The Dawson Community Airport (GDV) is the smallest commercial airport in the US, residing on only 413 acres. GDV, five miles northwest of Glendive in Dawson County, Montana, the small but functional terminal is designed to meet the needs of travelers, with a waiting area and Avis rental car service.

While GDV Airport does not boast the same amenities as larger airports, its services are important for the residents and visitors to Glendive and the surrounding area. Airport parking is readily available and close to the terminal, making it easy for passengers to access their flights. According to its nearly perfect Google reviews, TSA wait times are less than a minute.

Cape Air is the only airline operating out of GDV, providing daily scheduled flights to Billings-Logan International Airport (BIL) in Billings, Montana. Currently, a round-trip ticket costs less than $80. This connection allows locals to travel conveniently and opens up many travel opportunities.

At BIL, travelers can access a range of domestic and international flights, making it easier to reach destinations across the globe. GDV and Cape Air ensure smaller communities have adequate access to the globe, fostering connectivity, economic development, and personal mobility.

Cape Air operates two return flights to BIL each day using the Tecnam P2012. The P2012's large cabin can accommodate up to 11 seats with a maximum of nine passengers. The aircraft is powered by two Lycoming 6-cylinder turbo pistons. It is the first piston aircraft with electronic engine power management, which, coupled with Garmin autopilot, enables a reduced workload for pilots and a better engine lifetime.

Airport Operational Statistics

• Aircraft based on the field: 31 Aircraft operations: average 2 per week
• Single engine airplanes: 31, 28% transient general aviation
• 28% Local General Aviation
• 24% Air Taxi
• 21% Commercial
• Less than 1% Military

Statistics published on Dawson County Montana

In addition to commercial flights, GDV has a hangar that can accommodate an aircraft as large as a Kingaire 200 Beechcraft and Jet-A fuel pump with anti-ice added. This self-service system features two wing hoses, a single-point refueling, and a 24-hour automated 100 LL gas pump system.

Things to do in Glendive, MT

Makoshika State Park

Montana's largest state park, Makoshika State Park, is dedicated to allowing visitors to witness and enjoy its natural beauty. In addition to the badland formations adorned with pine and juniper trees, the park boasts many fascinating fossil remains. At the park entrance, visitors can explore the visitor center, which houses a Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil and other fossil remains and badland interpretive displays.

The park offers a range of recreational activities, including scenic drives, hiking trails, 28 camping sites, a group picnic area, and an outdoor amphitheater. Throughout the year, the park hosts special events, such as Montana Shakespeare in the Park, Friday night campfire programs, and youth programs in the summer.

One of the most popular events is the Buzzard Day festival, which takes place on the second Saturday in June and features 10k & 5k races, a fun run, a jumping house, food, a disc golf tournament, hikes, and more.

Cross Country Brewery

Cross Country Brewing was founded by the Cross family in March 2017. The Crosses have been residents of Glendive since 1951 and are committed to supporting and developing their community. The Brewery and Tap Room are located in the old Cross Petroleum building, which is 1000 square feet in size and had been abandoned since 1990 until the Cross family restored it for brewing purposes. Lonnie and Justin, the owners, established the brewery after retiring, and their sons, John and Elliot, are the master brewers who have been brewing beer since 2009.

Johnson Reservoir Fishing

The Johnson Reservoir Fishing Access Site is a day-use area that allows only non-motorized watercraft. The site is primitive and open all year round. To get to the site, travel 21 miles north of Glendive on Highway 200 South towards Lindsay, head north for 6 miles on County Road 470, and proceed 2 and a half miles east on the county road.

The Dawson Community Airport (GDV), located five miles northwest of Glendive, Montana, stands as the smallest commercial airport in the United States, covering 413 acres. Despite its size, GDV provides essential services, including a functional terminal with a waiting area, Avis rental car service, and convenient parking.

It is serviced exclusively by Cape Air, offering affordable daily flights to Billings-Logan International Airport (BIL), connecting locals to a wider network of domestic and international destinations. The airline operates the Tecnam P2012 aircraft, which is notable for its advanced engine management and autopilot systems.

GDV supports various aviation activities, with commercial and general aviation facilities, including a hangar large enough for a Kingaire 200 Beechcraft. Beyond the airport, Glendive offers attractions like Makoshika State Park, known for its natural beauty and dinosaur fossils, and family-owned businesses that contribute to the community's development.