Baudette, Minnesota: Your Complete Guide to the Local Airport
Baudette sits on the southeastern shore of Lake of the Woods, just a stone’s throw from the Canada‑U.S. border. The city’s aviation hub, Baudette International Airport (FAA identifier BDE), is a public‑use facility owned by Lake of the Woods County. With two paved runways, a modern terminal, and a full‑service Fixed‑Base Operator, the airport supports everything from private bush pilots to seasonal charter flights that bring tourists to the world‑renowned fishing lodges of northern Minnesota.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration’s 2022 Airport Master Record, Baudette International Airport handled 13,214 aircraft operations in the most recent year, averaging 36 movements per day. Of those, 92 % were general‑aviation flights, 6 % were air taxi, and the remaining 2 % were military. The airport is home to 28 based aircraft, including single‑engine Cessnas, a Beechcraft King Air, and a handful of helicopters that service the local oil‑and‑gas exploration companies.
The runway complex consists of Runway 13/31, a 6,000‑foot concrete strip oriented northwest‑southeast, and Runway 4/22, a 5,000‑foot asphalt runway that runs northeast‑southwest. Both runways are equipped with Medium Intensity Runway Lights (MIRL) and Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPI), enabling safe operations in the region’s often‑changing weather conditions. The airport’s elevation is 1,098 feet above mean sea level, and the surrounding terrain is gently rolling forest that provides natural windbreaks.
Baudette Airport Locations
The primary address for the airport is 3010 Airport Road, Baudette, MN 56623, located just three miles east of the downtown core. The facility sits at the intersection of County Road 2 (Airport Road) and County Road 5, making it easily visible from the main highway that connects Baudette to International Falls (U.S. Route 71). The terminal building, known locally as the “Lake of the Woods County Airport Terminal,” is positioned on the south side of the field, adjacent to the FBO parking apron.
For travelers staying in the North End neighborhood, the airport is a short 4‑minute drive via County Road 2, while residents of the Southside district typically travel 5 minutes north on County Road 5 to reach the main entrance. The airport’s proximity to the Baudette‑International Border Crossing (approximately 2.2 miles east) also makes it a convenient gateway for Canadian visitors flying in on private aircraft.
How to Reach Airport in Baudette
Driving is the most common way to access the airport. From downtown Baudette, head east on Main Street (County Road 2) for 2.8 miles; the airport sign appears on the left just before the intersection with County Road 5. The route is well‑marked with “Airport” signage and includes a dedicated turn lane that feeds directly onto the airport’s access road.
Public transit options are limited, but the Lake of the Woods County Transit Authority operates a weekday shuttle that runs between the Baudette Community Center (located at 200 E. 4th Street) and the airport terminal on the hour. The shuttle departs at 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 2:00 pm, providing a free “airport near me” solution for residents without a car.
For cyclists, a marked bike lane follows the south side of County Road 2 from the downtown loop to the airport parking lot. The distance from the Lakeview Park bike trail to the terminal is 3.1 miles, and the route is flat, making it a popular choice for local pilots who prefer to walk their aircraft to the ramp.
Airport Services in Baudette
The airport’s Fixed‑Base Operator, Lake of the Woods County FBO, offers 24‑hour self‑serve fuel (100LL avgas and Jet‑A), aircraft maintenance, hangar rentals, and a pilot lounge equipped with Wi‑Fi, flight planning computers, and a small conference room. The FBO office is located in the terminal’s west wing and is staffed Monday‑Friday from 8 am to 5 pm; after hours, a keypad‑controlled entry provides access to the fuel pumps and hangar doors.
Travelers can contact the airport directly at (218) 784‑2450. The main phone line reaches the airport manager, who can arrange charter services, provide runway condition reports, and coordinate with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office located two miles east for international arrivals.
Additional amenities include a car‑rental desk operated by Enterprise (located just off the terminal’s north entrance), a small café serving local walleye‑smoked sandwiches, and a luggage‑handling service that partners with the nearby “Baudette Travel Center” on Highway 71.
Nearby Attractions and Support Services
Because Baudette is a hub for outdoor recreation, the airport is often used as the launch point for fishing charters on Lake of the Woods, as well as for sky‑diving excursions operated by “Northern Sky Adventures” out of the east‑side ramp. The airport’s proximity to the historic Baudette River Bridge (0.9 miles north) and the “Wilderness Museum” (1.4 miles west) makes it a convenient drop‑off point for tourists exploring northern Minnesota’s natural heritage.
