Abandoned and Little-Known Airfields
Forgotten Runways: A Guide to Abandoned and Little-Known Airfields
Authored by Paul Freeman | 2002 – 2026
Dedication: This project is dedicated to the memory of my father, Harris Freeman (1929-2010), whose unwavering support fueled my passion for aviation from early childhood.
Within the following sections, you will discover detailed accounts of airfields that have either vanished from the map or been left to the elements, along with the unique stories behind them.
The Motivation Behind the Project
As a pilot, I have always been captivated by the remnants of old airfields scattered across the country. My interest is driven by two primary factors:
- Safety: Identifying these sites provides critical options for pilots facing emergency landing situations.
- History: The narratives surrounding these forgotten strips are often deeply fascinating.
My obsession extends to all forms of flight:
- As a Passenger: I spend my commercial flights scanning the terrain below for any sign of a hidden airfield.
- As a Pilot: I actively seek to land at as many diverse airports as possible to gain a personal understanding of each location.
Site Support and Funding
This resource is maintained without the use of commercial advertising. Instead, it relies entirely on the generosity of donors and the following supporting organizations:
- LightBox
- American Aviation Historical Society
- Warbird Bunker Trading Company
- Dotcom-Monitor
- Load View Testing
How You Can Help
To ensure the site continues to expand and remain online, financial contributions are vital. If you find value in this archive—similar to the value of a high-quality aviation book or magazine—please consider a donation.
- Make a one-time credit card donation (Option for monthly recurring payments available).
- Send a check via mail (Contact the author for the address).
For all financial inquiries or to request a mailing address, please use the following contact: paulandterryfreeman@gmail.com
Comprehensive Database of Airfields
The website currently catalogs 2,868 airfields across all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and the Western Pacific Islands.
| State/Region | Last Updated | State/Region | Last Updated | State/Region | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 6/5/26 | Indiana | 5/24/26 | North Dakota | 6/10/26 |
| Alaska | 5/9/26 | Iowa | 3/13/26 | Ohio | 5/10/26 |
| Arizona | 5/6/26 | Kansas | 4/28/26 | Oklahoma | 5/15/26 |
| Arkansas | 3/6/26 | Kentucky | 6/12/26 | Oregon | 5/24/26 |
| California | 6/13/26 | Louisiana | 2/15/26 | Pennsylvania | 6/11/26 |
| Colorado | 4/15/26 | Maine | 3/20/26 | Puerto Rico | 2/14/26 |
| Connecticut | 5/19/26 | Maryland | 2/21/26 | Rhode Island | 2/15/26 |
| Delaware | 2/14/26 | Massachusetts | 4/10/26 | South Carolina | 2/15/26 |
| D.C. | 2/15/26 | Michigan | 6/12/26 | South Dakota | 1/24/26 |
| Florida | 6/2/26 | Minnesota | 3/14/26 | Tennessee | 12/7/25 |
| Georgia | 5/28/26 | Mississippi | 2/15/26 | Texas | 5/16/26 |
| Hawaii/W. Pacific | 5/29/26 | Missouri | 5/19/26 | Utah | 3/20/26 |
| Idaho | 2/15/26 | Montana | 2/21/26 | Vermont | 2/21/26 |
| Illinois | 5/22/26 | Nebraska | 3/15/26 | Virginia | 5/31/26 |
| New Hampshire | 2/15/26 | New Jersey | 6/12/26 | Washington | 2/1/26 |
| New Mexico | 2/8/26 | New York | 5/17/26 | West Virginia | 2/15/26 |
| North Carolina | 5/31/26 | Nevada | 3/20/26 | Wisconsin | 6/4/26 |
| Wyoming | 2/15/26 |
Recent Updates & Community Contributions
The archive is constantly evolving. Recent additions include:
- Kentucky: Butler State Park Airfield
- North Dakota: Minnkota Airfield (2nd location)
- Missouri: Rolla Airport
- Oklahoma: Sam Riggs Airpark & Jolly Aero Airport
- California: Drummond Hospital Airport & Mendota Airport & Ridgecrest Airport
- Alaska: Wasilla Airport (original site)
- Arizona: Bedard Field
- Pennsylvania: Valley Airpark & Centreville Airport
- Texas: Original Harlingen Airport
- Michigan: Onaway Airport
- Nevada: Oasis Airfield
Call for Materials
If you possess historical data, please contact paulandterryfreeman@gmail.com. I am specifically looking for:
- Photographs: Please provide in
.jpgformat.- Requirement: Include the year the photo was taken.
- Requirement: Include the photographer's name if known.
- Documents: Old airport directories, historical photos, or vintage aeronautical charts.
Site Milestones & History
In April 2024, this project reached a major milestone: its 25th Anniversary! I am deeply grateful to everyone who has provided financial support or historical data over the last quarter-century.
Timeline & Traffic:
- Launch Date: April 1999
- Total Visitors (April 2002 – May 2026):
The visitor count is tracked via the following service: digits.net.
Visitor Counter Image: