Everyone has heard of Area 51, and many have a strong opinion of it one way or another. Aliens? Experiments? Government coverups? Who knows?! Back in 2019, the infamous extraterrestrial-infested location was back in the news, as a supposed one million visitors planned to storm the mysterious place to “see them aliens.” While that raid never happened, it got us thinking: Have there been alien sightings here in SoDak? Come to find out, there have been! But the story behind the largest one is truly bizarre, if for no other reason than it took place at one of the strangest places in South Dakota: the otherwise unassuming Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Located just northeast of Rapid City is Ellsworth Air Force Base, which was built in 1941 and currently houses some 8,000 military, family members, and civilian employees.
Wikimedia Commons
Like most Air Force bases, Ellsworth is home to some of the bravest and most honorable of military men and women, so when two came forward with a seemingly unbelievable report, the higher-ups took the claims seriously and launched an unprecedented investigation.
Wikimedia Commons
As the story goes, during the summer of 1952, an airman and his date were at the drive-in movie when they spotted some strange, orange-colored lights some 10,000+ miles away, which he reported to his superiors the following morning.
Wikimedia Commons

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Though the Ellsworth airman was the first to report the incident, he was not the only one to see it, as 45+ civilians and a Military Air Defense System personnel in Bismarck, North Dakota also saw the strange object, which they reported as a red light making a peculiar, sweeping motion.
Flickr/marco paiola
Thanks to these reports and other leads, the event was thoroughly investigated by the government, who took the stories of an unidentified flying object very seriously.
Flickr/CameliaTWU
Despite the seemingly credible eyewitnesses, the Air Force later deemed the sightings as not suspicious, citing several different reasons the lights could have appeared.
Flickr/ruben_r6

Even though the possibility of a UFO was officially ruled out in this instance, many to this day believe what flew over the Midwest in the early 1950s wasn’t human at all. Are you one of these believers, or do you think there is another explanation for this strange occurrence at the Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota? Let us know in the comments!

For even more Only in South Dakota controversy, check out these wild conspiracy theories. Or, indulge in something a little more relaxing (sans aliens) at this waterfront getaway in nearby Rapid City.

5 Conspiracy Theories In South Dakota That Will Make You Question The Truth

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Ellsworth Air Force Base

Jennifer | April 10, 2024

Are there any military bases in South Dakota?

The Ellsworth Air Force base is the only military base in South Dakota. It's home to the 28th Bomb Wing, which operates under the 12th Air Force and falls under the oversight of Air Combat Command. Originally established as the Rapid City Army Air Base in 1941, it has played a crucial role in multiple military operations over the years, but is primarily known for its bomber aircraft.

And before you ask...yes, you can visit! Only on select days, however, so double-check their website for the most current tour availability.

Are there any other aircraft-related points of interest in South Dakota?

Plane and aircraft enthusiasts will find a few flight-related activities and points of interest to choose from in South Dakota:

  • Black Hills Helicopter Tours: You've likely checked Mount Rushmore off your bucket list, but have you ever seen it from above??
  • Eagle Aviation Tours: In addition to aerial tours of Mount Rushmore, this sky-high tour company also offers flight packages that will take passengers into the clouds to explore many of SoDak's other iconic points of interest.
  • South Dakota Air & Space Museum, Box Elder: This premier free aviation museum features more than 30 military aircraft from various eras, including those from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, and the present day. The museum also boasts a massive collection of artifacts and documents related to the history of Ellsworth Air Force Base, the 44th Strategic Missile Wing, and the 28th Bomb Wing throughout the Cold War. The museum is housed in former aircraft alert hangars where Air Defense Command fighters once sat during the height of the Cold War - so you'll be literally walking through history here!

 

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Ellsworth Air Force Base, Ellsworth AFB, SD, USA