US' Top 10 Coolest Small Airports
From live lobster counters to mountain lodge designs, Lonely Planet reveals the best small airports, including Bozeman Yellowstone and Jackson Hole
The 10 best small airports in the U.S. have been ranked by Lonely Planet, featuring unique design touches and genuine charm. These airports offer a memorable travel experience, with local design touches and food options that reflect the character of the place they serve.
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is one of the top-ranked airports, with a design inspired by a mountain lodge. The airport features vaulted, wood-beam ceilings, stone columns, and giant windows with panoramic views of the Bridger Range.
Another notable airport on the list is Jackson Hole Airport, which is located inside a national park. This rare location gives travelers a unique experience, with the airport's design and surroundings reflecting the natural beauty of the park.
Other airports on the list include Nantucket Airport, which has a mandated design feature of cedar shingles, and Santa Barbara Airport, which has a design style of Spanish Colonial Revival due to earthquake concerns.
The airports also offer a range of local food options, giving travelers a taste of the regional culture. The Skinny Pancake is a food option available at an airport in Vermont, while a live lobster counter can be found at an airport in Maine.
## Why it matters These small airports are a departure from the typical big airport experience, with their unique design touches and local charm making them a memorable part of any trip. They reflect the character of the place they serve, giving travelers a genuine sense of the regional culture and architecture. Whether it's the mountain lodge-inspired design of Bozeman Yellowstone or the live lobster counter in Maine, these airports are worth visiting.
The ranking of the top 10 small airports in the U.S. by Lonely Planet highlights the importance of these airports in providing a unique travel experience. They may not have the same range of routes and facilities as bigger airports, but they make up for it with their charm and character.