For cargo and freight, the airport’s cargo handling building can accommodate pallets up to 10 feet in length, serving local businesses such as “Baudette Lumber Co.” and the “Lake of the Woods Fish Processing Plant.” The facility processes an average of 1,200 tons of freight annually, making it the closest airport to Baudette for both passenger and cargo needs.
International Airports
An international airport is a vital component of any major metropolitan area. It connects domestic and international travelers, providing them with a means to connect to the rest of the world.
An international airport is a large airport that is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights. It also has a significant economic impact on the local community.
These major Minnesota Airports generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and other related industries.
A large international airport also offers a variety of amenities for travelers. These can include shopping centers, dining options, lounges, and other services such as currency exchange and luggage storage.
There are 1 International Airport in Baudette, Minnesota. Baudette International Airport - BDE is one of the busiest international airports in the Lake of the Woods County and in the state of Minnesota.
Baudette International Airport - Bde
Private Airports
Private airports, also known as general aviation airports, are airports that are not open to commercial airlines and are used primarily by private aircraft.
One of the main benefits of a private airport is the exclusivity and privacy it offers.
These airports are often used by high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and business executives, who value their privacy and want to avoid the crowds and security lines of commercial airports.
Private airports also offer more flexibility and convenience for aircraft owners. They can also be used for training pilots and hosting aviation events.
There are 0 Private Airport in Baudette, Minnesota.
Regional Airports
Regional airports are smaller airports that serve a rural geographic region, such as a smaller city or county with a population of less than 100,000.
Small airports mostly offer flights within the same country, but some may offer flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of regional airports is their convenience. They also tend to have shorter security lines and fewer crowds, making the overall travel experience more enjoyable.
There are 0 Regional Airport in Baudette, Minnesota.
Municipal Airports
Municipal airports which are also called "public airports" are owned and run by local governments like cities and counties.
Most of the time, they are smaller airports that serve a certain area and have mostly domestic flights, but some may also have flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of municipal airports is their accessibility. They are often located in or near major cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.
Municipal airports provide a vital link for businesses in the region, allowing them to easily connect to other parts of the country.
There are 0 Municipal Airport in Baudette, Minnesota.
Local Airports
There are 1 Local Airport in Baudette, Minnesota.
Baudette Flying Service Seaplane Airport
Airports near Baudette
Frequently Asked Questions — Baudette Airport Services
What is the exact location of the airport in Baudette, Minnesota?
The airport is located at 3010 Airport Road, Baudette, MN 56623. It sits at the junction of County Road 2 (Airport Road) and County Road 5, approximately 2.9 miles east of downtown Baudette and 2.2 miles west of the Baudette‑International Border Crossing.
How can I contact the Baudette airport office and what are its hours?
Call the airport office at (218) 784‑2450. The office is staffed Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. After regular hours, the FBO keypad provides 24‑hour access to fuel pumps and hangar doors, and urgent inquiries can be left on the office voicemail for a callback the next business day.
Where is the closest airport to the North End neighborhood of Baudette?
The closest airport to the North End is the Baudette International Airport itself, just a 4‑minute, 1.8‑mile drive via County Road 2. Travelers from the North End can also use the “Lake of the Woods County Airport Shuttle” that departs from the North End Community Center at 8:30 am and 2:30 pm.
What are the runway lengths at the Baudette airport near the Canada‑U.S. border?
Baudette International Airport features two paved runways: Runway 13/31 is 6,000 feet long and 150 feet wide, while Runway 4/22 measures 5,000 feet in length and 100 feet wide. Both runways are equipped with medium‑intensity runway lighting and PAPI glide‑slope indicators, supporting operations in low‑visibility conditions common near the border.
Is there a “airport near me” shuttle service for residents of the Southside district of Baudette?
Yes. The Lake of the Woods County Transit Authority runs a free shuttle that connects the Southside district (starting at the Southside Community Center on 5th Street) to the airport terminal. The shuttle departs at 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 2:00 pm on weekdays, covering the 2.5‑mile route in roughly 7 minutes.