Places to Fly Before You Die- Midwest Edition

SteveinIndy

Line Up and Wait
Joined
Feb 8, 2008
Messages
522
Location
Under the pattern at KIND
Display Name

Display name:
SteveinIndy
OK....it's finally looking like my finances might allow me to get my PPL before the end of this year. That has got me to thinking- what are some of the great vacation places people have flown to (or driven and then gone "Damn, I wished I would have flown here instead)? Keep in mind that I am looking for places that are within a reasonable distance of the Indianapolis area in a C172. Basically anything in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky or Tennessee is fair game. I know you guys and gals won't let me down.
 
Just for the sake of clarification, the problem with me putting together isn't that I wouldn't enjoy flying to an airport even in the middle of nowhere just to check it off my list (you have to pretty much drag me from the cockpit after most flights)...it's the fiancee that would not enjoy the "adventure" of going to an airport. So far as she is concerned, there has to be a "reason" to fly somewhere.
 
Dayton, OH- Air Force Museum although I don't know how much your finances (your spelling :)) will like it.

Huron airport is near Sandusky, OH (and the amusement park there).

A C172 will get you a good way in a few hours (like 1/4 the way across the USA). Lots of possible weekend trip possibilities.
 
Kentucky and Tennessee are in the Midwest? :dunno: :D
 
Definitely Mackinac Island, MI (KMCD). The only motorized vehicles outside of lawn tractors and emergency vehicles are airplanes.

She'd probably love Kohler Spas at KSBM, (Sheboygan, WI), though I haven't stayed there. Rated one of the top spas.

Of course you need to go to Gastons resort (3M0) in north-central AR. We do an annual fly-in there (www.gastonsflyin.com).

And give Alexis Park Inn a shot at KIOW. It's an aviation themed all-suite hotel/B&B owned and operated by our own Jay Honeck.

And last, but certainly not least, Airventure!
 
Kentucky and Tennessee are in the Midwest? :dunno: :D

Well, I was just thinking about what was close to home. Besides, to me Kentucky is more like where I grew up at here in central Indiana than for instance Iowa which is technically a Midwest state according to a lot of people.
 
Dayton, OH- Air Force Museum although I don't know how much your finances (your spelling :)) will like it.

Actually she loved the AF Museum when we went there last summer while in Dayton for the wedding of her old roommate.

BTW, I actually meant "finances" when I said it because Gina has always agreed to let me get my pilot's license since she knows how much I love to fly.
 
Well, I was just thinking about what was close to home. Besides, to me Kentucky is more like where I grew up at here in central Indiana than for instance Iowa which is technically a Midwest state according to a lot of people.

According to a lot of people? A map she's what is mid and west...and it ain't Pennsylvania. :rofl:
 
According to a lot of people? A map she's what is mid and west...and it ain't Pennsylvania. :rofl:
Well Pittsburgh is closer to Indianapolis than to the ocean.....but I do see your point. ;) Any more suggestions or are we just going to make fun of my permutations of geography?
 
You could do an overnight in Jay's Alexis Park Inn in Iowa City (KIOW) then buzz up to Amana (C11) to spend the day in the Amana Colonies shopping and grubbing. The grass strip airport at Amana is literally 100' from the first shop.
 
Well Pittsburgh is closer to Indianapolis than to the ocean.....but I do see your point. ;) Any more suggestions or are we just going to make fun of my permutations of geography?

I'll do both :)
Having actually driven the route 3x, you're about as far from the ocean as from Lincoln, NE.

Memphis looks interesting. Graceland and all. Kansas City holds some promise for BBQ-I hope to get down there soon.
 
Take a look at Seven Springs in Pennsylvania. It's a ski lodge with airport on top of the mountain. The airport is CLOSED during the winter months, BUT, during the Spring, Summer, and Fall - they have specials on their website. The ruwnay is opened (other than Winter) and they have a phone that you can call down the hill to the resort and they'll come pick you up.

I do caution you though that the winds can get a bit squirrely at times so please don't do it if you're not comfortable with it. Their website is here. We flew in for one of their specials and for the two of us to have dinner and stay overnight, it was $99.00. It's a really pretty area too.

