Browse off-base housing and TDY lodging near Minot Air Force Base with easy access to the installation and nearby North Dakota communities.
Welcome to Minot Air Force Base
Minot Air Force Base is located in northern North Dakota just outside the city of Minot. Known for its strategic mission supporting both bomber and missile operations, the base plays a key role in national defense while serving a close-knit military community.
What’s It Like Living There?
Life near Minot AFB offers a quiet and supportive environment where military families are part of the local community. Many service members live in the city of Minot where apartments, townhomes, and furnished rentals are available close to shopping centers, schools, and restaurants.
The Climate: True Northern Winters
Minot experiences all four seasons, but winters are known for being long and cold with snow and icy conditions. Summers, however, are warm and comfortable, and residents often enjoy outdoor festivals, parks, and lakes during the warmer months.
Why People Love Off-Base Rentals
Many families choose off-base housing for the additional space and neighborhood atmosphere. Living off base also gives residents easier access to Minot’s local shops, dining, and community events.
Key Units of Minot Air Force Base
5th Bomb Wing
5th Bomb Wing91st Missile Wing
91st Missile Wing582nd Helicopter Group
582nd Helicopter GroupNorth Dakota Air National Guard
North Dakota Air National GuardBest Cities to Live Near Minot Air Force Base
Best Schools Near Minot Air Force Base
Dakota Elementary School
Elementary school serving students living on Minot Air Force Base.
Memorial Middle School
Elementary school on base offering K–6 education for military families.
Minot North High School
Middle school serving Minot AFB dependents and surrounding communities.
Health Care Near Minot Air Force Base
TRICARE Facility5th Medical Group – Minot AFB
Primary on-base medical clinic providing healthcare services to active duty personnel and military families stationed at Minot Air Force Base.
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HospitalTrinity Health – Trinity Hospital
Regional medical center offering emergency services, surgery, and specialty care for the Minot community near Minot AFB.
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ClinicCHI St. Alexius Health Heart & Lung Clinic
Full-service hospital providing emergency treatment, inpatient care, and specialty medical services for residents near Minot Air Force Base.
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Healthcare Coverage
TRICARE Coverage
at Minot Air Force Base
Minot Air Force Base healthcare is provided by the 5th Medical Group, which offers primary care, pharmacy services, and specialty referrals for active-duty personnel and military families through the TRICARE West network.
Tricare Prime
An HMO-style plan where you're assigned a Primary Care Manager. This is the most budget-friendly option, with minimal out-of-pocket costs.
Tricare Select
A PPO-style plan that gives you the flexibility to see any TRICARE-authorized provider—no referral needed. Perfect if you want more choice in your care.
Tricare for Life
Designed for beneficiaries with Medicare Parts A & B, this plan serves as wraparound coverage. It acts as a secondary payer to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Recreation & Leisure
Things to Do Around Minot Air Force Base
Outdoor / Nature~14 milesScandinavian Heritage Park
Cultural park celebrating Scandinavian heritage with historic monuments, a stave church replica, and outdoor exhibits.
Entertainment~13 milesDakota Square Mall
Large shopping and entertainment center in Minot with retail stores, dining, and family activities.
Cultural / Educational~14 milesTaube Museum of Art
Local art museum featuring regional artists, rotating exhibitions, and cultural programs.
Air Travel
Closest Airports to Minot Air Force Base
Commercial regional airport~15 milesMinot International Airport
Primary commercial airport serving Minot and surrounding areas.
Regional airport~120 miles
International regional airport~220 milesGrand Forks International Airport
Regional international airport serving eastern North Dakota.
FAQ
Frequently Asked
Questions
01What is Minot Air Force Base known for?
Minot AFB is known for hosting both nuclear missile and bomber operations supporting U.S. strategic deterrence.
02Where is Minot Air Force Base located?
The base is located in Ward County, North Dakota, about 13 miles north of the city of Minot.
03What units are stationed at Minot Air Force Base?
Key units include the 5th Bomb Wing and the 91st Missile Wing.
04What is the closest airport to Minot Air Force Base?
The nearest airport is Minot International Airport located about 15 miles south of the base.
05Can civilians live near Minot Air Force Base?
Yes, many military families live in Minot and nearby communities such as Burlington and Surrey.
