Airport Accessibility In Madison, Wisconsin: What You Need To Know

Yes, Madison, Wisconsin, has an airport. The Dane County Regional Airport (DCRA), also known as Truax Field, is located 6 miles from downtown Madison. It is a civil-military airport that was constructed on land previously used as a cabbage patch for a nearby sauerkraut factory. The airport has undergone several expansions and modernizations over the years, including the addition of new terminals, jet bridges, and boarding bridges. It is the second busiest of eight commercial airports in Wisconsin and is home to the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing.

Dane County Regional Airport is Madison's airport

Dane County Regional Airport, also known as Truax Field, is a civil-military airport located 6 nautical miles (11 km or 6.9 miles) northeast of downtown Madison, Wisconsin. In 1927, the City of Madison purchased 290 acres of land for $35,380. The land, which was previously a cabbage patch for a nearby sauerkraut factory, would later become the present-day site of the Dane County Regional Airport.

The airport is home to the Wisconsin Air National Guard and its 115th Fighter Wing, an Air National Guard fighter wing operationally gained by the Air Combat Command. The airport has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years, including a significant terminal modernization program announced in 2018. The airport also offers various transportation options, including taxi services, rental car counters, and courtesy shuttle services from local hotels.

In terms of passenger traffic, Dane County Regional Airport is the second busiest of eight commercial airports in Wisconsin, after Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. The airport has aspirations to become an international terminal, with plans to attract international flights and bring economic benefits to the county.

Dane County Regional Airport provides a convenient and efficient travel option for those flying in and out of Madison, Wisconsin. With its ongoing expansions and efforts to enhance its facilities, the airport continues to improve the travel experience for its passengers.

It's 6 miles from the city centre

Madison, Wisconsin, is served by Dane County Regional Airport (DCRA), also known as Truax Field. It is located just 6 miles from the city centre.

The airport is home to the Wisconsin Air National Guard and its 115th Fighter Wing, an Air National Guard fighter wing operationally gained by the Air Combat Command. It is one of 14 operational air defence units responsible for the air defence of the eastern continental United States.

The airport has undergone several expansions and modernisations over the years, including a $12 million project in 1986 that tripled the size of the terminal and added a second-level concourse with six boarding bridges. More recently, in 2021, construction began on an $85 million expansion of the terminal, dubbed the South Terminal expansion, adding three additional gates that can accommodate larger aircraft.

While the airport is conveniently located just 6 miles from the city centre, some travellers choose to fly into nearby Milwaukee or Chicago and then take a bus to Madison, as these larger airports often offer more frequent and cheaper flights. However, this option can involve longer travel times and the potential for unreliable bus services. Ultimately, the best choice for travellers depends on their specific needs and preferences.

It's one of two small-hub primary commercial service facilities in Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin is served by Dane County Regional Airport (DCRA), also known as Truax Field. The airport is located 6 miles northeast of downtown Madison. It is one of two small-hub primary commercial service facilities in Wisconsin, the other being Appleton International Airport.

DCRA has a rich history dating back to 1927 when the City of Madison purchased 290 acres of land for the airport's site. Initially used for military purposes during World War II, the airport has since expanded and undergone significant development. In 1966, a new terminal building opened, and subsequent expansion projects in 1986 and 2006 doubled the terminal's size and added various amenities. The airport is also home to the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing, which operates the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II.

In terms of passenger traffic, DCRA is the second busiest commercial airport in Wisconsin, after Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. While DCRA offers the convenience of direct flights to and from Madison, some travellers opt to use nearby larger airports such as Milwaukee or Chicago's O'Hare International Airport due to the higher cost and limited nonstop flight options at DCRA.

Despite the cost considerations, DCRA remains a popular choice for travellers to and from Madison due to its efficiency and minimal delays in security processing. The airport has also continuously improved its facilities, with recent expansions adding more gates, jet bridges, and enhanced parking options. DCRA is also committed to sustainability, with plans to add an 8 MW solar energy site on airport-owned land.

It's the second busiest of eight commercial airports in Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin is served by the Dane County Regional Airport, also known as Truax Field. It is a civil-military airport located 6 miles northeast of downtown Madison. The airport is home to the Wisconsin Air National Guard and its 115th Fighter Wing, an Air National Guard fighter wing operationally gained by the Air Combat Command.

In terms of passenger traffic, Dane County Regional Airport is the second busiest of eight commercial airports in Wisconsin. It is categorized as a small-hub primary commercial service facility in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2025–2029. The only airport in the state that serves more passengers is Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.

Dane County Regional Airport has undergone several expansions and upgrades over the years to accommodate increasing passenger traffic. In 1966, a new terminal building was constructed on the west side of the airfield, adding more gates and jetways. The airport tripled in size in 1986 with an expansion that increased the terminal size to 90,000 square feet. More recently, in 2006, a $68 million expansion was completed, doubling the size of the terminal and incorporating a design influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright.

The airport continues to invest in its infrastructure, with a significant terminal modernization program announced in 2018. This included the replacement of existing jet bridges and the addition of new ones, as well as other major construction projects. In 2021, construction began on the $85 million South Terminal expansion, adding three new gates capable of accommodating larger aircraft.

It was previously a cabbage patch for a sauerkraut factory

Madison, Wisconsin is served by the Dane County Regional Airport, also known as Truax Field. This airport is located 6 miles from the city centre.

The land on which the airport sits has an interesting history. In 1927, the City of Madison purchased 290 acres of land for $35,380. This land was previously a cabbage patch for a nearby sauerkraut factory. It's quite a unique history for an airport!

The land was transformed over the following years, with the construction of runways, a hangar, terminal, and administrative building. The development cost $1 million, with the city paying 10% and the federal government funding the remainder. The airport was renamed Truax Field and played an important role during World War II, serving as a U.S. Army Air Corps airfield.

The airport has continued to expand and modernise over the decades. In 1966, a new terminal building opened, and the airport tripled in size in 1986 with a $12 million expansion project. More recently, in 2021, construction began on an $85 million South Terminal expansion, adding three new gates for larger aircraft.

So, to answer the question, yes, Madison, WI does have an airport, and it was indeed previously a cabbage patch for a sauerkraut factory!

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