Restoration of Historic Medicine Bow Airport on Hold

Mysterious odor stalls conservation efforts at century-old airfield

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Conservation work at the historic Medicine Bow Airport in Wyoming has stalled as state environmental officials investigate the source of a mysterious odor detected on the runway. The airport, which served as a key stop on the transcontinental airmail route in the early 20th century, has sat largely unused for decades until recent preservation efforts by the local Airport Advisory Board. However, progress has halted as the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality conducts testing to determine if contamination is present at the nearly 100-year-old site.

Why it matters

The Medicine Bow Airport is a significant piece of aviation history, having hosted notable pilots like Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart. Its preservation is important to maintain the town's historical legacy and promote tourism. The delay in restoration work raises concerns about the long-term viability of the site if the source of the odor cannot be identified and addressed.

The details

The Airport Advisory Board has been working to restore electrical service, stabilize the historic weather station, and generally preserve the remaining structures at the airport since 2024. However, progress stalled last summer after pilots reported a strong fuel smell on the dirt runway. Unable to identify the source in historical records, the board applied for a Brownfields grant from the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality to investigate the issue. DEQ representatives spent two days testing the area but have not yet determined the cause of the chemical odor.

  • The Medicine Bow Airport was built in 1929 and served the transcontinental airmail route.
  • In the summer of 2024, local pilot Nathan Finneman highlighted the importance of the airport to the Medicine Bow Town Council, leading to the reformation of the Airport Advisory Board.
  • Since 2024, the Airport Advisory Board has been working to preserve the remaining structures at the historic site.
  • Progress stalled in the summer of 2025 after pilots reported a strong fuel smell on the runway.
  • In February 2026, the DEQ reported that it had not yet identified the source of the chemical odor, and lab results were expected in the coming weeks.

The players

Medicine Bow Airport

Also known as Site 32, the Medicine Bow Airport served the transcontinental airmail route in the early 20th century and is listed on the National Park Service's Register of Historic Places.

Nathan Finneman

A Colorado pilot who in 2024 highlighted the importance of the Medicine Bow Airport to the town council, leading to the reformation of the Airport Advisory Board.

Airport Advisory Board

The governing body responsible for overseeing the preservation and restoration of the historic Medicine Bow Airport.

Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

The state agency investigating the source of a mysterious odor detected on the runway of the Medicine Bow Airport.

Lee Cook

A Medicine Bow Town Councilman who serves as the governing body's liaison to the Airport Advisory Board.

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What they’re saying

“The odor is likely historical in nature and that collected core samples and other data will help determine if contamination is present. Due to the age of the facility, it may not be possible to pinpoint a specific event that caused the release.”

— Jillian Scott, Public Information Officer, Wyoming DEQ (Bigfoot99)

What’s next

The Wyoming DEQ is expected to release its final report on the source of the odor at the Medicine Bow Airport in the coming weeks. The Airport Advisory Board is also seeking a new member with airport management experience to join the board.

The takeaway

The delay in restoring the historic Medicine Bow Airport highlights the challenges of preserving century-old infrastructure, especially when faced with unexpected environmental issues. The outcome of the DEQ's investigation will be crucial in determining the next steps for the airport's future and whether the community's efforts to revive this important piece of aviation history can continue.