Kelly G. Howie, Broker / Realtor

Box Elder, SD Area Guide

Welcome to Box Elder, South Dakota!
Nestled midway between the Black Hills of South Dakota and the Badlands, Box Elder offers an incomparable landscape and an extraordinary quality of life. From the scenery offered along the byways to the family-oriented community happenings, Box Elder is a wonderful place for you and your family to call home! Its close proximity to Ellsworth Air Force Base makes Box Elder a convenient location for today’s military families as well as for non-military families. Local museums abound with history of local Native American tribes and the Old West, geology, archeology, native gardens and more, proving of interest to young and old alike. Live theater, music concerts, art exhibits, picturesque parks and scenic drives…you name it, it’s going on in Box Elder!

History

Box Elder came into being in 1907 due to the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad being built from Wasta to Rapid City, which lies just southwest of what is currently known as Box Elder. The city got its name from the prolific box elder tree native to the region, found growing along the shores of Box Elder Creek. Box Elder originally served as a train stop, and later gained fame as home to Ellsworth Air Force Base. The city has grown to a modern-day population numbering just under 3,000.

Activities and Attractions

Black Hills & Badlands Scenic Drives & Byways
http://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/home/thingstodo/scenicdrives

Ellsworth Air Force Base

http://www.ellsworth.af.mil/

Flintstones Bedrock City
http://www.flintstonesbedrockcity.com/

Museums
http://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/home/artsculture/museums

Performing Arts
http://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/home/artsculture/performingarts

Public Sculptures
http://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/home/artsculture/publicsculptures

South Dakota Air & Space Museum
http://www.sdairandspacemuseum.com/

Watiki Indoor Waterpark Resort
http://www.watikiwaterpark.com/

Parks and Recreation

From what is probably the most famous mountain in America (you guessed it…Mount Rushmore!) to the other-worldly Badlands, the landscape in and around Box Elder is one you just have to see to believe! Visit the Badlands and look for miles without seeing any signs of civilization and you’ll know you are in a place like no other! Cruise along the scenic drives overlooking the breathtaking vistas of the Black Hills, and you will marvel at the diversity of this locale. Wide open for exploration and family adventures, Box Elder invites you to enjoy the splendor available right in your own backyard!

Black Hills & Badlands Parks & Monuments
http://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/home/thingstodo/parksmonuments

Crazy Horse Memorial
http://www.crazyhorsememorial.org/

Custer State Park
http://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/directory/custer/default.aspx

Outdoor Recreation
http://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/home/thingstodo/outdoorrecreation/yearround

South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks
http://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/directory/custer/default.aspx

Events

From Mardi Gras celebrations to Native American powwows to kid’s fairs, there is always something fun and interesting going on in Box Elder, whether you are stepping out alone, or with the entire family. For a complete listing of year-round events, visit http://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/home/artsculture/events.