Renner Field

Renner is located just north of Sioux Falls off of highway 115 and you wouldn't know it but the small community was once where aviation in our area really took off.  

A long time ago we talked about Harold Tennant for Soo Skyways an airport here in Sioux Falls and in the 1920s the former US Army Pilot was a flight instructor and had an air taxi service on a 118 acre field, owned by George Renner.  

This field was a symbol of progress and dreams taking flight. Tennant’s passion for flight and dedication to innovation was inspirational to future aviators in the area. Aviation was in its infancy and while Tennant was experienced with thousands of hours in the air it was still very dangerous Tennant would die in a tragic plane crash in Renner in 1928. 

Dakota airlines was established there in 1927 this would be Sioux Falls area’s first full scale flight facility. Speaking of firsts Nellie Willhite, South Dakota's first licensed aviatrix, having taking a $200 class to learn how to fly at Renner Field. Not only was she a woman in flight in the 1920s which is an amazing feat in and of itself but Nellie was also deaf. Nelli would become a barnstormer ariel performer and while she had some incidents in her career she would live to the age of 98! Honestly more young girls need to know about Nellie’s life because what an inspiration soaring high above societies expectations. She didn't just look to the sky and dream she looked to the sky and learned how to fly.  

Renner Field would go on to be home to air shows and airplane races but in 1935 flight operations would be discontinued in Renner. By that time Soo Skyways was operating in Sioux Falls and well on the way towards a proper municipal airport.  

Today, as people drive past the fields they may not see the airplanes or hear the roar of engines, but the echoes of those daring days remain. The courage and determination of those early aviators set a foundation for future generations, encouraging them to pursue their passions and break barriers, just as Nellie and Harold did all those years ago. It’s a reminder that even in the smallest of communities, great things can take flight.