FEATURED AIRSTRIP: HENDERSON FIELD, ILLINOIS

Each month we highlight an airstrip with hopes that you will get out and enjoy these special places. This month, we’re featuring Henderson Field, Illinois.

Henderson Field, Illinois, 95IL lies near the Ohio River, bordering the southern unglaciated tip of Illinois with Kentucky. It’s among Illinois’ most scenic areas adjoining Shawnee National Forest, and near Garden-of-the-Gods, Cave-in-Rock, and the Lusk Creek Canyon Wilderness. Check out the forested River to River trail, known for hiking among a variety of wetlands, grasslands and bluffs.

The 2,000-ft turf airfield is privately owned by John and Cindy Henderson who welcome visitors to enjoy camping in the shade of the trees, and swimming or fishing in the adjacent small lake. If your angling is successful, you can smoke your catch right there on the smoker! The RAF fire ring is stocked with firewood, and the owner graciously allows access to water and restroom in the shop building. To cool off in the lake, you may be able to use one of the canoes, or kayaks.

Hendersons cooperated with RAF volunteers using an RAF grant to install a new windsock, the fire ring, and make safety improvements to the runway. Hay is grown on the runway, so the field is closed seasonally. Prior to landing, you must review the required Safety Briefing and contact owner John Henderson at 618-201-0293 or email at flyn5@hotmail.com.

Henderson Field is one of Illinois’ darkest sky areas, making it a perfect spot for stargazers, and the local astronomical society enjoys bringing their telescopes to fly-in events at the field to explore the night sky. At last year’s event, one 30-inch diameter telescope was so large, it required its own trailer and a ladder to step up to the eyepiece.

Find out more about Henderson Field and acknowledge the required Safety Briefing in the Airfield Guide.

Submitted February 28, 2025
By Carmine Mowbray