JULY FEATURED AIRSTRIP: WASHINGTON ISLAND, WISCONSIN

Each month we highlight an airstrip with hopes that you will get out and enjoy these special places. This month, we’re featuring Washington Island, Wisconsin.

Why is it that airports on islands always have a special appeal? Maybe it’s because aviation serves a heightened level of utility in arriving on an island. And that island airports are often near water and the recreational opportunities water provides. The Washington Island airport is one of these special places. It sits off the end of the beautiful Door County peninsula that separates Lake Michigan from the bay of Green Bay. It’s easy to access nearby quaint villages that have been popular summertime destinations for well over a hundred years. Sample the hospitality and variety of the local stores and restaurants. Schoolhouse Beach with crystal clear water and an unusual beach of round limestone rocks lies right next to the airport, just a short walk or bike ride from the tie-down area.

The airport, 2P2 boasts two turf runways – each over 2,200 feet long – that are kept in remarkable shape to accommodate a variety of aircraft, even amphibious aircraft on wheels. Camping is permitted with prior permission from the airport manager at 920-535-0546. The airport has a number of courtesy bicycles for visitors’ use.

In addition to some great restaurants on the island, recreational opportunities abound in the form of biking, hiking, swimming, and there are a variety of fishing options in the region, including shoreline and guided boat options in Sturgeon Bay, Green Bay and Lake Michigan.

The popular Washington Island Fish boil takes place right at the airport on the third Saturday in July, hosted by the local Lions Club. This year will be the 71st annual event. Mark your 2024 calendar for July 20! Fly in for this flaming Scandinavian traditional community meal of fresh-caught whitefish, onions, potatoes, and corn, topped with a slice of Door County cherry pie!

See the Airfield Guide for more info on visiting this special island airport.

Submitted June 27, 2024.
By Carmine Mowbray

ROB KEANE

February 24, 2026

FLORIDA AMBASADOR

HOWIE BOHL

February 24, 2026

CALIFORNIA AMBASSADOR

RAF AWARDS GRANT FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF HCRC

February 24, 2026

Oregon RAF Liaison Bill Ables has been awarded a $5,000 RAF grant to retain RAF membership in and support the Hells Canyon Recreation Collaborative (HCRC) for the next five years. The HCRC was organized in 2016 at the request of Idaho’s Congressional Delegation as a framework for the various recreational user groups to collaborate with the US Forest Service within the 652,488-acre Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Ables, a past Director and current member of the group, explained that HCRC membership is a cross-section of user groups from both the private and commercial sectors, including river rafters and jet boaters, backpackers, horse packers, aviators, and governmental management agencies. Providing ongoing support ensures continued aviation representation. The rugged Snake River canyon region hugs the borders of northeastern Oregon and western Idaho, and includes nine backcountry airstrips within the Recreational Area. All are maintained by volunteer aviation groups in collaboration with the USFS: Cache Creek, Salmon Bar, Dug Bar, Temperance Creek, Pittsburg Landing, Sluice Creek, Lord Flat, Memaloose, and Big Bar. “Our support of HCRC, combined with the other involved aviation groups, ensures ongoing maintenance and improvements at each of these nine airstrips. It benefits general aviation by preserving access to enjoy the beauty of the Hells Canyon area, which directly speaks to the Mission of the RAF,” Ables said. For more information on Dug Bar, Cache Creek, Big Bar, and Memaloose, see the Airfield Guide . Pittsburg Landing, Sluice Creek, Temperance Creek, and Salmon Bar are not listed in the Airfield Guide at this time. Submitted February 24, 2026