Looking for cheap Flights to Sidney Richland, Montana, USA (SDY) airport?

Sidney, accessible via affordable flights to Sidney at SDY airport (Sidney-Richland Regional Airport), is a charming small city in Eastern Montana, nestled at the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers. Renowned for its deep agricultural roots and pivotal role in the Bakken oil boom, Sidney offers an authentic glimpse into the modern frontier, blending vast open plains, rich history, and unique outdoor pursuits for a refreshingly unpretentious travel experience.

The Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, straddling the Montana-North Dakota border just 25 miles from Sidney, stands as the city’s crown jewel. This reconstructed 19th-century fur trading post, once the Upper Missouri’s most vital hub, immerses visitors in the vibrant exchange between Native American tribes and fur traders, with living history demonstrations and period artifacts. Sidney’s prime location along the Yellowstone River makes it a haven for anglers, particularly for its rare paddlefish, a prehistoric species that draws fishing enthusiasts from afar.

Richland County’s sprawling agricultural fields of wheat and sugar beets, coupled with its oil industry ties, showcase Eastern Montana’s economic heartbeat. The MonDak Heritage Center in downtown Sidney celebrates this legacy with exhibits on local history, art, and the cultural tapestry of the Montana-North Dakota border. Outdoor adventurers find endless opportunities, from hunting big game and waterfowl to scouring the riverbanks for Montana agates. Sidney’s dining scene delivers hearty Western fare, featuring locally sourced beef and classic diner comfort food.

With budget flights to Sidney, this understated gem offers a unique blend of frontier history, unparalleled fishing, and a window into Montana’s agricultural and industrial spirit, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking authenticity, adventure, and the wide-open beauty of Eastern Montana.

Why Visit Sidney, Montana

Sidney captivates with Fort Union’s historical immersion, paddlefish fishing on the Yellowstone River, and the MonDak Heritage Center’s cultural insights. Anglers, hunters, and history buffs revel in the region’s offerings, while families enjoy agate hunting and local festivals. With low-cost airfare to Sidney, it’s ideal for those craving authentic Montana experiences, from frontier heritage to outdoor adventures.

Quick Facts & Highlights

• Population: Approximately 6,346 (2023 estimate)
• Founded: 1911
• Area: 3.3 square miles
• Key Highlight: Fort Union Trading Post
• Notable Event: Richland County Fair & Rodeo, annual August event
• Fun Fact: Sidney is a top U.S. spot for paddlefish fishing
• Local Treat: Bison steak
• Landmark: Yellowstone River

Geographic Location & Climate

Sidney, in Richland County, Eastern Montana, sits at the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers’ confluence, 270 miles northeast of Billings. Its semi-arid climate features cold winters (average high 25°F) and warm summers (average high 85°F). Annual snowfall is 20 inches, with 14 inches of rain. Spring and fall (50-70°F) are ideal for fishing and festivals with cheap round-trip flights to Sidney; summer suits river activities, winter supports hunting.

Vital Statistics & Demographics In Sidney, Montana

Total Population

Population 6,346 (2023), with 2.5% growth since 2020, driven by oil and agriculture.

Age Distribution

Median age 38.7 years; 20.1% under 18, 8.4% 18-24, 28.3% 25-44, 26.2% 45-64, 17.0% 65+.

Ethnic & Racial Composition

White 92.3%, Hispanic 3.9%, Native American 2.1%, Two or More Races 1.2%, Black 0.3%, Asian 0.2%.

Gender Breakdown

Males 50.8%, females 49.2%.

Household Types & Sizes

Average household size 2.4; family households 65.4%, non-family 34.6%; 25.8% with children.

Population Growth Trends

Growth of 3.2% since 2020, projected to 6,600 by 2028, fueled by oil industry jobs.

