Best of Base Ellsworth AFB: Hidden Gems and Local Hot Spots For Military Families in Rapid City, South Dakota

TL;DR: Thousands of military families PCS to Ellsworth AFB every year. These are the top 25 local hot spots that we are seeing military members recommend in the Rapid City area in 2026.

Since 2016 PCS Pay It Forward® has been dedicated to connecting military families with housing, resources, support, local businesses and establishments to make their military move easier. We've had thousands of military members drop local recommendations through our Ellsworth AFB PCS Pay It Forward® support group. These are the top 25 that stood out this year!

If you just got orders to the Black Hills, you already know the scenery is unreal. What you probably don't have yet is the local list — the diner with pizza-sized pancakes, the burger joint that keeps winning statewide, the free thing to do on a Saturday. That's what this page is for. Below are 25 spots that Ellsworth families point newcomers toward, from Box Elder out to Rapid City and into the Hills.

How We Picked These 25

We are finalizing the first-ever Best of Base list for Ellsworth AFB right now, and this is the working draft. To build it, we pulled from years of local recommendations, current reviews, on-the-ground research, and feedback from a local Ellsworth military spouse. Next, we are asking the wider Ellsworth community to confirm the winners, fix anything we got wrong, and fill the one slot we left open on purpose.

What Did Not Make the Ellsworth AFB List

A few rules kept this list honest. First, national chains stayed off unless a specific location earned its spot locally. Anything on base also stayed off, because this list exists to get your family out into the community. For the commissary, the BX, and in-processing details, your Ellsworth AFB base guide already covers all of that. Finally, we skipped anything that recently closed, changed hands, or sat below a roughly 4.0 rating.

Military Discounts on This List

Many of our Best of Base picks offer military discounts year round, plus Veterans Day and Memorial Day specials. However, we never publish a discount until we confirm the terms directly with the business. Full details, and exactly what to ask for at each stop, sit in the discount section further down this page.

Best Restaurants Near Ellsworth AFB and Box Elder, SD

Rapid City punches above its weight on food, and the Box Elder side is finally catching up. Here are the ten your family will use most.

Best Chislic Near Ellsworth AFB: Thirsty's

Chislic is South Dakota's own dish — cubed, seasoned, skewered meat — and Thirsty's is where newcomers go to try it. On top of that, the buffalo burger and cheese curds earn their own fan club. It's a relaxed downtown patio spot that welcomes dogs and hungry airmen alike.

Address and phone: 819 W Main St, Rapid City · (605) 343-3104
Drive time: about 15–20 minutes to the Liberty Gate (Main Gate)
Hours: daily 11 AM–10 PM; closed Sundays
Price: $$
Military discount: Not published online — ask at the register

Order this

Get the chislic first, then a buffalo burger. That's the full South Dakota starter kit in two plates.

Best Breakfast Near Ellsworth AFB: Essence of Coffee

Part downtown roaster, part genuinely good breakfast stop, Essence covers both in one visit. The chicken verde omelette and the avocado toast get regular praise, and the pour-over is the real deal. It's a cozy, pet-friendly spot to fuel up before a day of house-hunting.

Address and phone: 908 Main St, Rapid City · (605) 342-3559
Drive time: about 15–20 minutes to the Liberty Gate (Main Gate)
Hours: Monday through Friday 6:30 AM–3 PM; weekends 7 AM–2 PM
Price: $$
Military discount: Not published online — ask at the register

Best BBQ Near Rapid City: J.R.'s Rhodehouse BBQ Pit

Tucked up in Summerset, J.R.'s draws a steady line for brisket, pulled pork, and ribs. Locals debate it against the downtown smokehouses constantly, which tells you it's doing something right. Come early, though, because popular sides sell out.

Address and phone: 7201 Infinity Dr, Summerset · (605) 787-7070
Drive time: about 18–22 minutes to the Liberty Gate (Main Gate)
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 11 AM–7:30 PM; closed Sunday through Tuesday
Price: $$
Military discount: Not published online — ask at the register

Best Burger Near Rapid City: Neighbors Grub and Pub

Locals will tell you Neighbors won best burger in South Dakota three years running, and the dinner line backs it up. Thick, juicy patties and homemade beer cheese soup are the draw, and the steak tips get their own following. It sits up in Summerset, so plan around the weekend rush.

