Sheridan County, Montana: Aviation Access on the High Plains Border
Sheridan County occupies Montana's northeastern corner, sharing a 24-hour international border crossing with Saskatchewan and spanning 1,706 square miles of high-plains wheat fields, cattle ranches, and Bakken oil country. With a population of approximately 3,384 centered in the county seat of Plentywood, Sheridan County is one of Montana's most rural communities — but it maintains a dedicated aviation infrastructure that keeps ranchers, energy workers, and agricultural operations connected to the wider region.
The county's primary aviation facility is Sher-Wood Airport (KPWD), a public-use general aviation field located just 1 nautical mile northeast of Plentywood. Owned jointly by the City of Plentywood and Sheridan County, Sher-Wood sits at 2,264 feet elevation across 600 acres of the high plains. Its primary runway — Runway 12/30, measuring 3,900 by 75 feet of asphalt in good condition — is equipped with PAPI approach lights and medium-intensity runway edge lighting, supporting operations after dark. A secondary turf runway (8/26, 2,951 by 60 feet) is available in warmer months. Self-service 100LL avgas is available around the clock via credit card pump at CTAF/UNICOM frequency 122.8 MHz.
Gateway to Montana: The Canadian Border Advantage
Sher-Wood Airport holds a strategic position as a primary general aviation gateway into Montana from Canada. Its location south of a 24-hour Canadian border station makes it a key entry and exit point for cross-border agricultural traffic, energy sector flights, and private pilots transiting between Montana and the Canadian Prairie provinces. With 9 based aircraft — including ultralights and single-engine planes — the field serves a tight-knit community of local pilots who rely on it for crop scouting, cattle management, and regional business travel.
The airport's unattended status with a lighted wind indicator and no airframe or powerplant maintenance on-site reflects the self-reliant character of northeastern Montana. Pilots operating into KPWD plan ahead for fuel and maintenance, and the 24/7 self-service fueling ensures that agricultural and energy operators can launch on their own schedules without waiting for staff.
Commercial Air Service: Sidney and Williston Regional Links
For commercial air travel, Sheridan County residents look to two regional airports within driving distance. Sidney-Richland Regional Airport (KSDY) in Sidney, Montana, lies approximately 76 miles southwest of Plentywood — about a 90-minute drive through Richland County. Sidney operates year-round with Cape Air providing Essential Air Service daily flights to Billings Logan International Airport (BIL), connecting northeastern Montana's agricultural and oil-patch communities to Alaska Airlines and other national carriers. KSDY's main runway measures 5,705 by 100 feet and supports both 100LL and Jet-A fueling.
Across the North Dakota state line, Williston Basin International Airport (KXWA) sits approximately 81 miles southeast of Plentywood — roughly a 2-hour drive. Opened in October 2019 at a cost of $240 million, this 1,600-acre facility with its 110,000-square-foot terminal serves the Bakken Formation oil patch with Delta Connection service to Minneapolis–Saint Paul and United Express flights to Denver. For Sheridan County energy-sector workers and contractors commuting to Bakken operations, XWA provides direct access to major hub airports without transiting Billings.
Agriculture, Energy, and Aviation Demand
Sheridan County's economy drives its aviation patterns. The county ranked first in Montana for dry edible pea production in 2022, yielding 1,527,000 hundredweight — a 175% increase from the prior year. Its 458 farms average 2,323 acres each across more than 1 million acres of agricultural land, with 122 ranches running over 13,000 head of cattle. Aerial application — crop dusting for pea, wheat, and alfalfa operations — represents a significant share of local aviation activity, with ag pilots using Sher-Wood as a base during planting and harvest seasons.
Oil and gas activity adds a second layer of aviation demand. Sheridan County ranks 7th in Montana for monthly barrels-of-oil-equivalent production, with over 1,091 wells drilled since 1986. Energy company personnel, field inspectors, and equipment contractors frequently use charter and private aviation to move efficiently across the sparse road network of the county's 1,700 square miles.
Airport facilities in a county are typically governed by regional airport authorities or county commissions that oversee operations, safety standards, and capital improvements. There are 2 Airports locations in Sheridan County, Montana.
County residents can use this directory to identify which airports serve their area, whether they need commercial airline service, general aviation access, or cargo shipping connections. Contact the airport administration office directly for permitting, noise complaints, or facility inquiries.
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 Montana 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 Sheridan County, Montana.
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 Sheridan County, Montana.
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 Sheridan County, Montana.
Local Airports
There are 2 Local Airport in Sheridan County, Montana.
Sherwood Airport
Sher Wood Airport - Pwd
Airports in near by County
Residents of Sheridan County can contact their local airport authority for information about noise abatement programs, land use around airport property, and community engagement meetings. For flight bookings and airline services, visit the airport's official website directly.
You may also find Airports locations in neighboring counties including Sheridan.
Frequently Asked Questions — Sheridan County Airport Services
Sher-Wood Airport (FAA identifier: KPWD) is the primary airport serving Plentywood and Sheridan County. Located 1 nautical mile northeast of Plentywood at an elevation of 2,264 feet, it is a public-use general aviation facility owned jointly by the city and county. Its main asphalt runway (12/30) measures 3,900 by 75 feet with PAPI approach lighting and is available year-round. Self-service 100LL avgas is available 24 hours a day via credit card. The airport does not offer commercial passenger service; residents seeking commercial flights typically drive to Sidney-Richland Regional Airport (KSDY) in Sidney, MT (approximately 76 miles southwest) or Williston Basin International Airport (KXWA) near Williston, ND (approximately 81 miles southeast).
