INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORTATION

Air Travel

Willmar is the only city in Minnesota - and one of only seven in the country - with a new airport. The new Willmar Municipal Airport - John L. Rice Field - officially opened on September 5, 2006. All those who traveled to watch the first aircraft land on the new airfield experienced a piece of history that will be cherished for years to come. The new airport will serve the needs of the aviation community by allowing for improved instrument approaches as well as a large hangar area. Currently, there are  64 based aircraft that range in size and speed. Spring of 2007 saw the region's first F-14 "Tomcat" make its way to Willmar where it will be on display permanently thanks to the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida.

The new airport site includes a 5,500-foot runway with plans to extend the runway to 6,500 feet in the future. A modern terminal area serves as a front door to the community of Willmar as well as the west central Minnesota region. The new 6,000 square foot terminal includes a passenger waiting area, conference room for 60 people, and 2,000 square feet of expansion space for future pilot's lounge and an observation deck. A 12,000 square foot aircraft service facility is attached to the terminal.

For more information contact:

Willmar Municipal Airport

John Rice Fields
6600 Highway 40 SW
Willmar, MN 56201
320-235-4844

More informationn can be found on the City of Willmar's website: www.ci.willmar.mn.us/menu/departments/airport/airport.htm

Airport Manager: (320) 214-9669

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