Address and phone: 7280 Freedom Ln, Summerset · (605) 716-7688
Drive time: about 20–25 minutes to the Liberty Gate (Main Gate)
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 11 AM–9 PM; closed Sunday and Monday
Price: $$
Military discount: Not published online — ask at the register

Best Date Night Near Rapid City: Tally's Silver Spoon

Tally's started as a downtown diner and grew into one of Rapid City's most-loved kitchens. For date night, the menu turns out bison, fresh fish, and inventive plates in a warm, unfussy room. Reserve a weekend table, because locals fill it fast.

Address and phone: 530 6th St, Rapid City · (605) 342-7621
Drive time: about 15–20 minutes to the Liberty Gate (Main Gate)
Hours: daily 7 AM–9 PM
Price: $$–$$$
Military discount: Not published online — ask at the register

Best Family Restaurant Near Box Elder, SD: Hairy Cow Brewing

Here's the closest pick to base, right in Box Elder. Hairy Cow runs wood-fired pizza, smash burgers, and a full bar, and families rave about the space and the staff. There's even a diaper-change table, which new parents notice fast.

Address and phone: 415 N Ellsworth Rd, Box Elder · (605) 791-2021
Drive time: about 5–10 minutes to the Liberty Gate (Main Gate)
Hours: daily 11 AM–9 PM, later on Friday and Saturday
Price: $$
Military discount: Not published online — ask at the register

Best Cheap Eats Near Ellsworth AFB: Ma Cualli South

Big flavor, big portions, small bill. Ma Cualli South earns near-perfect reviews for birria, fajitas, and made-fresh chips, and Texas transplants keep calling it the real deal. You will likely take half of it home.

Address and phone: 4831 5th St Ste 101, Rapid City · (605) 503-7606
Drive time: about 18–22 minutes to the Liberty Gate (Main Gate)
Hours: daily 11 AM–9:50 PM, later on Friday and Saturday
Price: $
Military discount: Not published online — ask at the register

Best Pizza Near Ellsworth AFB: Pauly's Pizzeria & Sub Co.

Ask around for the best pizza in town and Pauly's comes up first. The pies are made with care — the crew's whole motto is that good food takes time — and a self-serve beer wall lets you sample local brews while you wait. The subs are excellent too, but note they close on weekends.

Address and phone: 1624 E Saint Patrick St, Rapid City
Drive time: about 12–15 minutes to the Liberty Gate (Main Gate)
Hours: Monday through Friday 10 AM–9 PM; closed Saturday and Sunday
Price: $
Military discount: Not published online — ask at the register

Best Brewery Near Rapid City: Zymurcracy Beer Company

Zymurcracy has quietly become a local favorite, and the rotating seasonal beers explain why. Families are welcome and so are dogs, plus there's a back room with cornhole and ring toss and weekly trivia and bingo. A food truck usually parks outside, so check their page before you head over.

Address and phone: 4624 Creek Dr #6, Rapid City · (605) 791-0411
Drive time: about 15–20 minutes to the Liberty Gate (Main Gate)
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday; closed Monday, later on Friday and Saturday
Price: $$
Military discount: Not published online — ask at the register

Best Pub Near Rapid City: Independent Ale House

Downtown's go-to taphouse pairs a deep craft-beer list with wood-fired pizzas and flatbreads. The vibe stays casual and welcoming, and the staff handle dietary needs without blinking. It also runs late on weekends, which makes it one of the few real late-night options in town.

Address and phone: 625 St Joseph St, Rapid City · (605) 718-9492
Drive time: about 15–20 minutes to the Liberty Gate (Main Gate)
Hours: Sunday through Thursday 11 AM–10:30 PM; Friday and Saturday to 12:30 AM
Price: $
Military discount: Not published online — ask at the register

Coffee, Ice Cream, and Bakeries Near Ellsworth AFB

Every family needs a sweet-tooth rotation. These three cover the treat, the caffeine, and the pastry run.

