America’s oddest air terminal

First opened in 1935, Woolsey Memorial Airport is located near Northport, Michigan, close to the northernmost point of the Leelanau Peninsula.  As is evident from the following photos, this charming 200 acre airport facility is home to one of the most unusual terminal buildings you will find in the United States.

The terminal building appears to be constructed out of or at least adorned on the exterior with native Lake Michigan stones. Furthermore, includes an elevated control tower/observation deck and a black and yellow paint-striped roof to alert pilots of its location. The freestanding his and her privies are a particular delight.

While the two grass strip runways remain intact for general aviation, the quaint air terminal building is in need of some tender love and care to assure its long-term survival. Several windows are boarded up, which detracts from its overall appearance.  Nevertheless, the terminal is a handsome and well-preserved icon from the pioneering days of American aviation.

Due to its close proximity to both entrances to both units of Leelanau State Park, a park visitor’s center would seem to be the most logical and viable option. The building should definitely be added to Leelanau County’s growing list of sites on the National Register of Historic Places, as well.

Below are a few additional photos of this wonderful piece of aviation history and nostalgia. If you are even visiting Leelanau County, the airport is directly adjacent to M-201, north of Northport. Peace!



This entry was posted in aerospace, air travel, airport planning, airports, architecture, aviation, commerce, economic development, fun, geography, placemaking, planning, revitalization, tourism, transportation, Travel and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

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