Send us a PIREP if you go.

Shane
 
Well Pittsburgh is closer to Indianapolis than to the ocean.....but I do see your point. ;) Any more suggestions or are we just going to make fun of my permutations of geography?

No, I'm done. Sorry. I really do look forward to seeing what makes the list.
 
Well Steve, I'm in PA.and i'd suggest flying into CXY (Capital City) and renting a car. From there you can go to Hershey Park. Tour the Amish country around Lancaster Pa, Visit Gettysburg, and say HI to me (lol) i live in Harrisburg. And if your into Horse racing there is Penn National race track and Hollywood Casino.
Hows that for a suggestion?
Dave G.
 
Well Steve, I'm in PA.and i'd suggest flying into CXY (Capital City) and renting a car. From there you can go to Hershey Park. Tour the Amish country around Lancaster Pa, Visit Gettysburg, and say HI to me (lol) i live in Harrisburg. And if your into Horse racing there is Penn National race track and Hollywood Casino.
Hows that for a suggestion?
Dave G.
Sounds like an excellent suggestion....I may have to bring my daughter, her mother and stepfather (we're all still friends) along if I go to Gettysburg. He's a Civil War fanatic and walking textbook on the subject.
 
Well come on over then . He will love it and it's a good time for everyone during the summer they have a tour bus that runs. And Gettysburg is only about 1/2 hour drive from CXY
Dave G.
 
One that I've heard a lot about but haven't seen is Put-in-Bay, OH (3W2). Someone who's been there will have to chime in on what you'll find there.

Mackinac Island.

One thing that might help us to help you: Exactly how far are you willing to go from Indy? What time of year are you wanting to go? What are you looking for at the destination? Romantic getaway? Theme park? Shopping? Museums? Music? Camping? What kinds of things do you like to do together?

I see a lot of aviation-related stuff in this thread, but not a lot of stuff that's going to make an aviation-agnostic SO happy. I'd love to go to Jay's hotel but I don't know what there is for your SO in Iowa City (Jay will have to chime in on that one).
 
I see a lot of aviation-related stuff in this thread, but not a lot of stuff that's going to make an aviation-agnostic SO happy. I'd love to go to Jay's hotel but I don't know what there is for your SO in Iowa City (Jay will have to chime in on that one).
Oh, come on. :mad: I already mentioned Mackinac Island, as well as Kohler Spa http://www.destinationkohler.com/spa/spa_index.html. Neither one are aviation related! Neither is Gastons www.gastons.com, except when we're there! (Of course, it would probably help if she were interested in fishing in that case.):yesnod: :D
 
The mention of Put-in-Bay brings to mind my flight there in about 1972. As I entered the pattern, I had to extend my downwind to fall in behind a Ford Tri-Motor on final. At that time, they were still in use in scheduled service!

Very cool experience.
 
Actually she loved the AF Museum when we went there last summer while in Dayton for the wedding of her old roommate.

BTW, I actually meant "finances" when I said it because Gina has always agreed to let me get my pilot's license since she knows how much I love to fly.

Unfortunately AFaIK there's no convenient way to get to Wright Patterson by private airplane (assuming you're not in the military).

Niagara Falls isn't too far from Indy (about 400 nm).

Wisconsin Dells is less than 300.

There are several airports within your range with adequate to decent restaurants on field (Janesville Wi, Madison Wi, Schaumberg Il to name a few).
 
Of course, it would probably help if she were interested in fishing in that case.
She's more interested in fishing than I am in landing on a grass runway. ;)

Exactly how far are you willing to go from Indy? What time of year are you wanting to go?
Most of our getaways will be a weekend or maybe a little longer so somewhere that we don't have to spend more than 2-4 hours getting there is just about perfect. Any time of year is open, since I'm just trying to put together a list of future trips to consider when we can spare the money and have the time to go.

Romantic getaway?
Definitely always a good choice. She likes bed and breakfasts and so do I.

Theme park?
Yes or no....depends on the theme park. I'm not a fan of rollercoasters for the same reason I don't do aerobatics.