Economy & Living Standards In Sidney, Montana

Major Industries & Employers

Agriculture, oil, healthcare, retail lead; top employers:

• Sidney Health Center, 216 14th Ave SW, Sidney, MT 59270
• Richland County Schools, 110 2nd Ave SW, Sidney, MT 59270
• Halliburton Energy Services, 1101 S Central Ave, Sidney, MT 59270
• Oneok Rockies Midstream, 1020 S Central Ave, Sidney, MT 59270
• Reynolds Market, 131 7th St SW, Sidney, MT 59270
• Richland County, 201 W Main St, Sidney, MT 59270
• Lower Yellowstone Rural Electric Cooperative, 3200 W Holly St, Sidney, MT 59270
• Sidney Sugars, 35023 County Rd 125, Sidney, MT 59270
• Agri Industries, 1301 S Central Ave, Sidney, MT 59270
• Walmart Supercenter, 3000 S Central Ave, Sidney, MT 59270

Employment Rate & Job Market

Unemployment rate 2.9%; jobs in oil (30%), agriculture, healthcare, with seasonal fishing and hunting roles.

Median Income & Cost of Living

Median household income $68,400; cost of living 95.8% of U.S. average; median home value $245,300.

Poverty Rate & Economic Challenges

Poverty rate 8.7%; challenges include housing shortages and oil market volatility.

Business Environment & Investment Opportunities

Oil and agriculture drive growth; opportunities in agribusiness and eco-tourism.

Health & Wellness In Sidney, Montana

General Health Overview

Life expectancy 78.9 years; outdoor activities support wellness despite rural healthcare access issues.

Common Health Issues

Obesity (27%), seasonal allergies; addressed by community fitness programs.

Fitness Centers & Wellness Studios

• Sidney Health Center Wellness Center, 216 14th Ave SW, Sidney, MT 59270
• Richland County YMCA, 121 5th St SW, Sidney, MT 59270
• Anytime Fitness, 115 7th St SW, Sidney, MT 59270

Mental Health Resources

• Sidney Health Center Behavioral Health, 216 14th Ave SW, Sidney, MT 59270
• Eastern Montana Mental Health, 1201 W Holly St, Sidney, MT 59270
• Richland County Health Department, 1201 W Holly St, Sidney, MT 59270

Public Health Initiatives

Richland County Health Department offers vaccinations, wellness clinics, and mental health support.

Hospitals & Clinics In Sidney, Montana

Top Hospitals & Emergency Services

• Sidney Health Center, 216 14th Ave SW, Sidney, MT 59270
• Richland County Clinic, 1201 W Holly St, Sidney, MT 59270

Urgent Care & Walk-In Clinics

• Sidney Health Center Walk-In Clinic, 216 14th Ave SW, Sidney, MT 59270

Specialty Medical Centers

• Sidney Health Center Orthopedics, 216 14th Ave SW, Sidney, MT 59270
• Sidney Health Center Cancer Care, 216 14th Ave SW, Sidney, MT 59270

Telehealth & Remote Care Options

Sidney Health Center offers telehealth; Eastern Montana Mental Health provides virtual counseling.

Veterinary Services & Pet Care In Sidney, Montana

Animal Hospitals & Emergency Vets

• Richland Veterinary Service, 1201 7th St SW, Sidney, MT 59270
• Yellowstone Valley Veterinary Clinic, 2100 S Central Ave, Sidney, MT 59270

Pet Clinics & Routine Care

• Sidney Veterinary Clinic, 115 2nd St NW, Sidney, MT 59270
• Richland Veterinary Service, 1201 7th St SW, Sidney, MT 59270

Grooming & Boarding Facilities

• Paws & Claws Grooming, 112 E Main St, Sidney, MT 59270
• Sidney Pet Boarding, 35023 County Rd 125, Sidney, MT 59270

Pet-Friendly Parks & Trails

• Central Park, 201 E Main St, Sidney, MT 59270
• Yellowstone River Trail, 101 2nd Ave NE, Sidney, MT 59270

Local Government & Public Services In Sidney, Montana

City Hall and Administrative Offices

• Sidney City Hall, 115 2nd St SE, Sidney, MT 59270

County Government Services

• Richland County Courthouse, 201 W Main St, Sidney, MT 59270

Public Records and Licensing

• Richland County Clerk, 201 W Main St, Sidney, MT 59270

Planning and Zoning Departments

• Sidney Planning Department, 115 2nd St SE, Sidney, MT 59270

Tax and Revenue Offices

• Richland County Treasurer, 201 W Main St, Sidney, MT 59270

Police, Fire, and Emergency Services

• Sidney Police Department, 110 2nd Ave NW, Sidney, MT 59270
• Sidney Fire Department, 115 2nd St SE, Sidney, MT 59270
• Richland County Sheriff, 201 W Main St, Sidney, MT 59270