Best Ice Cream Near Ellsworth AFB: Armadillos Ice Cream Shoppe

You'll spot the line before you spot the sign. Armadillos scoops downtown near the presidents' statues, and the waffle cones alone are worth the wait. The crew works fast, so the line moves quicker than it looks.

Address and phone: 130 Main St, Rapid City · (605) 355-0507
Drive time: about 15–20 minutes to the Liberty Gate (Main Gate)
Hours: daily 11 AM–10 PM
Price: $$
Military discount: Not published online — ask at the register

Best Coffee Near Rapid City: Harriet & Oak

This is the coffee shop with the vintage VW van inside — and the kids will make a beeline for it. Beyond the vibe, Harriet & Oak roasts its own beans and pours a serious lavender-vanilla latte. It's a favorite for working remotely or feeding a newborn in peace.

Address and phone: 329 Main St #1, Rapid City · (605) 791-0396
Drive time: about 15–20 minutes to the Liberty Gate (Main Gate)
Hours: daily 7 AM–4 PM, opens 8 AM Sunday
Price: $$
Military discount: Not published online — ask at the register

Best Bakery Near Ellsworth AFB: The Sour

If you like a croissant that shatters the right way, start here. The Sour turns out cinnamon rolls, ham-and-cheese croissants, and pastries that visitors mail-order home. Stop in early, because the good stuff goes fast.

Address and phone: 510 St Joseph St, Rapid City
Drive time: about 15–20 minutes to the Liberty Gate (Main Gate)
Hours: daily 7 AM–4 PM, to 2 PM Sunday
Price: $$
Military discount: Not published online — ask at the register

Things to Do Near Ellsworth AFB: Parks, Attractions, and Day Trips

This is where Ellsworth beats almost every other assignment. You have a national-park-caliber playground inside 90 minutes, plus everyday spots for the kids.

Best State Park Near Ellsworth AFB: Custer State Park

If you do one thing your first month, do this. Custer State Park packs the Wildlife Loop, Needles Highway, Sylvan Lake, and a famous bison herd into one enormous park. Most families grab the annual pass for around $40 and use it all year.

Location: about 45 miles south · roughly a 1-hour drive from the Liberty Gate (Main Gate)
Hours: open daily, year round
Price: state park entrance license required
Military discount: ask about the annual license — details below

Best Family Attraction Near Rapid City: Bear Country USA

Drive-through black bears, wolves, and elk, right from your own car. Bear Country USA is the local outing families repeat, especially when grandparents visit. Keep your windows up — the staff will remind you, and they mean it.

Address and phone: 13820 US-16, Rapid City · (605) 343-2290
Drive time: about 25–30 minutes to the Liberty Gate (Main Gate)
Hours: daily 8 AM–5 PM, seasonal
Price: paid admission
Military discount: Not published online — ask at the entrance

Best Free Thing to Do Near Ellsworth AFB: Dinosaur Park

Built in 1936 and free to this day, Dinosaur Park sits on a ridge with the best skyline view in town. Kids climb the green dinosaurs while you catch your breath at the top. It's a quick, no-cost win on a slow afternoon.

Address and phone: 940 Skyline Dr, Rapid City · (605) 343-8687
Drive time: about 18–22 minutes to the Liberty Gate (Main Gate)
Hours: daily 8 AM–6 PM, seasonal
Price: free
Military discount: not applicable — always free

Best Day Trip From Ellsworth AFB: Mount Rushmore and Keystone

This is the drive you'll make with every visitor who flies in. Mount Rushmore charges no entrance fee, and your America the Beautiful military pass covers the $10 parking. Pair it with the Keystone shops and the scenic ride home for a full day. For the bigger picture on this assignment, our South Dakota military bases guide rounds out the region.

