by Dave Weiman
A Recap of the Article Published In The April/May 2011 Issue of Midwest Flyer Magazine. https://www.midwestflyer.com/?p=2616
Ephraim-Gibraltar Airport (3D2), Ephraim-Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Pilots looking for a northern Wisconsin destination should consider flying to Ephraim-Gibraltar Airport (3D2), Ephraim-Fish Creek, Wisconsin, in the Door County Peninsula, or to Washington Island Airport (2P2) on Washington Island, across the bay from the peninsula.
There is an array of activities, from water sports, bicycling miles of bike trails, golfing, fine and casual dining, a drive-in theatre and live Broadway-quality theatres, boat cruises and ferry rides over to nearby Washington Island and Rock Island, lighthouse tours and historical museums, caves, quality shops – both art and antique – and wonderful scenery. There’s the turquoise blue waters of Lake Michigan to the east of the peninsula, and Green Bay to the west; hilly topography with rock outcroppings; and beautiful green deciduous and pine forests. Lake Michigan is the second largest of the five Great Lakes, and the only one located entirely within the U.S.
The Ephraim-Gibraltar Airport (3D2) has two runways: Rwy 14/32, 2700 X 60 feet (paved), and Rwy 01/19, 2345 X 80 feet (turf). There is a modern self-service fuel system, and tie-downs are $10.00 per night. Restrooms are open 24/7, and bicycles are available for your use, free of charge. For additional information or assistance with ground transportation, call 920-854-9711 (www.friendsofephraimgibraltarairport.com).
Where To Stay?
There are lots of great places to stay at rates to meet everyone’s budget, from your typical hotels and lodges, to bed and breakfasts fit for a king and queen.
Pilot and aircraft owner, Martin Franke, is one of the owners of the Pine Grove Resort in Ephraim, one of few remaining resorts that still offer waterfront access and a private beach exclusively for guests. Each room at the Pine Grove Resort has a balcony overlooking Eagle Harbor, and there’s an indoor pool and exercise room. For reservations call 800-292-9494 (www.pinegrovedoorcounty.com).
Another great place to stay when visiting Door County is the Bay Shore Inn in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. The Bay Shore Inn property was originally the Hanson farmstead. Door County at the turn of the century was known for its dairy farms, cherry orchards, ship building and stone quarries. In the 1920s, the Hanson family decided to pursue a different line of work and joined the growing recreation resort industry with their 600 feet of bay shore frontage. The barn was converted into a guest lodge, which opened for business in 1922. Over the years, as the business succeeded and grew, additional housing units began to dot the property. In 1985, Duke Hanson passed away and the new owners decided it was time to recreate the business in line with the trends in the resort industry. In 1991, the new Bay Shore Inn with its present condominium buildings began a new tradition.
The historic Bay Shore Inn is located on the shores of Sturgeon Bay and is only 2.5 miles north of downtown Sturgeon Bay. The Bay Shore Inn is known for its gorgeous flower gardens, beautiful sunsets, well-kept buildings and grounds and relaxing atmosphere. All suites have a view of the water; there is also a sand beach with boats and kayaks or chairs and loungers to just relax. Amenities include outdoor and indoor heated pools, a heated whirlpool, a fire pit on the beach, game room, fitness center, tennis court and bicycles. Complimentary wireless Internet is available in all suites. For additional information, call the Bay Shore Inn at 800-556-4551 or (920) 743-4551, and visit them on the web: www.bayshoreinn.net. Sturgeon Bay is located approximately 30 miles south of Ephraim-Fish Creek Airport, so you may want to fly into Door County Cherryland Airport (SUE) in Sturgeon Bay if you plan to stay at the Bay Shore Inn.
A special event in the fall is the “Pumpkin Patch Fest” in Egg Harbor the first part of October. The event provides family fun, storytelling for the kids, children and outdoor adult entertainment, sweet corn, pumpkin pie, cider, beer and brats. The Sister Bay Fall Festival, held in mid October, features an antique boat show, music and food. Be sure to check the Door County website for a complete calendar of special events and additional information: www.doorcounty.com.
Washington Island Airport (2P2) – Washington Island, Wisconsin
Washington Island Airport (2P2), Washington Island, Wisconsin
Off the tip of Door County is “Washington Island,” known for its annual fish boil, held in mid July, and sponsored by the Lions Club. Washington Island is Wisconsin’s largest island (36 square miles) and dubbed “The Crown Jewel” of Door County. The island is located “north of the tension line” (the line marking the halfway point between the Equator and the North Pole). Founded in 1850, the island became home to immigrants who established the second oldest Icelandic settlement in the U.S. While there is a ferry between the peninsula and Washington Island, I recommend flying to the island and landing at Washington Island Airport (2P2).
The French named the treacherous waters separating Washington Island from the Door County Peninsula, “Portes des Morts” or Door of Death. This is where Door County gets its name. One day a group of 350 Pottawatomie Indians tried canoeing between the Door County Peninsula and Washington Island and drowned in the process.
Washington Island Airport (2P2) was established in 1935. There are two turf runways: Rwy 14/32, 2230 X 150 feet, and Rwy 04/22, 1300 X 125 feet. There is no fuel on Washington Island, and the tie-down fees are $3.00 for singles and $5.00 for twins per day, or $15.00 per week. Walt Nehlsen is the airport manager, and he and his son, Peter, have a wonderful collection of antique John Deere tractors. Walt can be reached at 920-847-2448 (airport), or 920-847-2147 (home). Be sure to visit www.WashingtonIsland-wi.gov or www.VisitWashingtonIsland.com, or call the Washington Island Chamber of Commerce for additional information at 920-847-2179.
The first aviator on Washington Island was Claude C. Cornell, son of veteran fisherman John W. Cornell of the fishing firm J.W. Cornell & Sons. Cornell owned a cabin-class Stinson, powered by a 125 hp Kinner engine. Cornell received his flight training at Walter Arntzen of U.P. Air Associates of Escanaba, Michigan in 1933.
On Washington Island, there’s the Cherry Train narrated tour, the Art & Nature Center, Farm Museum, Stavkirke Church, and Schoolhouse Beach (www.cherrytraintours.com). To get picked up at the airport, call Richard Purinton of the Cherry Train at 920-847-2546.
To reach Rock Island State Park across the bay from Washington Island, you board a ferry at Jackson Harbor for a short 15-minute ride to Rock Island. From there you can take a walking tour of this primitive 912-acre pedestrian-only island featuring the Pottawatomie Lighthouse (Wisconsin’s oldest lighthouse); stone buildings built by a wealthy inventor who owned the island between 1910-45; and hike 10 miles of trails, a one-mile interpretive trail, and 5,000 feet of beach.
