CORNUCOPIA GOES PUBLIC

The RAF is pleased to announce that Cornucopia Airport, 23W (formerly WI23) along Wisconsin’s shore of Lake Superior is now open for public access.

RAF Director Jeff Russell of Waunakee obtained RAF grants and worked with the Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics for the past three years, organizing work parties and airfield improvements in cooperation with Cornucopia townspeople who were very supportive. To ensure its official public-use status, RAF and local volunteers removed brush and cleared trees. Airport Manager Tim Kaseno secured cones per Aeronautics’ directions to mark the runway.

Russell began with an RAF grant for the pilot shelter, that local volunteers helped finish out, picnic tables, and a bicycle shed with donated bicycles. They created a camping area where visitors are welcome to tent beneath their wings. “Huge thanks to all the volunteers from both the town and the RAF that helped to get the airport improved to meet the requirements of public use. It’s been an amazing collaboration with literally dozens and dozens of folks from each group pitching in. And also a big thanks to the Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics for being so engaged and helpful,” Russell said.

Landing on Cornucopia’s 1,920-foot turf runway puts you just a short bicycle ride to the Village with restaurants, shops, and lodging. A few miles away is the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. “The scenery is absolutely spectacular. There are incredible recreational opportunities in the area including kayaking to the sea caves, hiking to waterfalls and the shoreline above the caves, and trout fishing in a nearby stream,” Russell added.

You are invited to Cornucopia’s third annual Solstice Fly-in, June 17-19, 2022, hosted by the airport. “Attendees are invited to camp under their wing, socialize, and take part in the many outdoor activities the area has to offer,” Hal Davis wrote in the June/July issue of  Midwest Flyer  digital magazine. Advance registration is required. Please visit the airport’s Facebook page at:  www.facebook.com/CornyAirport .

You’ll see Cornucopia’s new green Public/Permissive dot at the Airfield Guide.

Our Cornucopia Airstrip Hats , sporting the original identifier, WI23, on The RAF Outfitter are now a limited edition item! Order your hat while we still have it! Once they’re gone, we will be updating the hats to have the new identifier, 23W.

Submitted May 31, 2022


Posted in News

Recent Posts

February 27, 2026
Looking for a way to participate with like-minded RAF supporters? Like to roll up your sleeves on an airfield project? The RAF makes it easy for you to learn about and plan for upcoming 2026 RAF events, work parties, and other activities. Events are added all the time, and the calendar will begin filling up as summer approaches, so we encourage you to make a habit of checking it often. Scroll down on the RAF homepage or go directly to the Calendar page here . Due to the number and variety of aviation activities, only those with RAF involvement will be listed on our calendar. We encourage you to check your own state’s pilot and aeronautics resources, and type-club social media for other activities. Submitted February 27, 2026 By Carmine Mowbray
February 27, 2026
Have you explored the RAF Airfield Guide ? If discovering new places and adventures excites you, the Airfield Guide is the place to begin planning your next destination! You can filter airfields by amenities, runway length and type, and geographic region to get a tailored list of destinations perfect for your next flying adventure. You can also create flying routes to plan a longer trip. If you come across an airfield listed in the Guide that you've been to, submit a comment to share your experience with others. The Airfield Guide is a high-quality tool to help you discover special places around the country. It's fast and easy to sign up for, and is free, without ads. If your head is in the clouds, dreaming about where to fly this summer, the Airfield Guide is the place to find your inspiration. Submitted February 27, 2026
February 27, 2026
This month, we are featuring a most unique destination, Alton Bay, New Hampshire, B18, located on the southern edge of Lake Winnipesaukee. It’s a busy seaplane base during summer, and when winter chill descends on the countryside, the watercraft get stored, and eager pilots await New Hampshire’s DOT Aeronautical Division’s go-ahead for ice landings when they deem the ice is a safe thickness. Local volunteers get involved and mark the runway with cones, and keep the ice field, taxiway, and parking apron graded, typically through March. The RAF, alongside other local organizations, has played a role in keeping Alton Bay open and maintained over the years—helping fund fuel and equipment parts, and supporting the dedicated volunteers who work hard to keep the runway in excellent condition. Pilots enjoy the experience of landing on pure ice on New Hampshire’s largest lake – skis not required – and locals report a fantastic season this winter, logging more than last year’s record 764 landings. “Pilots eager to practice this New England winter tradition come from as far as New Jersey, Michigan, and the New England states to land, socialize, or walk the short distance to town for shopping, dining, and the surrounding amenities,” said New Hampshire Liaison John Meade. Alton Bay businesses warmly welcome visitors to their annual February Winter Carnival that draws large crowds for sleigh rides, ice skating, beer and chili bar, a chowder cook-off, and food and swag vendors. Find Alton Bay Ice Runway on the Airfield Guide and bookmark the Alton Bay Facebook page to check out photos, reels, reviews, and of course, current dialog. Those who pay a visit to B18 receive a coveted Ice Wing certificate and Ice Chip. Submitted February 27, 2026 Photo Credit: Greg Delp
By Carmine Mowbray February 27, 2026
The RAF is seeking State Liaisons across the U.S.! Join our team of volunteers who find camaraderie, fulfillment, and pleasure in preserving special places. These folks enjoy serving as advocates in their respective states, helping the RAF preserve, improve, and create airstrips for recreational access. RAF Alaska Liaison Stef Goza says, “Being an RAF State Liaison is one of the most fulfilling roles…
February 24, 2026
FLORIDA AMBASADOR