Location: about 30 miles southwest · roughly a 45–50 minute drive from the Liberty Gate (Main Gate)
Hours: grounds open daily, early to late
Price: free entry; $10 parking, free with the military pass
Military discount: free parking with the America the Beautiful military pass

Best Annual Event Near Rapid City: Central States Fair

Every August, the Central States Fair takes over Rapid City with rodeo, carnival rides, and grandstand concerts. Nine days of funnel cakes, demolition derbies, and live music make it the family highlight of late summer. In 2026 it runs August 21–29.

Location: Central States Fairgrounds, Rapid City
Drive time: about 15–20 minutes to the Liberty Gate (Main Gate)
Hours: nine days each August
Price: gate admission; ride and concert tickets vary
Military discount: Not published online — ask at the gate

Best Kids Activity Near Ellsworth AFB: Storybook Island

Free, magical, and made for the under-eight crowd. Storybook Island turns nursery rhymes into a walkable park, with a small train and carousel for a few dollars. Come winter, the Christmas lights display is a whole tradition of its own. Planning summer months? Our guide to summer camps for military kids helps fill the long break.

Address and phone: 1301 Sheridan Lake Rd, Rapid City · (605) 342-6357
Drive time: about 18–22 minutes to the Liberty Gate (Main Gate)
Hours: daily, seasonal; check ahead for winter lights
Price: free admission; small fee for rides
Military discount: not applicable — free admission

Best Teen Hangout Near Rapid City: iSmash Rapid City

Most base towns come up short on teen options, so this one is gold. iSmash runs rage rooms, axe throwing, and a splatter-paint studio that older kids actually get excited about. It's a birthday-party fix and a rainy-day fix in one.

Address and phone: 625 Main St, Rapid City · (605) 348-2094
Drive time: about 15–20 minutes to the Liberty Gate (Main Gate)
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday; closed Monday, later on weekends
Price: varies by activity
Military discount: Not published online — ask at the counter

Local Shops and Services in Box Elder and Rapid City

Beyond food and fun, a few local stops make everyday life easier here.

Best Local Shop Near Ellsworth AFB: Prairie Edge Trading Co & Galleries

Half store, half gallery, entirely worth an hour. Prairie Edge fills a historic downtown building with Native American art, jewelry, books, and gifts across every price point. Even browsers leave impressed by the craftsmanship.

Address and phone: 606 Main St, Rapid City · (605) 342-3086
Drive time: about 15–20 minutes to the Liberty Gate (Main Gate)
Hours: daily 9 AM–6 PM, opens 11 AM Sunday
Price: varies
Military discount: Not published online — ask at the register

Best Farmers Market Near Rapid City: Black Hills Farmers Market

Fresh produce, local meat, honey, and live music on the weekend. The Black Hills Farmers Market runs Saturdays year round, and adds Wednesdays from May through October. It's an easy Saturday-morning habit once you're settled.

Address and phone: 245 E Omaha St, Rapid City · (605) 646-0976
Drive time: about 15–20 minutes to the Liberty Gate (Main Gate)
Hours: Saturdays 9 AM–1 PM year round; Wednesdays May–October
Price: varies by vendor
Military discount: ask individual vendors

Drop-In Child Care Near Ellsworth AFB: Help Us Fill This Slot

We're being straight with you: right now, there is no confirmed hourly, drop-in child care provider off base that we or the local community know of. Rather than pad the list, we left this slot open on purpose. If you know a spot that takes last-minute, duty-day drop-ins — or a pet-boarding option families lean on during deployments — tell us in the group and we'll add it.

What families use instead: full-time centers like Candyland Child Development Center in Box Elder earn strong marks, but full-time care is a different need than drop-in
Status: open — the community decides this one
Military discount: ask each provider directly

Ellsworth AFB Base Legends: The Places Every Crew Knows

Some spots outlast every PCS cycle. These are our candidates for Ellsworth's true institutions — and the ones we most want the community to confirm.

Best Brewpub Near Rapid City: Firehouse Brewing Co.

Set inside a historic downtown firehouse, this is South Dakota's original brewpub. Firehouse has poured house beer and served fire-service history for decades, and the cheese curds are a rite of passage. Grab a Smokejumper Stout and a table upstairs.

