General aviation enthusiasts may be surprised to learn that some of the most rewarding flights await in the nation's heartland rather than solely in mountainous terrain. In the May/June 2026 issue of Plane & Pilot, Editor-in-Chief Cayla McLeod details her recent aerial journey through Michigan and Wisconsin aboard an Aviat Husky A-1C, reconnecting with the state of her birth while highlighting a rich regional flying culture.
McLeod, whose family automotive industry background in Michigan helped spark her teenage interest in aviation, relocated to Georgia at age four. Annual trips for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh provided glimpses of the area, but her latest endeavor went deeper. Departing from Middleton Municipal Airport (C29) in Wisconsin, she observed a landscape that unfolded gradually: rolling hills yielding to productive farmland before pine forests traced winding rivers.
Northern Michigan presented even more striking contrasts, with the waters of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron displaying deep blues and unexpected turquoise tones along remote beaches typically accessible only by aircraft, seaplane or boat. These vistas, combined with dense woodlands and open fields, deliver memorable flights without the need for extreme topography, McLeod notes.
The feature extends beyond personal narrative to practical inspiration for cross-country trips. At Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (KAZO), pilots can enjoy distinctive cuisine such as mango mocktails and Peruvian grilled chicken while viewing the final assembly of iconic aircraft including WACO YMF-5s, Great Lakes biplanes and Junkers A50 Juniors. This coincided with the end of an era, as reports confirm WACO Aircraft ceased operations at its Battle Creek facility in late April 2026.
Wisconsin pilot Jason McDowell contributes expertise on the specialized techniques required for landing on frozen lakes, demonstrating how the region supports year-round flying with distinct seasonal demands. The state's network of grass airstrips serves as an ideal playground for tailwheel aircraft like the Husky, where each landing offers its own satisfaction.
Standout destinations linger in memory long after shutdown. The approach to Mackinac Island, with the Mackinac Bridge prominently in view, combines with the island's automobile-free environment of horse-drawn carriages, fresh fudge aromas and lavender scents to create an annual pilot pilgrimage. Farther northwest, Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula offers rugged access to Isle Royale National Park — America's least-visited — primarily via seaplane or ferry, making the journey an integral part of the wilderness experience.
McLeod's account, grounded in her rediscovery of Midwestern roots from the cockpit, emphasizes that exceptional aviation adventures need not be defined by dramatic scenery alone. The Great Lakes region's manufacturing heritage, varied natural features and vibrant GA community provide compelling reasons for pilots to explore these routes, whether planning an immediate trip or simply seeking fresh inspiration. FAA oversight of the Great Lakes region, which safely manages massive traffic surges during AirVenture, further underscores the infrastructure supporting such flights.
As the magazine issue reaches readers, it invites a broader appreciation for general aviation's quieter pleasures across Michigan and Wisconsin.