Williston Basin International Airport (KXWA) near Williston, North Dakota, is approximately 81 miles by road from Plentywood — roughly a 2-hour drive southeast. Opened in 2019 at a cost of $240 million, XWA is a modern 1,600-acre facility with a 110,000-square-foot terminal. It provides Delta Connection service to Minneapolis–Saint Paul (MSP) and United Express service to Denver (DEN), making it the preferred option for Sheridan County residents needing access to major national hub airports, particularly those connected to Bakken oil industry employers with operations in North Dakota.
Yes. Cape Air operates Essential Air Service (EAS) flights from Sidney-Richland Regional Airport (KSDY) in Sidney, Montana — approximately 76 miles southwest of Plentywood. Cape Air provides daily scheduled service between Sidney and Billings Logan International Airport (BIL), where passengers can connect to Alaska Airlines and other major carriers for flights to Seattle, Denver, Salt Lake City, and beyond. KSDY operates year-round and is fully staffed daily from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM with on-call service around the clock. The EAS program is federally subsidized to maintain air access in remote communities like Sidney that would otherwise be too far from commercial service.
Yes, agricultural aviation is a significant use case at Sher-Wood Airport. Sheridan County farms average over 2,300 acres each, with more than 1 million total acres under cultivation. The county ranked first in Montana for dry edible pea production in 2022. Aerial application aircraft — used for pest control, fungicide application, and fertilizer spreading on large dryland grain and pulse operations — regularly use KPWD as a base during growing and harvest seasons. The airport's 600-acre footprint, dual-runway configuration, and 24/7 self-service fueling make it well-suited to support ag-pilot operations that require early-morning launches before winds pick up on the open plains.
Sher-Wood Airport (KPWD) is strategically positioned south of a 24-hour Canadian border crossing in northeastern Montana, making it a notable general aviation gateway between Montana and the Canadian Prairie provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Pilots crossing from Canada into the United States through this corridor frequently use KPWD as a first landing point. Standard ADCUS (Advance Notice of Arrival) customs procedures apply for international flights arriving from Canada; pilots must file advance notice with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and comply with all entry requirements. The proximity to the border makes Plentywood a natural waypoint for private and charter flights transiting between Montana and Canadian agricultural or energy operations.
Aviation Resources for Sheridan County, Montana
Travelers and pilots based in Sheridan County have three primary aviation options depending on their needs. For local general aviation, cargo, and agricultural operations, Sher-Wood Airport (KPWD) in Plentywood provides a maintained asphalt runway with 24/7 fuel access. For commercial travel within Montana and connections to national carriers, Sidney-Richland Regional Airport (KSDY) 76 miles away offers Cape Air Essential Air Service to Billings. For direct connections to Minneapolis and Denver hub airports, Williston Basin International Airport (KXWA) approximately 81 miles southeast provides full commercial terminal services. The county's location at the intersection of Montana's agricultural heartland, the Bakken energy corridor, and the Canadian border ensures continued demand for general aviation at all altitude levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How early should I arrive at the airport?
Most of the time, you should get to the airport at least two hours before your domestic flight and at least three hours before your international flight. This will allow you enough time to check in, pass through security, and make your way to your gate.
2. What should I do if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your flight is delayed or canceled, you should contact your airline as soon as possible. They will usually tell you what your options are, which could include getting a refund or rebooking on a later flight.
3. What is clear at the airport?
Clear is a TSA pre-check program that speeds up the security screening process for low-risk travelers who have already been approved.
Members of the Clear program are able to use dedicated security lanes where they do not have to remove items such as shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets. This process allows for a faster and more convenient screening experience for Clear members.
To become a member of Clear, an individual must provide their biographic information and fingerprints for a background check, and then pay an annual fee.
4. Are masks required in airports?
The TSA will no longer require airport employees or patrons to wear a face covering or face mask inside the airport terminal or on airport-operated ground transportation.
5. Can you bring food through airport security?
Yes, you can bring food through airport security.
Solid foods like sandwiches, fruits, and granola bars, are allowed in your carry-on and checked baggage.
Some liquid and gel-like foods, such as yogurt, jelly, and hummus, are also permitted in your carry-on bag as long as they are in containers that hold 3.4 ounces or less.
6. How much is airport parking?
The cost of airport parking can vary greatly depending on the airport, the length of time you will be parked, and the type of parking spot you choose.
On average, hourly parking rates can range from $1-$4 per hour, while daily rates can range from $8-$30 per day. Long-term parking rates can range from $8-$20 per day.
7. Can I leave the airport during a layover?
Yes, If your layover is long enough, you may be able to leave the airport and explore the destination city. It's also a good idea to check with your airline to see if they offer any tours or other options for passengers with long layovers.
8. Can I sleep in an airport?
Yes, you can sleep in an airport, however, the amenities and comfort levels of sleeping in an airport can vary greatly depending on the airport you are in.
Some airports also offer amenities like sleeping pods, capsule hotels and lounges for passengers who want to rest or sleep before their flight. Some airlines also offer resting rooms or lounges for their premium customers.