Shopping?
Hit or miss....only if it is something that can't be found elsewhere.

That is always a safe bet. Also zoos and aquariums are great options and about the only way I can absolutely guarantee Gina will get in a plane. LOL

I have no objection to almost any kind of music, but she is very picky about what she listens to.

She refuses to camp (although she might go for a cabin....not sure, so go ahead with suggestions for that if you have them), which sucks for me.
 
Last edited:
Niagara Falls isn't too far from Indy (about 400 nm).

Been there...wasn't terribly impressed by it (the falls were cool, but the crowds of people ruined it).

Wisconsin Dells is less than 300.

Any specific places up there that you recommend? I have talked to one of the county coroners up there before because of my research, but she's the only person I have ever talked to from the Dells and I can't exactly ask her. LOL

Unfortunately AFaIK there's no convenient way to get to Wright Patterson by private airplane (assuming you're not in the military).

Dayton is 2 hours by car (an hour and forty five minutes if I let Gina drive) so if we go back there, it's almost more practical to drive.

There are several airports within your range with adequate to decent restaurants on field (Janesville Wi, Madison Wi, Schaumberg Il to name a few).

She really has told me that she doesn't see the point in the "$100 Hamburger" runs, even if the food is more substantial. Granted, there are a lot of great restaurants I'd love to check out and hopefully she'll come around with time and a patient approach.
 
On one trip home from Florida we stopped at KBWG (Bowling Green KY), rented a car for the day and took a tour of Mamouth cave. It's an adventure I'd recommend for anyone. That's only about 170 nm from Indy.
 
I see a lot of aviation-related stuff in this thread, but not a lot of stuff that's going to make an aviation-agnostic SO happy. I'd love to go to Jay's hotel but I don't know what there is for your SO in Iowa City (Jay will have to chime in on that one).


Like Chris said, stay at Jay's place, then fly over to the Amana Colonies. There is a good place to eat a half block from the runway, a woolen mill and furniture shops with neat Grandfather clocks and other artsy/crafty stores. The Amana Colonies are kind of modernized Amish/Menonite communities. Actually, they really where communes in the olden days before "Amana" became big business.

Also Iowa City is a college town. There was a really good centipede game at Joe's Bar, downtown. It's where all the cool surgery residents hung out on Fridays.:cheers:

Barb(U of I surgery resident 81-86 B) :D)
 
She really has told me that she doesn't see the point in the "$100 Hamburger" runs, even if the food is more substantial. Granted, there are a lot of great restaurants I'd love to check out and hopefully she'll come around with time and a patient approach.
None of the places mentioned would be terribly out of the way on the way up to Sheboygan for Kohler, though if you're going there I'd eat at the Final Approach at Sheboygan over any of those anyway! Besides, you've got a GREAT $100 Fish restaurant near the field at KEYE anyway! I've been known to fly down to eat at Rick's. Or to grab the courtesy car and go downtown to St. Elmo's.
 
She's more interested in fishing than I am in landing on a grass runway. ;)

Blasphemy! :eek: I hope that's because you haven't gotten any instruction on grass yet, not because you're biased against grass runways. In fact, one "getaway" that is probably a bit too close to you to justify flying but that makes a GREAT stop on the way to (or from) somewhere is Lee Bottom Flying Field. Gaston's is another one. There are a LOT of these "must-go" places that are grass only. In fact, the multi-mentioned Amana Colonies airport is grass only.

Most of our getaways will be a weekend or maybe a little longer so somewhere that we don't have to spend more than 2-4 hours getting there is just about perfect. Any time of year is open, since I'm just trying to put together a list of future trips to consider when we can spare the money and have the time to go.

Okay, cool.

Unfortunately, since you don't own your own airplane, most places are going to charge you at least a 2 hour per day fee whether you fly it or not. So, you probably want something at least 200nm and up to about 450nm from Indy.

She refuses to camp (although she might go for a cabin....not sure, so go ahead with suggestions for that if you have them), which sucks for me.

Yeah, that does suck. I was thinking of... What's that state park in Kentucky with the airstrip? There's also Petit Jean in AR.

Any specific places up there that you recommend?

("Up there" being the Dells, KDLL)

If you're looking for a summer weekend at an outdoor water park, Noah's Ark (America's Largest Waterpark!) will keep you busy having fun. There's also some winter indoor water parks (Kalahari, Great Wolf) and a ski area (Christmas Mountain).

However, if you're looking for (downhill) skiing you're probably better off going to, in order of distance, C47 (Cascade Mountain), KAUW (Rib Mountain), KIMT (Iron Mountain), or something else. But they're probably all bigger than you'll find in Indiana. ;)

She really has told me that she doesn't see the point in the "$100 Hamburger" runs, even if the food is more substantial. Granted, there are a lot of great restaurants I'd love to check out and hopefully she'll come around with time and a patient approach.

If you want to hook her, the two best airport restaurants in the midwest are Pilot Pete's at Schaumburg (06C) and Final Approach at Sheboygan (KSBM), both already mentioned. It certainly doesn't hurt to have a place to stop for a break and lunch on the way to/from your primary destination, though, and the Jet Room at KMSN is pretty good for that, very nice FBO too.
 
Grass runways are great. They have a habit of being in some of the coolest locations to take off and land out of. The best strip around here is about a 1500-2000 ft strip that's right in the valley between some hills. A gorgeous area that is wonderful to fly in and out of.

I tend to be mission orieted, so the places I say are must see are the places where you want to go because it's what the mission is. One of the things I've really enjoyed about working with Animal Rescue Flights is that it's given me a number of destinations that I likely would not have had otherwise, including things like flying into the ADIZ. It depends on what you want to do, though. I'm not much of the $100 hamburger type.
 
BTW, I actually meant "finances" when I said it because Gina has always agreed to let me get my pilot's license since she knows how much I love to fly.

She's not your spouse yet and she's calling the financial shots? Rut-roh...


Trapper John
 
One that I've heard a lot about but haven't seen is Put-in-Bay, OH (3W2). Someone who's been there will have to chime in on what you'll find there.

Bars. A really big bar.

Ok, some tourist stuff too - a couple caves, Perry's monument, that sort of stuff, places to stay...
 
Understand, my wife isn't real big on just flying out for the $100 hamburger either. One of her favorite books is the National Geographic book of Historic Homes. So she finds a home she wants to tour, I find the nearest airport and there's the justification. The Biltmore in Asheville NC is a bit of a hike from Indy, but well worth the effort and time to get there. There are lot's of neat places out there, just takes the effort to find them!

Gary
 
Understand, my wife isn't real big on just flying out for the $100 hamburger either. One of her favorite books is the National Geographic book of Historic Homes. So she finds a home she wants to tour, I find the nearest airport and there's the justification. The Biltmore in Asheville NC is a bit of a hike from Indy, but well worth the effort and time to get there. There are lot's of neat places out there, just takes the effort to find them!

Gary

You could try Frankenmuth 66G. They will pick you up and take you to and from the restaurants. http://www.frankenmuthfestivals.com/?
 
None of the places mentioned would be terribly out of the way on the way up to Sheboygan for Kohler, though if you're going there I'd eat at the Final Approach at Sheboygan over any of those anyway! Besides, you've got a GREAT $100 Fish restaurant near the field at KEYE anyway! I've been known to fly down to eat at Rick's. Or to grab the courtesy car and go downtown to St. Elmo's.
If you ever come down to KEYE again, send me a PM first and we'll meet for lunch. I agree Rick's is a great place although I am not a big fan of fish. :) That goes for anyone on the forums. I'll even provide the ground transportation for up to 2-3 people (depending on if my fiancee comes along or not).
 
Last edited:
You could try Frankenmuth 66G. They will pick you up and take you to and from the restaurants. http://www.frankenmuthfestivals.com/?
No....just no. I used to live in Saginaw and I've seen enough of Frankenmuth to last a lifetime. BTW, 66G is one of the few turf runways I've ever landed on (I was a passenger, not the one flying).
 
Back
Top