'Rustic' getaways for pilots
If you want to go off the beaten path, check out these 12 lodges with easy general aviation access and activities for all ages.
GA-friendly resorts and lodges
Ultima Thule Lodge: Ultima Thule Lodge in Alaska is 100 miles from the nearest paved road and 350 miles east of Anchorage! Located on the Chitina River, there’s a fleet of Piper Super Cubs, a de Havilland Otter, and a Cessna 185 Skywagon that you can fly with one of their pilots. (You can't fly in to Ultima Thule Lodge on your own, but you can leave your airplane in Anchorage and they will provide transfer flights.)
Chena Hot Springs: The hot springs of Chena in Fairbanks, Alaska, are compared to those only found in the Czech Republic. Take in the Aurora Ice Museum, made from more than 1,000 tons of ice and snow. It’s open year-round, even in the summer!
Goulding’s Lodge: Experience the Old West and natural wonders of the Grand Canyon in Monument Valley, Utah. The lodge’s 3,800-foot paved runway sits at 5,192 feet msl.
Roche Harbor: Opportunities for whale watching, kayaking, and hiking abound at Roche Harbor in San Juan Island, Washington.
Madden’s on Gull Lake: Situated on 1,000 acres of pine trees and hardwoods and surrounded by 9,418 acres of water, Madden’s on Gull Lake in Brainerd is dubbed one of Minnesota’s best vacation destinations.
Sunriver Resort: On 3,300 acres at the base of the Cascade Mountains, Sun River Resort in Deschutes County, Oregon, offers biking, skiing, boating, horseback riding, golfing, and more.
Windwood Fly-in Resort: Near the Dolly Sods and Otter Creek Wilderness areas in Canaan Valley, West Virginia, Windwood Fly-in Resort is close to the breathtakingly beautiful Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley State parks. Cold, snowy winters and warm summers make this a year-round attraction.
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort: In Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, you can fly in and land on the 3,900-foot-long runway. The resort offers golf, first-class dining, winter sports, art classes, a Wildlife Academy, and more.
Cibolo Creek Ranch: Experience living American history in the Big Bend area of West Texas. Enjoy shooting and hunting, mountain tours, and the ranch’s incredible history. Best of all, you can fly right to the ranch in Marfa, Texas!
Lajitas Resort: Lajitas Airport in Texas has a private 7,500-foot runway along the Rio Grande. Relax with a few rounds of golf, ziplining, horseback riding, shooting, mountain biking, hiking, swimming, or watching a movie at Flat Rock Theatre.
Garland Lodge and Resort: This northern Michigan golf resort in Lewiston has a 5,047-foot-runway at the onsite airport and the largest log lodge east of the Mississippi River.
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