsworth-based aircraft played a role in it. The aircraft collection is extensive, ranging from massive brutes like the B-52 Stratofortress and the B-29 Superfortress to more modest-sized aircraft like the B-25 Mitchell and the F-86 Saber.

An hour or so would be needed to visit the outdoor displays alone, they are so plentiful and engrossing. Nothing like studying a vintage war bird close up to pass the time! However, this option is viable only if you are by yourself or in the company of other aviation enthusiasts. About a half hour to an hour would do if you are in the company of casual travelers.  

The museum building consists of two hangars flanking a gift shop area. There are a couple aircraft on display inside, but the bulk of the exhibits consists of interpretive displays discussing the history of Ellsworth AFB and other Air Force-related manners. These displays include numerous artifacts, videos (including one which included clips of just about every commanding officer of the base!) and dioramas depicting dramatic air raids from WWII.  

Gifts are plentiful in the gift shop. I came away with a T-shirt, ball cap, miniature die cast F4U Corsair and a book entitled The Doolittle Raid by Carrol V. Glines.    

While the museum may not appeal to all visitors to the Mount Rushmore State, it is fit for kids as well as aviation/history buffs. It also is a tribute to the men and women of the U.S. Air Force. If you are passing by and curiosity piques, stop on in! You won't be disappointed.

Photo by Richard H. starring Ed H. as himself.