Minot AFB
Minot AFB Relocation Information
Gate image from minot.af.mil
Welcome to Minot AFB, North Dakota!
Known as one of the “best kept secrets in the Air Force,” Minot AFB, North Dakota, is home to the 5th Bomb Wing and the 91st Missile Wing. Both the Boeing B-52H Statofortress (a long-range heavy bomber) and the Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile are here at Minot.
Minot AFB is home to 5,551 active duty, 5,584 family members, and 1,060 civilians. The Minot greater area has a population of about 77,959. The host unit for Minot AFB is the 5th Bomb Wing, one of only two B-52H Stratofortress bomber bases in the Air Force.
Image from Minot AFB Facebook
Minot is approximately 13 miles north of the city of Minot, North Dakota, and is an important part of the local community. The base is known to have a close working relationship with the community and the area people tend to be friendly and helpful.
When they hear of Minot AFB, many Air Force members and families are only familiar with the common saying about Minot (pronounced “my-not”). “Why not Minot?” “Freezin’s the reason!” But throughout the base, you’ll find a commitment to quality and a motto of “Only the Best Come North.” Many families grow to love this northern base and the surrounding area.
Image from Minot AFB Facebook
Frequently Asked Questions About Minot AFB
1. How many units are at Minot AFB?
Minot AFB is home to two major Air Force Units: The 5th Bomb Wing and the 91st Missile Wing.
2. What’s the Minot AFB motto?
Team Minot’s motto is "Only the Best Come North."
3. When was Minot AFB established?
In the early 1950s, as the Cold War era began, military leaders feared a possible northern attack by enemy bombers. The city of Minot, North Dakota, became the site for the new base, with the groundbreaking in 1955. The base began as an Air Defense Command Base and the first unit was the 32nd Fighter Group, activated on Feb. 7, 1957.
4. Is Minot AFB open for tours?
The Public Affairs Office offers tours of Minot Air Force Base throughout the year when the mission permits. Learn more: Minot Public Tours and Flyovers.
5. How cold does it get at Minot AFB? How much snow should I expect?
According to the Minot AFB Newcomers page:
“Contrary to popular belief, the base does not receive a large amount of snow. Average annual snowfall is around 40 inches. Of course, winter does bring occasional blizzards in which heavy snowfall, poor visibility, high winds and dangerously low wind chill temperatures combine to make travel virtually impossible.
The base record for the most snowfall in a 24-hour period is 22 inches. Average high temperature for January is 17 degrees, average temperature is eight degrees. The average low temperature is two degrees below zero. The coldest temperature ever recorded here is 40 degrees below zero ambient, and 69 below zero with wind chill.”
6. What is the zip code for Minot AFB?
The zip code for Minot AFB is 58705.
7. What is the BAH for Minot AFB?
The BAH for Minot AFB ranges from $1,218 for E-1 to $1,944 for E-9 with dependents, and $1,407 for O-1 to $2,205 for O-7 with dependents. See housing section for more info.
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Base Location and Information
Official site: Minot AFB
Base map from minot.af.mil
Minot AFB is located 13 miles north of the city of Minot, in Ward County, North Dakota. The city of Glenburn lies nearby to the northeast. The area has strong Scandinavian roots, which combines with a western state charm. You’ll find everything from rodeos to symphonies and fine dining. The city of Minot is clean and inviting, with many residents commenting on the feeling of safety and even leaving their doors unlocked! Fishing, hunting, the outdoors, and winter sports all make a great place for your military family to find plenty to do.
Other North Dakota military installations:
Arrival Lodging
Image from DOD Lodging
For those looking for lodging with children and/or pets, it’s recommended you call the lodging office for the most accurate information.
Minot AFB Lodging Contact Info:
Minot AFB Housing
Image from Minot AFB Homes
Military housing at Minot AFB is privatized and managed by Balfour Beatty Communities Minot Family Housing.
Minot AFB housing contact information:
Minot AFB housing areas include an indoor splash pad, indoor playgrounds, dog parks, multipurpose courts, and 2 miles of walking/jogging trails. For on-base housing details, be sure to check in with the Minot AFB Housing Management Office: (701) 723-4660; DSN: 453-4660
Minot AFB Off-Base Housing
Compared to the rest of the country, the Minot Metro Area's cost of living is above the national average. However, housing in the city of Minot is plentiful. Both houses and apartments are immediately available, with some rental companies giving reduced rates to the military.
Minot AFB BAH Info
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S. based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
Minot AFB is near Deering and Minot ND, with options to buy or rent. Some sample Minot AFB BAH rates for zip code 58705:
- E-1 with dependents: $1,218
- E-1 without dependents: $924
- E-9 with dependents: $1,944
- E-9 without dependents: $1,578
- O-1 with dependents: $1,407
- O-1 without dependents: $1,086
- O-7 with dependents: $2,205
- O-7 without dependents: $1,914
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Minot AFB Area Weather
Image from Unsplash
You’ll find nearly every type of weather at Minot AFB! North Dakota winters are legendary, and conditions tend to be cold, dry, and windy. The prevailing winds come from the northwest and can cause gusts of more than 50 miles per hour. Average annual snowfall is around 40 inches. And you just might spot the northern lights during the winter night sky!
Winter in North Dakota brings occasional blizzards with heavy snowfall, poor visibility, high winds, and dangerously low wind chill temperatures, which can make travel virtually impossible. Summers here can be quite hot. The hottest temperature recorded on base was 107 degrees. Stay updated on the latest weather with Minot’s roads, weather, and gates updates.
Minot Area Schools
There are three schools on base at Minot AFB: two elementary and one middle school (North Plains ES, Dakota ES, and Memorial MS). These are non DoD Schools run by Minot School District. For other public school info, see Minot Public Schools maps and boundaries and Minot Public Schools district page.
Minot AFB school liaison contact info:
Minot AFB school liaison website
Phone: 701-240-2380, 701-723-2838 or DSN 453-1447, 453-2838
Location: David C. Jones Youth Center at 17 Peacekeeper Place, Minot AFB, ND 58705
Email: mafb.school.liaison@us.af.mil
Facebook: @minotslo
Minot AFB area private and homeschooling information:
Support for Military Families
Photo from Unsplash
There are numerous higher education opportunities as well as volunteer options to pursue in the Minot AFB area. Some of the area’s top employers include Minot AFB, Trinity Health, MPS, MSU, and the city of Minot.
Looking for volunteer opportunities? Connect with these organizations:
Higher education near Minot AFB:
More helpful links:
Things to Do Near Minot AFB
Image from City of Minot
Check out these things to do near Minot AFB—fun for the whole family!
Roosevelt Park Zoo: Roosevelt Park Zoo currently houses over 89 different species of animals, sling with a Discovery Barn, Children’s Zo,o and many other exciting exhibits!
North Dakota State Fair: Held every July in Minot, this is the largest annual event featuring big name country artists, rock concerts, and auto events as well as rodeos, carnival rides, food and exhibits.
Dakota Territory Air Museum: military and civilian aircraft plus a large collection of photographs, literature, periodicals and memorabilia relating to this region’s military aviation service and history.
Scandinavian Heritage Park: Remembrances and replicas from each of the five Scandinavian and Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
Bottineau Winter Park: Includes 9 runs, 6 lifts, and a tubing area with a handle lift.
Fort Stevenson State Park: Fort Stevenson State Park sits along the north shore of Lake Sakakawea. Miles of trails, rental equipment, and beautiful views.
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Base Address:
22 Peacekeeper Place
Minot AFB
,
58705-5003