Courts and Legal Aid

• Richland County District Court, 201 W Main St, Sidney, MT 59270
• Montana Legal Services, 2030 N Merrill Ave, Glendive, MT 59330 (nearest)

Public Works and Utilities

• Sidney Public Works, 115 2nd St SE, Sidney, MT 59270

Voter Registration and Civic Engagement

• Richland County Elections, 201 W Main St, Sidney, MT 59270

Current U.S. Senators & U.S. House Representatives

Senators: Jon Tester (D), Steve Daines (R)
House Representative (MT-2 District): Troy Downing (R)

Education & Libraries In Sidney, Montana

Public School Districts

Served by Sidney Public Schools.

Public School Names and Full Addresses

• Sidney High School, 101 2nd St SW, Sidney, MT 59270
• Sidney Middle School, 415 4th St SE, Sidney, MT 59270
• Westside Elementary, 1100 5th St SW, Sidney, MT 59270
• Central Elementary, 200 3rd Ave SE, Sidney, MT 59270

Charter and Private Schools

• Liberty Christian School, 502 S Central Ave, Sidney, MT 59270

Colleges and Universities

• Dawson Community College (nearest, 60 min), 300 College Dr, Glendive, MT 59330; Majors: General Studies, Trades

Public Libraries and Learning Centers

• Sidney Public Library, 121 3rd Ave NW, Sidney, MT 59270

Flights & Travel Logistics In Sidney, Montana

Best Time to Book Flights

Book 2-3 months ahead for discount airfare to Sidney; May and September offer cheap one-way flights; avoid winter peaks.

Airlines That Serve Sidney, Montana

SDY served by Cape Air with daily flights to Billings (BIL).

Nearby Airports and Alternatives

SDY primary; alternatives: Williston (XWA, 45 min), Glendive (GDV, 60 min). Drive MT-16; no direct public transit.

Transportation After Arrival

Car rentals at SDY (Hertz, Enterprise); taxis ($10-20 downtown); Uber/Lyft limited; no public transit.

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Pack for cold winters; book Fort Union tours; try bison steak; rent a car for river access; check fair schedules. Secure low-fare flights to Sidney for savings.

Where to Stay In Sidney, Montana

Budget-Friendly Accommodations

• Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Sidney, 1500 S Central Ave, Sidney, MT 59270
• Lone Tree Inn, 900 S Central Ave, Sidney, MT 59270
• Richland Motor Inn, 1200 S Central Ave, Sidney, MT 59270
• Candlewood Suites Sidney, 201 6th St NW, Sidney, MT 59270
• Super 8 by Wyndham Sidney, 2520 S Central Ave, Sidney, MT 59270

Boutique Hotels and Inns

• The Sunrise Inn, 410 7th St SW, Sidney, MT 59270
• MainStay Suites Sidney, 1000 3rd St NW, Sidney, MT 59270
• Yellowstone River Inn, 1901 S Central Ave, Sidney, MT 59270

Luxury Resorts and Spas

• Best Western Golden Prairie Inn & Suites, 820 S Central Ave, Sidney, MT 59270
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sidney, 251 W Holly St, Sidney, MT 59270
• Wingate by Wyndham Sidney, 1490 S Central Ave, Sidney, MT 59270

Family-Friendly Lodging

• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Sidney, 825 S Central Ave, Sidney, MT 59270
• Comfort Inn Sidney, 729 S Central Ave, Sidney, MT 59270
• Hampton Inn & Suites Sidney, 2970 S Central Ave, Sidney, MT 59270

Vacation Rentals and Extended Stays

• Airbnb Downtown Sidney Homes, Various, Sidney, MT 59270
• VRBO Yellowstone River Cabins, Near S Central Ave, Sidney, MT 59270
• Extended Stay Suites Sidney, 1000 3rd St NW, Sidney, MT 59270

Getting Around In Sidney, Montana

Public Transportation Overview

No public transit; car rentals or taxis recommended.

Car Rentals and Ride Shares

Rentals at SDY (Avis, Budget); taxis $10-20; Uber/Lyft scarce; bike rentals limited.

Walkability and Bike-Friendly Areas

Downtown Sidney 65/100 walkable; Yellowstone River Trail bike-friendly.