Address and phone: 610 Main St, Rapid City · (605) 348-1915
Drive time: about 15–20 minutes to the Liberty Gate (Main Gate)
Hours: daily 11 AM–10 PM
Price: $$
Military discount: Not published online — ask at the register

Best Classic Diner Near Ellsworth AFB: Beau's Campbell Street Diner

A true Rapid City diner, Beau's serves pancakes the size of a pizza and a fry-bread breakfast pizza worth the drive. Doors open at 6 AM every day, which makes it a perfect pre-duty or post-flight-line stop. Expect a wait on weekend mornings, because everyone already knows.

Address and phone: 211 N Campbell St, Rapid City · (605) 381-9204
Drive time: about 12–15 minutes to the Liberty Gate (Main Gate)
Hours: daily 6 AM–2 PM
Price: $$
Military discount: Not published online — ask at the register

Best Steakhouse Near Rapid City: Dakotah Steakhouse

For a promotion dinner or a visit from the folks, Dakotah is the local pick. The steaks are locally sourced, the fry bread is a signature, and the room handles big groups well. It sits right off I-90, which makes it an easy run from base.

Address and phone: 1325 N Elk Vale Rd, Rapid City · (605) 791-1800
Drive time: about 12–15 minutes to the Liberty Gate (Main Gate)
Hours: daily 4–9 PM
Price: $$
Military discount: Not published online — ask at the register

Best Military Discounts Near Ellsworth AFB

Here's the honest part. We are still confirming discount terms directly with each business, so we won't print a percentage until we've verified it by phone. Until then, use this as your "ask at the register" cheat sheet. When you go, mention your ID up front — plenty of spots honor a discount they never advertise.

Where to Ask	What Families Report
The Cookie Shop (downtown)	Military and first-responder discount mentioned in recent reviews — confirm terms
Custer State Park	Annual entrance license and season passes families use all year
Mount Rushmore	Free parking with the America the Beautiful military pass
Terry Peak Ski Area	Military discounts reported in season
Restaurants on this list	Many honor a discount with ID — ask before you order

Last verified: August 2026. Discounts and hours change — always confirm before you go.

What's Overrated Near Ellsworth AFB (And What to Skip)

Nobody else will tell you this stuff, so we will. A little honesty saves your family time, gas, and a few disappointing plans.

The Sturgis Rally: Worth Doing Once

Here's the local take: experience the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally once, even if you never touch a motorcycle. Beyond the bikes, the rally books big-name concert acts every August, so there's a real reason to go. Plan around it, though — historically the weather turns rainy that week, and I-90 traffic gets heavy for days.

Restaurant Hours in Rapid City and Box Elder

This is the trap that gets every new family. Several of the best local spots keep short or unusual hours — lunch-only, closed Mondays, or closed on weekends entirely. Always check the day's hours before you drive, because Google is not always right.

The Drive From Ellsworth to the Black Hills

The Hills feel close, and mostly they are, but the map lies a little. Mount Rushmore runs about 45 minutes, Custer State Park closer to an hour, and Badlands over an hour each way. Treat the big parks as day trips, not quick evening runs.

Late-Night Food Near Base

If you're expecting a 24-hour food scene, adjust now. Options thin out fast after 10 PM, especially on the Box Elder side. Keep Independent Ale House and Murphy's Pub in your back pocket for weekends, and stock the pantry for late shifts.

Winter: You're in the Banana Belt

Good news for anyone dreading Dakota winters. Rapid City sits in a "banana belt," warmed by chinook winds that keep it milder than the rest of the Dakotas. Even so, snow, ice, and cold snaps still happen, so keep a car emergency kit and stay ready for a fast change in weather.

Own a Business on the Ellsworth AFB Best of Base List?

If your business made this list, first — thank you for taking care of our families. You're eligible for a free Best of Base window decal, a digital certificate for your website, and a featured spot in the PCS plans of families headed to Ellsworth. To claim your kit or ask a question, reach out through the group above and we'll get you set up.

