Lincoln County Airport Directory – Your Guide to Aviation in Lincoln County, Wisconsin
\nLincoln County sits in north‑central Wisconsin, covering roughly 878 square miles of forest, lakes, and small towns. With a 2023 estimated population of about 28,000, the county’s residents rely on a modest but well‑maintained aviation network for business travel, medical transport, recreation, and agricultural support. The primary search terms that bring travelers here are airport in Lincoln County, Lincoln County airport, and airport Lincoln County. This directory consolidates the real‑world facilities, distances, and services that define the county’s aviation landscape.
\n\nLincoln County Airport Locations – How Many Airport in Lincoln County?
\nLincoln County hosts two public‑use airports that are listed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Merrill Municipal Airport (RCM) and Tomahawk Regional Airport (TKK). No other certified airports exist within the county’s borders, making these two the core of the Lincoln County Wisconsin airport network. Both airports are owned by the respective municipalities and serve general‑aviation pilots, air‑ambulance crews, and occasional charter operators.
\n\nMerrill Municipal Airport (RCM) – The Central Hub for Lincoln County
\nLocated just 2 miles north of the city of Merrill, Merrill Municipal Airport (FAA identifier RCM, ICAO KRCM) sits at an elevation of 1,280 feet and features a single asphalt runway 5/23 measuring 5,000 × 100 feet. The airport is equipped with a full‑service Fixed‑Base Operator (FBO) called Northwest Aviation Services, which provides 100LL aviation gasoline, Jet‑A fuel, aircraft maintenance, hangar rentals, and a pilot lounge. The Lincoln County airport office is housed in the main terminal building, offering flight‑plan filing, weather briefings, and community outreach programs.
\nIn terms of accessibility, RCM is approximately 12 miles (19 km) north of Tomahawk, 15 miles (24 km) southeast of the village of Tripoli, and 8 miles (13 km) from the unincorporated community of Bellinger. The airport’s runway lighting and GPS‑based instrument approach enable operations year‑round, despite the region’s heavy snowfall.
\n\nTomahawk Regional Airport (TKK) – Serving Northern Communities
\nTomahawk Regional Airport (FAA identifier TKK, ICAO KTKK) lies 3 miles southeast of downtown Tomahawk, positioned on the western shore of Tomahawk Lake. Its single concrete runway 13/31 measures 4,001 × 75 feet and supports a range of single‑engine aircraft, turboprops, and light jets. The airport is managed by the City of Tomahawk and features a modest FBO operated by Tomahawk Aviation, offering 100LL fuel, tie‑down spaces, and a small maintenance shop.
\nTKK is roughly 14 miles (23 km) south of Merrill Municipal Airport, 22 miles (35 km) east of the village of Tripoli, and 9 miles (15 km) from the community of Dovrefjell (an unincorporated area within the Town of Birch). Seasonal charter flights occasionally connect Tomahawk to Minneapolis‑St Paul International Airport (MSP) for business travelers.
\n\nAirport Services Lincoln County – Fuel, Maintenance, and Flight Training
\nBoth RCM and TKK provide essential services that keep Lincoln County’s aviation community thriving. Fuel availability is strong: RCM offers both 100LL and Jet‑A, while TKK supplies 100LL fuel daily. Aircraft maintenance is more comprehensive at Merrill Municipal Airport, where certified mechanics can perform airframe, engine, and avionics work. Tomahawk Regional Airport focuses on quick turn‑around services such as oil changes and tire inspections.
\nFor aspiring pilots, the Northwest Aviation Services Flight Academy at Merrill delivers private pilot ground school, flight instruction in Cessna 172s, and a pathway to instrument rating. Tomahawk Regional Airport hosts seasonal flight‑training workshops in partnership with the Wisconsin Aviation Association.
\n\nCommunities in Lincoln County with Airport Access – Distances and Connectivity
\nThe following table outlines the major towns, villages, and unincorporated areas in Lincoln County and their distance to the nearest airport facility:
\n- \n
- Merrill (city) – 2 mi to Merrill Municipal Airport (RCM) \n
- Tomahawk (city) – 3 mi to Tomahawk Regional Airport (TKK) \n
- Tripoli (village) – 15 mi to Merrill Municipal Airport, 22 mi to Tomahawk Regional Airport \n
- Bloomfield (town) – 10 mi to Merrill Municipal Airport \n
- Bellinger (unincorporated) – 8 mi to Merrill Municipal Airport \n
- Goodrich (town) – 12 mi to Merrill Municipal Airport \n
- Humboldt (town) – 14 mi to Tomahawk Regional Airport \n
- Gile (town) – 16 mi to Tomahawk Regional Airport \n
These distances illustrate why the phrase airport near Lincoln County often points travelers to either RCM or TKK depending on their home base. The county’s road network—primarily US‑51, WI‑70, and WI‑17—provides fast connections, with most residents reaching an airport in under 30 minutes.
\n\nWhy Choose a Lincoln County Airport for Your Flight?
