Scott AFB, IL

Scott Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located near Belleville, Illinois. It was established as the Scott Field in 1917 as a training airfield during World War I. The base is named after Corporal Frank S. Scott, an aviation mechanic who was killed in an accident while working on an airplane.

During World War I, Scott Field served as a primary training facility for pilots and ground crews. After the war, the base was used as a demobilization center before becoming a permanent military installation in 1923. It became an important center for Air Corps training and later served as a transportation hub during World War II.

In the post-war years, Scott Field began to specialize in military airlift and logistics operations. It became the headquarters for the Military Air Transport Service (MATS) in 1957, playing a significant role in supporting tactical, strategic, and humanitarian airlift operations around the world.

In 1992, the base merged with neighboring MidAmerica Airport to form Scott Air Force Base. This merger aimed to improve joint operations between the Air Force and civilian entities. Since then, Scott AFB has continued to evolve as a strategic transportation hub and a major center for military logistics and airlift operations.

Today, Scott Air Force Base is home to the 375th Air Mobility Wing, which provides worldwide air mobility and communications support. The base also houses the United States Transportation Command, the Air Mobility Command, and the Air Force Reserve Command's 932nd Airlift Wing.

Throughout its history, Scott AFB has played a vital role in the United States military operations and has contributed significantly to the country's air mobility capabilities and logistical support. It continues to be an essential facility for the Air Force and a key component of the nation's defense infrastructure.

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows

A Catholic shrine with beautifully landscaped gardens, outdoor devotional areas, and a visitor center.

Gateway Motorsports Park

A motorsports complex featuring a 1/4-mile drag strip, a 1.25-mile oval track, and a 1.6-mile road course.

Eckert's Belleville Farm

A family-friendly farm where visitors can pick their own fruits, enjoy tractor rides, explore a corn maze, and shop at the farm store.

St. Clair Bowl

A bowling center offering 50 lanes, a pro shop, a sports bar, and an arcade.

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

A UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the remains of the largest pre-Columbian city north of Mexico, showcasing ancient Native American earthworks and a museum.

Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum

Located at the nearby St. Louis Downtown Airport, this museum showcases aviation and space artifacts, including aircraft displays and interactive exhibits.

Art on the Square

An annual art fair in Belleville that features works from over 100 artists, live music, food vendors, and children's activities.

The Edge 5 Cinemas

A movie theater complex showing the latest films.

Horseshoe Lake State Park

A scenic park featuring a lake for boating and fishing, hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping facilities.

St. Louis Gateway Arch

Located across the Mississippi River in St. Louis, Missouri, the iconic Gateway Arch offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck and a museum showcasing the history of Westward Expansion.

Scott Air Force Base is located in Illinois and experiences a humid continental climate. Summers in Scott AFB are usually warm and humid, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s °F (26-32 °C). July is the hottest month, with temperatures occasionally reaching the upper 90s °F (near 37 °C). Humidity levels can be high during this time, making it feel even hotter.

Winters in Scott AFB are cold and snowy, with average high temperatures ranging from the upper 30s to mid-40s °F (3-7 °C) in December and January. January is the coldest month, with temperatures dropping below freezing, sometimes reaching the mid-teens °F (-9 to -7 °C). Snowfall is common during the winter months, with January being the snowiest month.

Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with mild temperatures. Spring starts off cool and gradually warms up, with temperatures rising from the 50s to the 70s °F (10-23 °C) as it progresses. Autumn starts off warm and gradually cools down, with temperatures dropping from the 70s to the 50s °F (23-10 °C) before winter arrives.

Scott AFB experiences moderate rainfall throughout the year, with precipitation distributed relatively evenly. The wettest months are May and June, while February and January tend to be drier.

It is worth noting that these climate characteristics are based on long-term averages, and weather conditions can vary from year to year.

Scott Air Force Base (AFB) is located in St. Clair County, Illinois, approximately 26 miles east of St. Louis, Missouri. While there are no residential neighborhoods directly on the base, there are several nearby communities that serve as housing options for military personnel and their families. Here are a few notable neighborhoods in the vicinity of Scott AFB:

Shiloh

Located directly adjacent to Scott AFB, Shiloh is a popular choice for military families. The neighborhood offers a variety of housing options, including apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes. Shiloh has a suburban feel and features amenities such as parks, schools, shopping centers, and dining options.

O'Fallon

O'Fallon is situated just a few miles southwest of Scott AFB. It is a growing community with a range of housing options, from affordable apartments to larger single-family homes. O'Fallon offers great schools, shopping centers, recreational areas, and a vibrant downtown area with restaurants and entertainment options.

Belleville

Located northeast of the base, Belleville is the largest city in St. Clair County. It offers a mix of urban and suburban living with a historic downtown area featuring local shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Belleville has various housing options, including apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes.

Mascoutah

Mascoutah is a small town located southeast of Scott AFB. It has a tight-knit, friendly community with a charming downtown area that offers local businesses and dining options. Mascoutah also has good schools and a range of housing choices, from historic homes to new subdivisions.

Lebanon

Situated northeast of the base, Lebanon is a small, historic town known for its quiet and rural atmosphere. It offers a slower pace of life and has a small downtown area with local shops and dining options. Lebanon has a mix of housing options, including historic homes and newer developments.

These are just a few of the neighborhoods surrounding Scott AFB. Each community has its own unique character and amenities, so military personnel and their families have various choices based on their preferences and needs.