Rice Lake Regional Airport - Carl's Field (RIE)

Rice Lake Regional Airport - Carl's Field operates as a vital general aviation gateway serving northwestern Wisconsin's Northwoods region, positioned five nautical miles southwest of Rice Lake city center in the village of Cameron within Barron County at 1,109 feet elevation on 750 acres of municipal land. This city-owned public-use facility has established itself as a crucial aviation hub supporting the region's recreational, corporate, and emergency aviation needs while serving as the primary airport for the extensive lake country that attracts thousands of visitors seeking outdoor recreation in Wisconsin's scenic Northwoods.

The airport features dual runway infrastructure with primary runway 1/19 measuring 6,700 by 100 feet equipped with instrument landing system (ILS) approaches and secondary crosswind runway 13/31 extending 3,500 by 75 feet, providing operational flexibility for diverse aircraft from single-engine trainers to business jets accessing the region's resorts, corporate facilities, and recreational properties. Rice Lake Air Center serves as the comprehensive fixed-base operator providing 100LL and Jet A fuel services, aircraft maintenance coordination, pilot amenities, and ground support services within basic but well-maintained terminal facilities designed for efficient general aviation operations rather than commercial passenger services.

Operational infrastructure supports approach and departure services coordinated through Minneapolis ARTCC on frequencies 125.3/335.6 via Eau Claire RCAG, ensuring safe navigation in the challenging seasonal weather conditions characteristic of northern Wisconsin where winter snow, spring fog, and summer thunderstorms require careful flight planning and operational flexibility. The facility serves diverse aviation missions including corporate transportation for the region's manufacturing and service industries, recreational flying accessing the numerous lakes and resorts, flight training operations, and emergency medical transport for rural communities throughout Barron County.

Strategic importance encompasses the airport's role supporting northwestern Wisconsin's tourism economy centered on fishing, hunting, boating, and seasonal recreation that draws visitors from across the Upper Midwest to experience the pristine lake country environment. Ground transportation connects to Rice Lake's commercial district and the broader recreational infrastructure including golf courses, marinas, and resort facilities that define the regional economy. The airport embodies the essential role of general aviation in maintaining connectivity for rural communities while supporting the outdoor recreation industry that sustains the economic vitality of Wisconsin's Northwoods region, providing aviation access to one of the Midwest's premier destinations for year-round outdoor recreation and seasonal tourism activities.