Rosecrans Memorial Airport

Rosecrans Memorial Airport: The "Real" Gateway to the Midwest

Introduction

Located in the heart of America's Midwest, Rosecrans Memorial Airport (IATA: STJ; ICAO: KSTJ) plays a key role as an important transportation center for St. Joseph, Missouri and its surrounding areas. Just three miles outside of the city, it is a joint civil and military aviation airport that has been an important part of this community for decades.

Airlines and Destinations

A general aviation airport with a single runway, the Rosecrans Memorial Airport serves private and charter flights. But it's also home to the 139th Airlift Wing of the Missouri Air National Guard, making it an important military installation as well. The airport does not currently provide any scheduled commercial passenger services, but remains a popular home base for private and corporate aviation operations.

Number of Passengers and Flights

Although classified as a midsized airport, Rosecrans Memorial Airport has limited traffic compared to commercial airports, with most operations being general aviation and military flights. The airport supports airplanes ranging from small private planes to larger military transport vehicles and features two runways, 17/35 and 13/31. Though the exact number of passengers and flights may ebb and flow, a steady stream of activity is maintained throughout the year.

How to Get Here

Getting to Rosecrans Memorial Airport can be a bit of a chore, as it is situated in Kansas and not on the Missouri side, meaning there are no direct road or bridge connections from that part of St. Joseph across the river (or back again). Located in Elwood, Kansas, you can only get to the airport by crossing over the Elwood Bridge into St. Joseph, Mo. From there, it's signed most of the way. This distinguishing geographic location means the airport has some unique operations, but also adds to its personality.

Parking

Rosecrans Memorial Airport has parking for private and commercial vehicles. Directly outside the terminal building is a main parking lot used by passengers and visitors. Parking is free, which may be convenient since people usually fly to come here.

Transportation Prices

There is no public transportation available, as Rosecrans Memorial Airport serves General Aviation only. Of course, there are a number of different ways to get around privately too — whether by conventional taxi services like Uber and Lyft or car rental. The prices may vary according to the service provider and distance travelled, but these are most often a cost-efficient means for airport transfer.

Terminal Layout

This is a small yet effective terminal at Rosecrans Memorial Airport that meets the needs of relatively few general aviation and military operations; it will soon give way to a $30-million replacement. It contains airport administrative offices, a small passenger waiting area, and a few conveniences. Although not as large and grand as some of the terminals you may have seen at larger commercial airports, it certainly does serve to meet the needs of its users.

Navigating the Airport

With its small size, Rosecrans Memorial Airport is quite easy to navigate. The terminal building is the central hub, with two runways and taxiways leading from there. With all types of signage present throughout the airport guiding visitors to their destination, it becomes easier for both first-time and regular users to find their way around.

Getting Between Terminals

Since Rosecrans Memorial Airport has a single terminal building, passengers do not have to worry about transferring between terminals. The main terminal has excellent access to all airport facilities, ensuring passengers/visitors do not need to move on from here.

Services and Amenities

Even if Rosecrans Memorial is not able to offer as many services and amenities as those at larger commercial airports, it does provide what users need. The terminal building also contains a small passenger waiting room, along with restrooms and some vending machines. And the airport sports a fixed-base operator (FBO) for fueling, maintenance, and other general aviation services.

Restaurants and Shops

The only on-site eatery at Rosecrans Memorial Airport is B&B Runway Café, a family-owned diner with an aviation theme, serving traditional American comfort food like burgers, sandwiches, and homemade pies. Beyond the café, there are no more shops or eateries inside the airport.

Security and Customs

At Rosecrans, a general aviation and military airport, the security process seems relatively simple overall. All passengers and visitors will undergo security screening, including bag checks and metal detectors. No customs or immigration services are available on-site because the airport is not served by any international flights.

Accessibility

Rosecrans Memorial Airport is dedicated to providing accessible facilities and services for all visitors. There are designated parking spots, ramps, and accessible restrooms at the terminal building, as well as around all common areas, to be disability-friendly. The airport has also provided assistance to passengers who might need some kind of special assistance or support at the time they travel.

Travel Tips

However, there are several things to keep in mind while you visit the Rosecrans Memorial Airport:

• Arrive early, because processing times can be significantly longer than at a major airport due to limited and shared services.
• Learn the layout and amenities of the airport because its terminal building is relatively small.
• You might want to consider alternative transportation, as the airport is across the river from St. Joseph.
• No Baggage Check: There are no services for handling excess baggage or storing luggage at the airport.

Utilize these tips to have a successful and pleasant experience at Rosecrans Memorial Airport, the neat little package that is your gateway to America's heartland.