The 3 Closest Airports to upper peninsula

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The 3 Closest Airports to upper peninsula

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP) is a beautiful and vast region, known for its stunning natural landscapes, including forests, lakeshores, and waterfalls. Traveling to the UP often involves flying into one of several regional airports located either within the peninsula itself or relatively close by in neighboring Wisconsin or Lower Michigan. Choosing the right airport depends heavily on your final destination within the expansive UP.

Here are three key airports often considered the closest or most convenient for accessing Michigan’s Upper Peninsula:

  1. Sawyer International Airport (MQT)

    Sawyer International is located near Marquette, the largest city in the Upper Peninsula, making it a primary gateway within the UP itself. While several airports exist in the UP, Sawyer offers the most connections among them. Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) is generally considered the closest major airport serving the region, though it’s located outside the UP in Wisconsin.

    • Distance to Upper Peninsula: Located within the Upper Peninsula (approx. 20 miles south of Marquette).

    • Address: 125 G Ave, Gwinn, MI 49841

    • Pros: Central location within the UP, serves the largest UP city directly, relatively easy navigation.

    • Cons: Limited number of flights and destinations, fares can be higher, susceptible to winter weather delays.

    • Airlines: Primarily served by Delta Connection and American Eagle (verify current carriers).

    • Car Rental: Avis, Budget, National/Enterprise available on site (verify current agencies).

    • Official Website: sawyerairport.com

    • Phone: (906) 346-3308

    • Rating: Approximately 4.4/5 Stars (Google Reviews, subject to change)

  1. Delta County Airport (ESC)

    Located in Escanaba, this airport serves the central and southern part of the Upper Peninsula. It’s another option situated directly within the UP, offering convenience for destinations like Escanaba, Gladstone, and surrounding areas.

    • Distance to Upper Peninsula: Located within the Upper Peninsula.

    • Address: 3300 Airport Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829

    • Pros: Convenient for the southern/central UP, very small and easy to navigate, parking is simple.

    • Cons: Very limited flight schedule (often just one or two destinations like Detroit or Minneapolis), fewer amenities.

    • Airlines: Primarily served by Delta Connection (verify current carriers).

    • Car Rental: Avis, National/Enterprise available on site (verify current agencies).

    • Official Website: deltacountyairport.com

    • Phone: (906) 786-4902

    • Rating: Approximately 4.3/5 Stars (Google Reviews, subject to change)

  1. Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB)

    Located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, GRB is not in the Upper Peninsula but is often the closest major airport for many travelers, especially those heading to the southern or western parts of the UP. It offers significantly more flight options than the airports located within the UP.

    • Distance to Upper Peninsula: Approx. 75-100 miles to the southern UP border (e.g., near Menominee/Iron Mountain), drive time varies significantly based on final UP destination (1.5 – 3+ hours).

    • Address: 2077 Airport Dr, Green Bay, WI 54313

    • Pros: More airlines and destinations, often more competitive fares, larger facility with more amenities.

    • Cons: Requires a significant drive into the UP after landing, potential for winter road travel challenges.

    • Airlines: Served by Delta, American Eagle, United Express, Sun Country, Frontier (verify current carriers).

    • Car Rental: Major agencies available (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National).

    • Official Website: flygrb.com

    • Phone: (920) 498-4800

    • Rating: Approximately 4.5/5 Stars (Google Reviews, subject to change)

Conclusion:

The technically closest airports to the Upper Peninsula are those located within it, such as Sawyer International Airport (MQT) near Marquette and Delta County Airport (ESC) in Escanaba. However, for travelers seeking more flight options, destinations, and potentially lower fares, the closest major airport is Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) in Wisconsin, though it requires a subsequent drive into the UP. Your best choice depends on your specific destination within the peninsula and your travel priorities (convenience vs. flight options/cost).

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