Parking Tips and Local Driving Rules

Free parking downtown; 25 mph residential; watch for rural gravel roads.

Natural Wonders & Outdoor Activities In Sidney, Montana

National Parks and Scenic Areas

Fort Union Trading Post (25 min); Yellowstone River (5 min).

Hiking, Biking, and Nature Trails

• Yellowstone River Trail, 101 2nd Ave NE, Sidney, MT 59270
• Richland County Recreation Area, 35023 County Rd 125, Sidney, MT 59270

Wildlife Viewing

Paddlefish, walleye in Yellowstone River; pronghorn, deer in Richland County.

Lakes, Rivers, and Water Activities

• Yellowstone River, 101 2nd Ave NE, Sidney, MT 59270; fishing, kayaking
• Lake Trenton, 20 miles NE, Fairview, MT 59221; boating

Camping and RV Parks

• Yellowstone River RV Park, 219 2nd Ave NE, Sidney, MT 59270
• Richland County Fairgrounds, 2118 W Holly St, Sidney, MT 59270

Seasonal Outdoor Adventures

Spring fishing, summer kayaking, fall hunting, winter ice fishing.

History & Heritage In Sidney, Montana

Founding and Historical Background

Founded 1911 as railroad town; grew with agriculture and oil.

Major Disasters and Events

Happy: Bakken oil boom (2000s). Sad: 2011 Missouri River flooding.

Recovery Efforts for Recent Disaster

Post-2011 flood: FEMA aid, levee improvements, community rebuilding.

Historical Landmarks

• Fort Union Trading Post, 15550 ND-1804, Williston, ND 58801
• MonDak Heritage Center, 120 3rd Ave SE, Sidney, MT 59270

Museums and Cultural Centers

• MonDak Heritage Center, 120 3rd Ave SE, Sidney, MT 59270
• Richland County Historical Society, 201 W Main St, Sidney, MT 59270

Local Folklore and Legends

Tales of paddlefish “monsters”; Native American trade stories at Fort Union.

Indigenous and Pioneer History

Assiniboine and Sioux lands pre-1800s; fur traders arrived 1820s; homesteading and railroads shaped 1900s.

Prominent Public and Private Personalities In Sidney, Montana

• Roger Locher: Vietnam War POW, Sidney native.
• Norman Bruns: Local agribusiness leader, Sidney-based.

Arts & Culture In Sidney, Montana

Performing Arts Venues

• Richland County Events Center, 2118 W Holly St, Sidney, MT 59270

Art Galleries and Exhibitions

• MonDak Heritage Center Gallery, 120 3rd Ave SE, Sidney, MT 59270

Local Artists and Artisans

Local painters, quilters at county fair; Native American beadwork.

Cultural Festivals and Events

• Richland County Fair & Rodeo, 2118 W Holly St, Sidney, MT 59270
• Sunrise Festival, Downtown Sidney, MT 59270

Music Scene and Live Performances

• The Ranger Lounge, 110 S Central Ave, Sidney, MT 59270
• Sidney Country Club, 2250 W Holly St, Sidney, MT 59270

Food & Drink In Sidney, Montana

Restaurants by Cuisine

• American - Sunny’s Family Restaurant, 712 E Main St, Sidney, MT 59270; Specialty: Bison steak
• Mexican - La Caliente, 112 E Main St, Sidney, MT 59270; Specialty: Carne asada tacos
• Asian - Asian Garden, 115 E Main St, Sidney, MT 59270; Specialty: General Tso’s chicken
• Pizza - Rodiron Grill & Casino, 1225 S Central Ave, Sidney, MT 59270; Specialty: Supreme pizza
• BBQ - Meadowlark Public House, 117 S Central Ave, Sidney, MT 59270; Specialty: Pulled pork

Farm-to-Table and Local Ingredients

Sunny’s uses local beef; farmers markets source regional produce.

Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries

• Meadowlark Brewing, 117 S Central Ave, Sidney, MT 59270

Street Food and Casual Dining

• Sidney Farmers Market, 201 W Main St, Sidney, MT 59270

Vegan, Vegetarian, and Dietary Options

La Caliente offers vegetarian tacos; most diners provide gluten-free options.

