Wisconsin, known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant cities, is home to a variety of airports that cater to both domestic and international travelers. Whether you’re planning a business trip, a family vacation, or a weekend getaway, understanding the airports in Wisconsin can help make your travel experience smoother. This guide will explore the major, regional, and municipal airports across the state, offering insights into their facilities, services, and the regions they serve.
Major Airports in Wisconsin
1. General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) – Milwaukee
General Mitchell International Airport, located in Milwaukee, is the largest and busiest airport in Wisconsin. Named after General Billy Mitchell, a pioneer of military aviation, MKE serves as a hub for travelers heading to various domestic and international destinations. The airport is equipped with modern amenities, including dining options, shopping areas, and car rental services. It also offers nonstop flights to several major cities across the United States, as well as seasonal flights to destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean.
Key Features:
- Location: Milwaukee, WI
- Passenger Traffic: Over 7 million annually
- Airlines: Southwest, American, Delta, United, and more
- Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, parking, rental car services, dining, and shopping
2. Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) – Madison
Dane County Regional Airport, located in Madison, serves as the gateway to Wisconsin’s capital city. This airport offers a convenient and stress-free travel experience with several airlines providing direct flights to major hubs across the country. Known for its efficiency and customer service, MSN is an ideal choice for travelers heading to or from the central part of the state.
Key Features:
- Location: Madison, WI
- Passenger Traffic: Over 2 million annually
- Airlines: American, Delta, United, Sun Country
- Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, parking, lounges, dining, and retail shops
3. Appleton International Airport (ATW) – Appleton
Appleton International Airport, serving the Fox Cities and the surrounding region, has grown significantly in recent years. It offers a mix of commercial flights and general aviation services. ATW is well-connected with direct flights to several major U.S. cities, making it a convenient option for travelers in northeastern Wisconsin.
Key Features:
- Location: Appleton, WI
- Passenger Traffic: Over 1 million annually
- Airlines: Allegiant, American, Delta, United
- Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, parking, car rental services, dining, and shopping
4. Green Bay–Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) – Green Bay
Green Bay–Austin Straubel International Airport is the primary airport serving northeastern Wisconsin, including the city of Green Bay. Known for its proximity to Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers, GRB offers a variety of domestic flights and is a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers.
Key Features:
- Location: Green Bay, WI
- Passenger Traffic: Approximately 600,000 annually
- Airlines: American, Delta, United
- Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, parking, rental cars, dining, and retail shops
Regional Airports in Wisconsin
1. Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA) – Mosinee
Central Wisconsin Airport, located in Mosinee, serves the central part of the state, including cities like Wausau, Stevens Point, and Marshfield. CWA offers daily flights to major hubs like Chicago and Minneapolis, making it a convenient option for residents in central Wisconsin.
Key Features:
- Location: Mosinee, WI
- Passenger Traffic: Over 300,000 annually
- Airlines: American, Delta, United
- Facilities: Parking, rental cars, dining, and free Wi-Fi
2. La Crosse Regional Airport (LSE) – La Crosse
La Crosse Regional Airport serves the western part of Wisconsin, including the city of La Crosse. It primarily offers regional flights, connecting passengers to larger hubs such as Minneapolis and Chicago. LSE is known for its easy access, making it a stress-free option for regional travelers.
Key Features:
- Location: La Crosse, WI
- Passenger Traffic: Approximately 200,000 annually
- Airlines: American, Delta
- Facilities: Parking, rental cars, dining, and free Wi-Fi
3. Rhinelander–Oneida County Airport (RHI) – Rhinelander
Rhinelander–Oneida County Airport is a smaller regional airport located in northern Wisconsin, serving the Northwoods area. It’s a popular entry point for tourists heading to the region’s numerous lakes and forests. RHI offers limited flights, primarily connecting to Minneapolis.
Key Features:
- Location: Rhinelander, WI
- Passenger Traffic: Approximately 50,000 annually
- Airlines: Delta
- Facilities: Parking, rental cars, and free Wi-Fi
4. Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (EAU) – Eau Claire
Chippewa Valley Regional Airport serves Eau Claire and the surrounding areas. EAU offers limited commercial flights, mainly connecting to larger hubs, but it’s a vital airport for residents of northwestern Wisconsin.
Key Features:
- Location: Eau Claire, WI
- Passenger Traffic: Approximately 30,000 annually
- Airlines: Sun Country (seasonal)
- Facilities: Parking, rental cars, and free Wi-Fi
Municipal and General Aviation Airports in Wisconsin
1. Waukesha County Airport (UES) – Waukesha
Waukesha County Airport is a general aviation airport located near Milwaukee. It’s popular among private pilots and corporate aviation. The airport offers a full range of services for general aviation, including aircraft maintenance, flight training, and charter services.
Key Features:
- Location: Waukesha, WI
- Services: General aviation, aircraft maintenance, flight training
- Facilities: Parking, rental cars, and pilot lounge
2. Sheboygan County Memorial Airport (SBM) – Sheboygan
Sheboygan County Memorial Airport serves the Sheboygan area and is primarily used for general aviation. The airport provides services such as aircraft fueling, maintenance, and charter flights.
Key Features:
- Location: Sheboygan, WI
- Services: General aviation, aircraft maintenance, fueling
- Facilities: Parking, rental cars, and pilot lounge
3. Manitowoc County Airport (MTW) – Manitowoc
Manitowoc County Airport is another general aviation airport, serving the Manitowoc region. It offers various services, including aircraft maintenance and charter services, catering primarily to private pilots and small aircraft.
Key Features:
- Location: Manitowoc, WI
- Services: General aviation, aircraft maintenance, fueling
- Facilities: Parking, rental cars, and pilot lounge
4. Outagamie County Regional Airport (OCQ) – Green Bay
Outagamie County Regional Airport is a smaller airport near Green Bay, primarily serving general aviation needs. It offers essential services for private pilots and small aircraft.
Key Features:
- Location: Green Bay, WI
- Services: General aviation, aircraft maintenance, fueling
- Facilities: Parking, rental cars, and pilot lounge
Conclusion
Wisconsin’s network of airports ensures that whether you’re flying to a major city or a smaller town, there are convenient options available. From the bustling terminals of General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee to the serene runways of Rhinelander–Oneida County Airport, the state’s airports are well-equipped to meet the needs of travelers. Whether you’re a business traveler, a tourist, or a private pilot, Wisconsin’s airports provide a gateway to the diverse experiences the state has to offer.
FAQs
1. Which is the largest airport in Wisconsin?
General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) in Milwaukee is the largest and busiest airport in Wisconsin.
2. Are there any international flights from Wisconsin?
Yes, General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) offers limited international flights, primarily to destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean.
3. Which airport is closest to Lambeau Field?
Green Bay–Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) is the closest airport to Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers.
4. Can I fly directly to Madison, Wisconsin?
Yes, Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) in Madison offers direct flights to several major U.S. cities.
5. Are there any regional airports in Wisconsin?
Yes, Wisconsin has several regional airports, including Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA) in Mosinee and La Crosse Regional Airport (LSE) in La Crosse.
