Oneida County Airport

Oneida County Airport (Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport) is not merely a runway, but a true aerial gateway into the heart of the Wisconsin Northwoods. Located in a picturesque region renowned for its lakes and dense forests, this airport serves as the starting point for thousands of nature lovers, fishermen, and tourists seeking seclusion. Despite its modest size, it plays a key role in the transport system of the northern part of the USA, providing convenient connections to major aviation hubs.

The main feature of Oneida County Airport is its compactness and convenience. There are no long queues or the hustle and bustle of large aviation hubs here, allowing passengers to check in and collect baggage as quickly as possible. It is an ideal choice for those who value their time and prefer to start their holiday without unnecessary stress. The terminal building offers all necessary services, including car rental counters, which is particularly important for traveling around the region.

The airport handles scheduled flights to one of the largest hubs in the Midwest — Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP), from where connections are available across the country and the world. Thanks to this, reaching the secluded lakes and forests of Wisconsin is comfortable from almost anywhere on the planet. For travelers heading to Rhinelander and its surroundings, RHI airport is the optimal and fastest way to begin their adventure in the Northwoods.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Oneida County Airport (RHI), located in the city of Rhinelander. If you require additional assistance, it is recommended to visit the official website or contact the support service.

• Official Website: www.fly-rhi.org
• Information Desk Phone: +1 (715) 365-3416
• Airport Address: 3375 Airport Rd, Rhinelander, WI 54501, USA
• Email: A direct email address is not provided. It is recommended to use the contact form on the airport's official website for communication.
• Social Media: Current information and news can be found on the airport's official Facebook page.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to checked baggage (loss, damage, delay), you must contact the representative of the airline you flew with directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For questions regarding tickets, schedules, and flight check-in, please contact your airline. For general questions about terminal operations, you may call the main airport phone number.

Getting to Oneida County Airport (RHI) from the city center of Rhinelander is effortless due to its close proximity. The airport is located just a few kilometers from the city, so the journey will take very little time. The main methods are taxi, rental car, or private vehicle.

Taxi and Transfers — the fastest and most convenient way to reach the terminal. The trip from downtown Rhinelander will take just 5–10 minutes depending on your exact location. Local taxi services operate in the city, as do popular services in the USA such as Uber and Lyft. This is an ideal option if you are traveling light or are in a hurry for your flight. The cost of the trip is usually low, but it is best to verify the fare before booking.

Car Rental — an excellent choice for those planning not only to get to the airport but also to move freely around scenic northern Wisconsin. Several rental companies have counters right in the airport building, allowing you to pick up keys immediately upon arrival or return the car directly before departure. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.

Private Car and Parking. If you are driving to the airport in your own vehicle, convenient parking is at your service. As with most small regional airports, there are zones for short-term and long-term parking located just a few steps from the terminal. Parking rates are generally quite affordable, making this a comfortable option for local residents.

Public Transport. It is worth noting that direct and regular bus service to Rhinelander Airport is generally absent. City bus routes usually do not enter its territory. Therefore, if you are planning a budget trip, the best solution would be to take a bus to the stop nearest the airport and take a taxi for the remaining couple of kilometers from there.

Although Rhinelander Airport is the closest to the city, some travelers may consider other options in the region for a wider choice of flights. Among them are Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA), located approximately 96 km away, Ford Airport (IMT) at 107 km, as well as larger hubs such as Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) and Appleton International Airport (ATW), the journey to which will take more than two hours.

Oneida County Airport (RHI), also known as Rhinelander Airport, is a compact and convenient regional aviation hub. Its structure is simplified to the maximum for passenger convenience, making it an excellent starting point for traveling around northern Wisconsin.

Structure and Navigation

The airport consists of one passenger terminal, which handles all flights — both arriving and departing. Thanks to this, navigation through the building is extremely simple and intuitive. All key zones are within a few steps of each other, eliminating the need for long walks. Since there is only one terminal, no special means of transport between zones are required.

Departure and Arrival Zones

Upon entering the terminal, you find yourself in a general area where airline check-in counters and ticket offices are located. After checking in, passengers proceed to the security screening checkpoint (TSA), beyond which lies the waiting hall with boarding gates. The arrival zone is located in the same building. Passengers disembarking from a flight immediately enter the baggage claim area, which is located near the main entrance/exit of the terminal.

Procedure Times and Recommendations

One of the main advantages of Rhinelander Airport is the speed of completing all formalities. Queues for check-in and security here are typically small. It is usually sufficient to arrive at the airport 60-90 minutes before a domestic flight departure. This time is enough to calmly check luggage, pass security control, and walk to the boarding gate. Getting lost in RHI is practically impossible — simply follow the few signs, and you will easily find everything you need.

The history of Oneida County Airport (RHI) is closely linked to the development of the entire northern Wisconsin region. Officially opened in April 1940, the airport was initially a modest civil airfield intended to improve transport accessibility for the city of Rhinelander and its surroundings. However, just a few years later, its fate changed radically with the onset of World War II.