Shopping & Leisure In Sidney, Montana

Local Boutiques and Artisan Shops

• MonDak Heritage Center Gift Shop, 120 3rd Ave SE, Sidney, MT 59270
• Sidney Mercantile, 108 E Main St, Sidney, MT 59270

Malls and Shopping Districts

• Downtown Sidney, E Main St, Sidney, MT 59270

Antique Stores and Markets

• Richland County Antique Mall, 123 2nd Ave NE, Sidney, MT 59270

Souvenirs and Specialty Goods

• Fort Union Trading Post Gift Shop, 15550 ND-1804, Williston, ND 58801
• Reynolds Market, 131 7th St SW, Sidney, MT 59270

Events & Entertainment In Sidney, Montana

Annual Festivals and Parades

• Richland County Fair & Rodeo, 2118 W Holly St, Sidney, MT 59270
• Sunrise Festival, Downtown Sidney, MT 59270

Farmers Markets and Local Gatherings

• Sidney Farmers Market, 201 W Main St, Sidney, MT 59270

Sports Events and Recreational Leagues

• Sidney High School Eagles, 101 2nd St SW, Sidney, MT 59270
• Richland Youth Hockey, 2118 W Holly St, Sidney, MT 59270

Holiday Celebrations and Seasonal Fun

• Sidney Christmas Stroll, E Main St, Sidney, MT 59270

Nearby Destinations In Sidney, Montana

Popular Day Trips

• Williston, ND (45 min): Frontier Museum
• Glendive, MT (60 min): Makoshika State Park

Hidden Gems in the Region

• Lambert Agate Fields, County Rd 123, Lambert, MT 59243: A lesser-known treasure for rockhounds, these fields along the Yellowstone River offer prime agate hunting with vibrant Montana agates, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking unique souvenirs, 20 minutes from Sidney.
• Fairview Lift Bridge, MT-200, Fairview, MT 59221: A historic 1913 railroad bridge, now a pedestrian-friendly site, offering scenic river views and a glimpse into early 20th-century engineering, perfect for history buffs, 15 minutes from Sidney.
• Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge, 223 North Shore Rd, Medicine Lake, MT 59247: A serene 31,000-acre refuge with wetlands teeming with migratory birds, ideal for birdwatching and peaceful hikes, about 40 minutes from Sidney.
• Savage Museum, 101 Main St, Savage, MT 59262: A quaint museum showcasing pioneer artifacts, farm equipment, and local history, offering a nostalgic look at Eastern Montana’s rural roots, 25 minutes from Sidney.

Scenic Drives and Routes

• MT-16 Yellowstone River Route, Sidney, MT 59270
• MT-200 to Fort Union, Sidney, MT 59270

Regional Attractions Worth Visiting

• Fort Union Trading Post, 15550 ND-1804, Williston, ND 58801
• Makoshika State Park, 1301 Snyder St, Glendive, MT 59330

Audience-Specific Guides In Sidney, Montana

Family Travel Tips

Visit MonDak Heritage Center, fish Yellowstone River, stay at Fairfield Inn, attend County Fair with cheap travel deals to Sidney.

Solo Traveler Highlights

Tour Fort Union, hunt agates, dine at Sunny’s, explore Lambert Fields with low-cost airline deals to Sidney.

Romantic Getaways

Dine at Meadowlark, stay at Best Western, kayak Yellowstone River, visit Fairview Bridge with discount round-trip tickets to Sidney.

Business Travel Essentials

Near SDY, meetings at Holiday Inn Express, quick dining at Rodiron, Wi-Fi at Wingate with affordable plane tickets to Sidney.

Accessible Travel Resources

ADA-compliant MonDak Center, ramps at Sidney Health, limited accessible taxis.

Natural Resources In Sidney, Montana

Oil, wheat, sugar beets, agates. Oil, central to the Bakken formation, transformed Sidney’s economy in the 2000s, with exhibits at MonDak Heritage Center. Guided tours of nearby oil fields highlight this legacy, drawing visitors with flight bargains to Sidney.

Ready to explore Sidney? Book cheapest flights available to Sidney Richland, Montana, USA (SDY) airport and save up to $158 with early booking. Keep in mind that the nearest airport to Sidney Richland, Montana, USA (SDY) may offer best flight deals and alternate date options depending on departure city and season.

Article Published on August 27, 2025, Last Modified on October 9, 2025. Content subject to change at any time.