Region Was Devastated By Fire In 2012

The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) has opened Two Hearted airstrip,(6Y5) a reclaimed recreational airstrip near where Ernest Hemingway’s “Big Two Hearted River” joins Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Rainbow Lodge  and Mouth of the Two Hearted River State Forest campground are near the airstrip.

RAF Michigan Liaison Brad Frederick learned about an abandoned Civilian Conservation Corps airstrip in the Lake Superior State Forest from Michigan Dep’t. of Aeronautics. Frederick and his wife drove six hours from their home in central Michigan to scout the area, what he calls “typical beautiful UP jack pine forest with some maple trees mixed in.” He was convinced it warranted the effort to reclaim the airstrip for easier access to this recreational gem where the river is known for good trout fishing.

The couple toured Rainbow Lodge, the campground, and the Chapel of the Two Heart, built by Rainbow Lodge owners Richard and Kathy Robinson. The old CCC airstrip adjoins Rainbow Lodge property, and the idea developed to lease two parcels and make one longer and safer runway. Frederick contacted Michigan’s Dep’t of Natural Resources, and the plan was eventually approved.

A lightning strike in 2012 started the Duck Lake Fire that scorched 30,000 acres. Most of the Rainbow Lodge buildings burned, as did many local cabins. Frederick drove back up to see “miles and miles of forest gone. Literally a blackened moonscape. We mutually decided to wait on the dream of a bigger, safer airstrip.”

But eventually “Green trees were popping up at the feet of their scorched parents. The Rainbow Lodge was being rebuilt, and the RAF Board supported the project,” Frederick said.

Work had to be funded to extend the airstrip. The RAF approved a grant for half the project; and launched the “Have a Heart” fundraiser on Valentine’s Day, 2017. “In about thirty days we had the rest of the funds we needed,” Frederick said. The contractor completed his work, and the grass grew all summer. The State Aeronautics team lead by Randy Coller showed up with transit and yellow cones to lay out the new runway before snow covered the area. “Winters are long in this area, but Spring 2018 arrived, and was time to dedicate Michigan’s newest Public Use airport to all who love recreational aviation,” Frederick said.

Flying to Two Hearted airstrip

Two Hearted airstrip (6Y5) is 20 miles north of Newberry, MI and Luce County Airport (ERY) which has 100LL and Jet A.

Currently Two Hearted is 2,200 ft x 75 ft. Work is planned to lengthen the strip to 2,400 ft long. Consider prop clearance, and see the RAF Safety Briefing here. “Check weather and wind carefully,” Frederick advises. “Lake Superior has great influence over surface weather and aloft.”

CTAF at 6Y5 is 122.9.

The closest aviation weather reporting (AWOS) is Luce County Airport (ERY), phone 906-293-2979; in the air it’s 119.525.

Pilots should consider Two Hearted seasonal, typically May to October.

(Image from RAF Safety Briefing website)

FMI: theraf.org/content/two-hearted-river-airstrip-safety-briefing