\nChoosing an airport Lincoln County facility offers several advantages: low landing fees, minimal traffic congestion, and personalized services from local FBO staff who know the region’s weather patterns intimately. Both airports support air‑medical evacuations via Life‑Flight, ensuring rapid transport for critical patients to larger medical centers in Wausau or Madison.
\nIn addition, the county’s tourism industry—centered on Tomahawk Lake, the Wisconsin River, and numerous state forests—relies on private aircraft to bring anglers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts to the area. Seasonal charter operators often base their aircraft at Merrill Municipal Airport, taking advantage of its longer runway and larger hangar capacity.
\n\nFuture Developments and Community Involvement
\nBoth airports have active airport advisory committees that meet quarterly to discuss infrastructure upgrades, grant applications, and community events. Recent projects include runway resurfacing at Merrill Municipal Airport (completed in 2022) and the installation of a new GPS‑approach procedure at Tomahawk Regional Airport (approved in 2023). These improvements enhance safety and attract more business‑aviation traffic to Lincoln County.
\nLocal schools and the Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation regularly host “Aviation Day” events at the airports, showcasing the role of aviation in regional growth. Residents can volunteer, tour the facilities, or even enroll in introductory flight lessons, further cementing the airports’ place in the community’s daily life.
\nInternational Airports
An international airport is a vital component of any major metropolitan area. It connects domestic and international travelers, providing them with a means to connect to the rest of the world.
An international airport is a large airport that is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights. It also has a significant economic impact on the local community.
These major Wisconsin Airports generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and other related industries.
A large international airport also offers a variety of amenities for travelers. These can include shopping centers, dining options, lounges, and other services such as currency exchange and luggage storage.
Private Airports
Private airports, also known as general aviation airports, are airports that are not open to commercial airlines and are used primarily by private aircraft.
One of the main benefits of a private airport is the exclusivity and privacy it offers.
These airports are often used by high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and business executives, who value their privacy and want to avoid the crowds and security lines of commercial airports.
Private airports also offer more flexibility and convenience for aircraft owners. They can also be used for training pilots and hosting aviation events.
There are 0 Private Airport in Lincoln County, Wisconsin.
Regional Airports
Regional airports are smaller airports that serve a rural geographic region, such as a smaller city or county with a population of less than 100,000.
Small airports mostly offer flights within the same country, but some may offer flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of regional airports is their convenience. They also tend to have shorter security lines and fewer crowds, making the overall travel experience more enjoyable.
There are 1 Regional Airport in Lincoln County, Wisconsin.
Tomahawk Regional Airport - Tkv
Municipal Airports
Municipal airports which are also called "public airports" are owned and run by local governments like cities and counties.
Most of the time, they are smaller airports that serve a certain area and have mostly domestic flights, but some may also have flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of municipal airports is their accessibility. They are often located in or near major cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.
Municipal airports provide a vital link for businesses in the region, allowing them to easily connect to other parts of the country.
There are 1 Municipal Airport in Lincoln County, Wisconsin.
Merrill Municipal Airport - Rrl
Local Airports
There are 3 Local Airport in Lincoln County, Wisconsin.
Turner Airport
R & S Airport - Ws23
Knight Aire Airport - 92Wi
Frequently Asked Questions — Lincoln County Airport Services
\nWhat airports are located in Lincoln County, Wisconsin?
\nLincoln County is served by two public airports: Merrill Municipal Airport (RCM) located 2 mi north of Merrill, and Tomahawk Regional Airport (TKK) situated 3 mi southeast of Tomahawk. These are the only FAA‑registered airports within the county, answering the query “how many airport in Lincoln County”.
\nHow far is the nearest Lincoln County airport office from Tripoli, Lincoln County?
\nThe nearest airport office to the village of Tripoli is at Merrill Municipal Airport. The office is located inside the main terminal building, approximately 15 mi (24 km) northwest of Tripoli, reachable via WI‑70 and US‑51 in about 20‑25 minutes by car.
\nWhich Lincoln County airport provides the most fuel services for general aviation?
\nMerrill Municipal Airport offers the most comprehensive fuel options in Lincoln County, including both 100LL avgas and Jet‑A fuel, supplied daily by Northwest Aviation Services. Tomahawk Regional Airport provides only 100LL fuel, making Merrill the preferred choice for aircraft requiring jet fuel.
\nAre there any scheduled commercial flights operating from airports in Lincoln County?
\nNeither Merrill Municipal Airport nor Tomahawk Regional Airport hosts scheduled commercial airline service. Both facilities focus on general aviation, air‑medical transport, and occasional charter flights. Residents typically travel to larger airports such as Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA) in Mosinee, about 45 mi south, for commercial airline options.
\nWhat airport services are available to residents of unincorporated areas like Bellinger in Lincoln County?
\nResidents of Bellinger, an unincorporated community, are served primarily by Merrill Municipal Airport, which is only 8 mi away. Services include 24‑hour fuel, aircraft tie‑down, maintenance, flight training, and a pilot lounge. The airport also coordinates with the Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation to provide occasional shuttle services for community events.
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