Ellsworth AFB Area FAQs: Food, Fun, and Living Near Base

What are the best restaurants near Ellsworth AFB?

Local favorites include Thirsty's for chislic, Neighbors Grub and Pub for burgers, and J.R.'s Rhodehouse for barbecue. Pauly's wins for pizza, and Tally's Silver Spoon is the go-to for date night. In Box Elder, Hairy Cow Brewing is the closest sit-down spot to base.

What is there to do near Ellsworth AFB?

Plenty, and most of it is outdoors. Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, Bear Country USA, and Badlands National Park all sit within 90 minutes. Closer to base, Storybook Island, Dinosaur Park, and iSmash cover kids and teens.

How far is Ellsworth AFB from Rapid City?

Rapid City sits about seven miles west of base, an easy 15-to-20-minute drive via I-90 from the Liberty Gate. Box Elder wraps right around the installation. Most of the restaurants and shops on this list live in Rapid City proper.

What is chislic, and where can I try it near Ellsworth AFB?

Chislic is South Dakota's signature dish — bite-size cubes of seasoned, skewered meat, usually beef or lamb. Thirsty's in Rapid City is a popular first stop for newcomers. Murphy's Pub also serves a well-reviewed version.

What's the best day trip from Ellsworth AFB?

Mount Rushmore paired with Keystone is the classic, about 45 minutes southwest. Badlands National Park makes a longer, otherworldly day to the east. Custer State Park's Wildlife Loop and Needles Highway fill an easy day to the south.

Where do military families live near Ellsworth AFB?

Most Ellsworth families choose Box Elder and Summerset for the short commute to the Liberty Gate. East Rapid City adds more schools and amenities within 15 to 20 minutes, while Rapid Valley skews most affordable. For a full breakdown of each area by gate, see our guide to buying a home near Ellsworth AFB.

Is there drop-in child care near Ellsworth AFB?

Hourly, drop-in child care is genuinely hard to find off base, and the local community confirms there is no clear option right now. Full-time centers like Candyland in Box Elder earn strong marks from military families. If you know a true drop-in provider, tell us in the group so we can add it.

What free things can families do near Ellsworth AFB?

Dinosaur Park and Storybook Island are both free and family-favorite. Mount Rushmore charges no entrance fee, and your military pass covers parking. In summer, Rapid City Summer Nights brings free live music downtown on Thursdays.

Do restaurants near Ellsworth AFB offer military discounts?

Many do, but plenty never advertise it, so always ask with your ID before you order. We are confirming exact terms business by business and will publish them once verified. Until then, treat the discount table above as your prompt to ask.

What's the best coffee near Ellsworth AFB?

Harriet & Oak is the downtown roaster with the VW van and a strong latte lineup. Essence of Coffee and Ridgeline Roasters are also local standouts. All three sit in Rapid City, a short drive from base.

Where should teenagers hang out near Ellsworth AFB?

iSmash leads for older kids, with rage rooms, axe throwing, and splatter paint. Get Air Trampoline Park and Main Street Square give teens more room to roam. Downtown Rapid City also hosts events worth checking through the summer.

When is the Sturgis Rally, and how does it affect Ellsworth families?

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally runs each August, about 30 minutes north of base. It's worth experiencing once, and it draws big-name concert acts even if you don't ride. Expect heavy I-90 traffic and historically rainy weather that week, so plan accordingly.

Key Takeaways

Start with the close-in wins. Hairy Cow in Box Elder and Beau's off Campbell Street sit minutes from the Liberty Gate, and Custer State Park's annual pass pays for itself fast.
Check hours before every drive. Rapid City's best local spots keep short and unusual hours, and a few close on weekends, so confirm the day before you go.
Use your military pass. It covers parking at Mount Rushmore and stretches across the Black Hills parks all year.
Help us finish the list. We left the drop-in child care slot open on purpose — tell us who belongs there in the Ellsworth AFB PCS Pay It Forward® group.
Plan your PCS early. Get a head start on housing, neighborhoods, and timeline with a free PCS Plan built for the Ellsworth market.

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