A key stage in the airport's history was the period from 1942 to 1945, when it was transferred to the jurisdiction of the Army Air Forces of the USA and received the name Rhinelander Army Airfield. A flexible gunnery training school was located here, where thousands of soldiers underwent training before being sent to the front. After the war ended, the airfield was returned to civil use, and the development of commercial passenger transport began on its base, making it an important transport hub for the region.

Significant modernization occurred in the late 1970s. In 1978, a new passenger terminal was grandly opened, replacing old structures and allowing for the service of a growing flow of tourists and business travelers at a modern level. Since then, the airport has been updated repeatedly, including runway extensions and the improvement of navigation equipment to accommodate modern aircraft.

Interesting fact: over the decades, the airport has been served by various airlines, starting with North Central Airlines, which played an important role in establishing regular air service in the post-war years. Today, Oneida County Airport continues its mission, remaining the main aerial gateway to the picturesque land of forests and lakes of Northern Wisconsin, known as the Northwoods, and making a significant contribution to the region's economy and tourism.

Oneida County Airport (RHI), despite its compact size, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. It is a modern and convenient terminal where it is easy to orient oneself.

There is a café operating in the airport building where you can have a snack, drink a cup of coffee, or purchase light refreshments and drinks before your flight. There is also a small shop with travel goods and souvenirs so you can take a piece of Northern Wisconsin with you.

Throughout the terminal, free Wi-Fi is available for passengers. You can easily stay connected, check email, or share impressions of your trip. Power outlets and special charging stations are provided in the waiting area for charging gadgets.

For business travelers, the airport has a conference room that can be rented for meetings. Regarding financial services, ATMs are installed in the terminal for cash withdrawals. Please note that currency exchange points are absent here, so it is worth taking care of money exchange in advance.

The airport is fully adapted for passengers with special needs. An accessible environment has been created, including ramps, elevators, and specially equipped restrooms. If you require assistance with movement or boarding, we recommend notifying your airline in advance. For travelers with small children, baby changing tables are available in the restrooms.

Although there is no hotel within the airport building itself, many hotels and motels are located in the immediate vicinity, just a few minutes' drive away. Many of them offer free transfers for their guests, which is very convenient for travelers.

Oneida County Airport (RHI) is a small and convenient regional airport, so all dining options here are concentrated in one place, making it easy to grab a bite before your flight.

The main establishment where you can eat is the restaurant and lounge, located in the main terminal building. It is extremely important to know that it is situated in the public area, before passing through pre-flight security (landside). This means you should have lunch or coffee before you proceed to the departure zone, as there are no other establishments after security.

The restaurant menu features classic American cuisine. Here you can order a hearty breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and hot dishes. This establishment is suitable for both a quick snack and a leisurely lunch. Since you are in the state of Wisconsin, known for its dairy products, look out for local dishes, such as fried cheese curds, if available on the menu. The venue also offers a selection of beverages.

The price range in the restaurant can be characterized as average, which is typical for airport establishments. Regarding dietary preferences, specialized vegan, gluten-free, or halal menus are unlikely to be found here. However, the staff is usually ready to accommodate and offer simple options, such as a salad without dressing or a dish with modified ingredients. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions are advised to carry their own snacks.

The restaurant's operating hours are directly linked to the flight schedule — it opens for the first departures and operates until the last planes leave. This is your only option for a full meal at RHI airport, so plan your time accordingly.

Traveling through Oneida County Airport (RHI) in the city of Rhinelander typically proceeds calmly and without the bustle characteristic of large aviation hubs. Nevertheless, a few tips will help make your trip even more comfortable and predictable.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For domestic flights within the USA, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 90 minutes before departure. Although Oneida County Airport is small and queues are rare, it is better to have a buffer of time. Complete online check-in in advance to save time. If you are traveling with hand luggage only, this will allow you to proceed directly to security.

Security Screening and Seat Selection: Security checkpoints at regional airports usually operate quickly. To speed up the process, prepare your documents in advance, and remove laptops and liquids from your carry-on baggage. When choosing a seat on the plane, remember: window seats are good for views, aisle seats for ease of movement around the cabin, and emergency exit seats often offer more legroom (but have their own restrictions).

Hand Luggage: Standard Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules apply here. All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of no more than 100 ml (3.4 oz) and packed in a single transparent bag. Electronics larger than a mobile phone are generally required to be placed in a separate bin for scanning. It is prohibited to carry weapons, explosives, and sharp objects in hand luggage.

Connections and Customs: Oneida County Airport serves mainly direct regional flights. If you have a connecting flight, it will likely be at a larger hub (for example, in Minneapolis or Chicago). Allow ample time for the connection. There is no customs and border control at RHI, as it does not receive regular international flights. Travelers from abroad undergo these procedures at their first airport of arrival in the USA.

Saving Time and Money: Book flight tickets and parking (if needed) in advance — this is almost always cheaper. Travel light to avoid checked baggage fees. Bring an empty water bottle with you to fill it after passing security and avoid spending money on drinks.

Flight Delays: In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, the first thing to do is contact your airline representative at the check-in counter or via the hotline. Clarify the reason for the delay and what services (meals, accommodation) the carrier provides. Since the airport is small, leisure opportunities are limited, but there is free Wi-Fi so you can stay connected or work.