Fly in Style: Profile of Dane County Regional Airport, WI

Dane County Regional Airport is one of Wisconsin’s primary gateways to the world, and is served by 12 different commercial airlines including Midwest Airlines, Northwest, Continental Express, and ATA Connection. Both nonstop and one-stop flights are offered to major cities including Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Cincinatti, Cleveland, Detroit, and Memphis. The facility has recently undergone a major expansion in an effort to welcome new visitors and businesses to the popular hub.

All ticket counters and gates have been changed to a cherry woodwork and polished marble finish, with a glistening aluminum detail. The restrooms now have stainless steel partitions, and state-of-the-art lighting and fixtures. The gate area is better lit and now features designer seating. Even the baggage area has warmer lighting, and new coloring on the floors and rugs for a warmer feel. The change is a welcome addition, and is helping the airport remake its formerly dull image.

The airport has also won an Award of Merit in the Midwest Construction’s Best of 2005 construction and design competition, for its inspirational design and focus on environmentally-friendly and sustainable building practices. The expansion has unveiled a new security checkpoint in front of the Northwest Airlines entrance that allows easier and more efficient access to the gates. The passenger terminal space has now almost doubled in size, creating space for new baggage carousels and fully furnished waiting areas. Additional construction this year will include an expansion of security checkpoints and concession venues.

Five new restaurants recently made their debut at the Dane County Airport: the Wurst, a Germany style deli and bar whose highlight features the Usinger sausage from Milwaukee; The Great Dane, a microbrewery and popular choice in Madison for serving local, homemade beer; Quiznos Subs,; Pizzeria Uno’s, a Chicago-style pizza chain; and Ben & Jerry’s, a specialty ice cream and scoop shop.

All of the changes and enhancements to this beautifully redesigned airport are sure to please local, national, and world travelers alike. Stop in and take a tour on your next visit to Madison, Wisconsin and experience one of the area’s finest contemporary airports!