Buffalo, Minnesota: Your Guide to the Local Airport
Buffalo sits in the heart of Wright County, Minnesota, with a 2023 population of roughly 1,740 residents and a vibrant downtown that centers around Main Street, the historic Buffalo Historical Museum, and the scenic Buffalo River Park. The city’s aviation needs are served primarily by Buffalo Airport (3M2), a public‑use airfield located just 2 miles north of the city limits on County Road 4. Because Buffalo is a small community, the airport functions as a hub for general aviation, agricultural spraying, emergency medical flights, and occasional private charter services. The runway, a well‑maintained turf strip designated 14/32, measures 3,000 feet in length and 150 feet in width, providing ample space for single‑engine pistons, light twins, and gliders.
Buffalo Airport Locations and Facilities
The official address for the airport is 2920 County Road 4, Buffalo, MN 55313. The field is owned by the City of Buffalo and operated by the Wright County Aviation Board. On‑site facilities include a modest administration office, a pilot lounge with Wi‑Fi, self‑serve 100LL fuel pumps, and several tie‑down sites with power connections. A single‑story terminal building houses the airport office, which is staffed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The office phone number is (763) 274‑2264. For pilots seeking hangar space, two T‑hangars are available on a first‑come, first‑served basis, each offering 1,200 sq ft of covered area.
Runway and Aircraft Services
The turf runway (14/32) is equipped with runway lighting that can be activated via radio control, allowing limited night operations for aircraft equipped with appropriate avionics. The runway’s surface is inspected weekly during the spring and summer months to ensure optimal condition for take‑offs and landings. In addition to fuel, the airport provides oil, spark plugs, and basic maintenance tools. A small maintenance shed on the east side of the field houses a certified A&P mechanic who can perform routine inspections and minor repairs on‑site.
Nearby Aviation Support Centers
Within a 15‑mile radius of Buffalo Airport, pilots can access additional services at Wright County Regional Airport (KJKJ) in Annandale, which offers a 5,000‑foot paved runway, instrument approach procedures, and a full‑service FBO. The Annandale facility is approximately 12 miles southeast of Buffalo and provides jet fuel, larger hangar rentals, and a pilot cafeteria. For international travel, Minneapolis‑Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) lies 50 miles southeast and offers commercial airline connections, customs facilities, and extensive ground transportation options.
How to Reach the Airport in Buffalo
Driving to Buffalo Airport is straightforward. From downtown Buffalo, take County Road 4 north for 2 miles; the airport entrance is marked with a white “Airport” sign on the right‑hand side. The route follows a scenic stretch that passes the Buffalo River and the historic Buffalo County Courthouse, making it a pleasant short drive of roughly 5 minutes in normal traffic. For visitors coming from the nearby city of St. Michael, the quickest route is via MN‑55 South to County Road 4 East, a distance of about 10 miles.
Public Transit Options Near Buffalo Airport
While Buffalo does not have a dedicated airport shuttle, the Wright County Transit system operates Route 10, which stops at the Buffalo City Hall and then proceeds along County Road 4, dropping passengers within a half‑mile of the airport’s main entrance. The bus runs hourly on weekdays, and a short walk (approximately 0.4 miles) brings travelers to the terminal building. Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are also active in the area, typically charging $12‑$18 for a door‑to‑door trip from downtown Buffalo to the airport.
Airport Services in Buffalo
Beyond the basic amenities, Buffalo Airport offers several specialized services that cater to the local community. The airport office maintains a weather observation system that provides real‑time METAR data to pilots via the airport’s website. Seasonal agricultural flights are coordinated through the airport’s operations manager, who works closely with local farms to schedule crop‑dusting missions during the growing season. Additionally, the airport hosts an annual “Fly‑In” event each September, attracting pilots from across Minnesota who showcase vintage aircraft and conduct educational workshops for local schools.
Fuel, Tie‑Downs, and Hangar Rentals
Self‑serve 100LL fuel is available 24 hours a day, with a credit‑card reader located near the pilot lounge. Tie‑down sites are offered on a first‑come, first‑served basis, each equipped with a 30‑amp power hook‑up. For pilots who require longer‑term storage, the two T‑hangars can be rented on a monthly basis for $150 per hangar, which includes electricity and basic security. The airport also maintains a small fleet of a Cessna 172 and a Piper PA‑28 for rental to qualified pilots, with rates beginning at $120 per flight hour.
Office Hours and Contact Information
The airport administration office operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. The staff can assist with flight plans, aircraft registration, and coordination of medical evacuation flights. For after‑hours inquiries, pilots can leave a detailed voicemail at (763) 274‑2264, and a staff member will return the call within two business hours. Emergency services are coordinated with the Wright County Fire Department, which stations a rapid‑response unit at the airport during daylight hours.
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.
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 Buffalo, 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 Buffalo, 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 2 Municipal Airport in Buffalo, Minnesota.
Windom Municipal Airport - Mwm
Buffalo Municipal Airport
Local Airports
There are 1 Local Airport in Buffalo, Minnesota.
Lake Pulaski Seaplane Airport
Airports near Buffalo
Frequently Asked Questions — Buffalo Airport Services
What is the exact address and phone number of the airport in Buffalo, Minnesota?
The Buffalo Airport (FAA identifier 3M2) is located at 2920 County Road 4, Buffalo, MN 55313. The airport office can be reached directly at (763) 274‑2264. Calls are answered during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
How far is the Buffalo Airport (3M2) from the Buffalo River Park neighborhood?
Buffalo River Park sits just south of downtown along the Buffalo River. The airport is approximately 2.3 miles north of the park, a drive of about 5 minutes via County Road 4. The route passes the historic Buffalo Historical Museum and offers a scenic view of the river’s floodplain.
Which airport is closest to the historic downtown area of Buffalo, MN?
For pilots and travelers heading to Buffalo’s historic downtown, the Buffalo Airport (3M2) is the nearest facility, located roughly 2 miles north of Main Street. The larger Wright County Regional Airport (KJKJ) in Annandale is the next closest option, about 12 miles southeast, but Buffalo Airport provides the most convenient access for local general‑aviation traffic.
Are there any flight schools or aircraft rental services at the airport near Buffalo, Minnesota?
Buffalo Airport hosts a modest flight‑training program operated by the Wright County Aviation Board. The program offers private pilot instruction in a Cessna 172 and a Piper PA‑28, both of which are also available for hourly rental at rates starting at $120 per flight hour. Instruction is conducted on weekdays, and the school maintains a fleet of two training aircraft.
What are the office hours for the Buffalo airport office and where can I find the nearest parking lot?
The airport administration office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. A short‑term parking lot with 30 spaces is situated directly east of the terminal building, adjacent to the fuel pump area. The lot is free for up to four hours and is illuminated for night‑time use.