Due to the sheer size and splendor of the US, it’s easy for great destinations to get overlooked, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, coupled with Northern Wisconsin, feels underappreciated among American travelers. But you know what? It’s a good thing! It means that the rugged beauty of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park or the heart-pumping ski runs at Iron Mountain never feel crowded or uncomfortable.
While there are a host of travel options you can use to access these locations, private jet travel remains the only seamless way to access remote destinations. Regional airports in Michigan and Wisconsin cater to those seeking high-end experiences like golf resorts, fishing lodges, and seasonal festivals. Here’s a guide to the best regional airports in the area and how they connect visitors to its top attractions.
Why Are Regional Airports So Important Here?
The nearest major international airport to Isle Royale National Park is Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which is approximately 450 miles away. Even Duluth International Airport in Minnesota is still 200 miles from the ferry ports in Houghton and Copper Harbor. However, flying into Houghton County Memorial Airport significantly reduces travel time, providing a convenient gateway for those chartering private planes or connecting to seaplane transfers.
If you want to explore the famous sea caves of the Apostle Islands on Lake Superior, you’ll have to get a 200-mile car transfer from the nearest international airport in Minneapolis. Instead of driving for hours from Minneapolis or Green Bay, fly into Duluth or Ashland Regional Airport, and you’ll be there in under 2 hours.
Key Regional Airports for Private Jet Travelers
Ford Airport (IMT) — Iron Mountain, MI
Ford Airport, located in the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is a prime entry point for private jet travelers. The airport is just an 8-minute drive to Pine Mountain Resort, home to a world-famous ski jump and the iconic Timberstone golf course. Just a short drive away, visitors can also access incredible fishing experiences on the Menominee River and historical excursions at the Cornish Pump and Mining Museum.
Around 30 miles south of the airport, the Four Seasons Island Resort offers its own golf course, luxury spa, and indoor saltwater pool.
Ford Airport is also a gateway for those looking to explore the Keweenaw Peninsula, known for its dreamy fall foliage, historic copper mines, and scenic hiking trails. The airport’s proximity to Michigan Tech University in Houghton also makes it convenient for visitors attending conferences or special events.
Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport — Marquette, MI
As the largest airport in the Upper Peninsula, Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport provides excellent facilities for jet hire and offers regular connections to O’Hare and Detroit. Flying into Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport lands you a thirty-minute drive from Presque Isle Park. This 323-acre headland is known across the US for its stunning trails and dramatic lakeside vistas. Marquette Mountain is another option for skiing, with 29 runs across 170 acres of mountainside. If all of this isn’t enough, why don’t you sit back and soak in the views on a Lake Superior cruise, too?
Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport is also a convenient access point for Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, one of Michigan’s most stunning natural attractions. You could spend days exploring the area’s hiking trails, kayaking routes, and waterfalls.
Delta County Airport — Escanaba, MI
If you’re heading into northern Michigan to fish, fly into Delta County Airport, Escanaba. The airport accommodates private charters year-round, making it easy for anglers to access the area whenever it suits them. Little Bay de Noc provides excellent walleye fishing, while golf enthusiasts can enjoy the Escanaba Country Club.
For a truly exclusive experience, guests can stay at the Terrace Bay Hotel, which boasts lakeside accommodations and delicious dining options. If you’re visiting in the Summer, don’t miss out on the U.P. State Fair and the Waterfront Art Festival for a true taste of Michigan culture.
Delta County is also home to top-tier hunting lodges, making it the region’s premier destination for outdoor sports.
Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport — Rhinelander, WI
Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport, Wisconsin, is a great jumping-off point for those heading into Northern Wisconsin’s wilderness. Visitors can explore the vast Nicolet National Forest, home to tricky hiking trails and lazy rivers to kayak.
The area is home to dozens of luxurious fishing lodges and private cabin rentals, so you can enjoy an off-grid vibe without saying goodbye to any of your valued amenities. One of the great things about Rhinelander is that you can fly in at any time of year, and there’s always something going on. Seasonal events like the Hodag Country Festival, Fall Color Tours, and the Rhinelander Ice Fishing Tournament add a spark to what otherwise might be a relatively sleepy town.
Central Wisconsin Airport — Mosinee, WI
Central Wisconsin Airport is your best option if you’re visiting for high-end outdoor adventure, world-class dining, and private guided tours. Spend your mornings carving through pristine snow at Granite Peak Ski Area, enjoying uncrowded slopes and limitless space. Head into town in the afternoon for a private craft beer tasting at Bull Falls Brewery, or explore the area’s vibrant art scene.
Wausau Country Club, just 25 minutes from the airport, offers an impeccable 18-hole course set against stunning landscapes. When you want to fully unwind, exclusive hunting retreats and private lodges provide a chance to disconnect in style, offering personalized service and unparalleled tranquility.
Local Impact
There’s no doubt that having so many regional airports is a huge benefit to the local economies of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin. By accommodating private jets, both regions become attractive destinations for high-net-worth individuals, and they are then encouraged to spend money at local hotels, spas, and restaurants.
Luxury fishing lodges, golf resorts, boutique hotels, and guided adventure experiences all benefit from the seamless connectivity these airports provide. Seasonal events like the U.P. State Fair and the Hodag Country Festival see increased attendance thanks to the accessibility offered by these regional hubs. This influx of visitors generates revenue for small businesses, strengthens the local economy, and helps sustain jobs in sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and event management.
Regional Economy
Regional airports in northern Wisconsin and Michigan are pivotal for year-round business operations and employment within their respective communities. In Michigan, the economic impact of aviation is more than $22 billion annually. o the state’s economy, supporting more than 33,000 jobs and generating over $1.4 billion in labor income.
These airports bolster local industries by facilitating efficient air cargo transport, promoting business travel, and offering logistical support to companies in remote regions. The accessibility afforded by these airports encourages corporate retreats, private business meetings, and real estate investments.
Options Aplenty Across Michigan and Wisconsin
From skiing and snowmobiling tours in the winter to lakefront retreats and fall color splendor, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin offer year-round luxury experiences. Whenever you find the time to visit this enchanting part of the States, rest easy knowing that you have so many great regional options when flying in.
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