โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Park Township Airport (HLM) is a historic aviation site located in Holland, Michigan, situated along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan. Established in 1937, the airport served for over eight decades as a vital general aviation hub for the region, playing a significant role in World War II pilot training and regional airmail delivery. Following a transition in its operational status in 2020, the facility is currently undergoing a transformative redevelopment into a multi-use community park. While the primary paved runway has been removed, the site retains its aviation character through a remaining grass strip (12/30) and ongoing plans for an on-site aviation museum to preserve its rich local heritage.
The former passenger facilities at Park Township were characteristic of a boutique regional airfield, designed for maximum accessibility and pilot convenience. The terminal building was a single-story structure that once housed administrative offices, a welcoming pilot lounge, and basic passenger processing areas. The layout was exceptionally compact, allowing for near-instantaneous transitions from the parking area to the aircraft parking ramps. During its peak years of general aviation activity, the airport provided a stress-free alternative to the larger commercial hubs in West Michigan, offering personalized service that was highly valued by local residents and summer vacationers exploring the Holland area.
Facilities at the site are now transitioning to serve as a 100-acre community recreational space. The master plan for the former airport includes the development of walking paths, native meadows, and specialized sports facilities such as pickleball courts and a splash pad. While traditional airside services like commercial refueling and maintenance have ceased, the site remains an important piece of Holland's infrastructure, connecting the community to its maritime and aerial history. The professional management of the transition ensures that the site continues to provide value to the region, with the nearby Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids now serving as the primary commercial gateway for travelers visiting the world-famous Tulip Time Festival and the historic Holland city center.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through the former Park Township Airport site is currently limited to transitions between ground transportation and the recreational facilities of the new community park. Historically, the airport served as a rapid entry point for private pilots transitioning to local taxis for travel into Holland. Due to the removal of the paved runway in 2020, fixed-wing commercial operations are no longer supported; all regional air travelers should now coordinate their connections through Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids, which is approximately 50 kilometers to the east.
For those planning to visit the Holland region via commercial air, the journey from Grand Rapids (GRR) to the former HLM site takes approximately 40-45 minutes via I-196 West. It is highly recommended to allow a minimum buffer of 3 hours for onward international or mainline domestic flights from GRR to account for the necessary security and check-in protocols at the larger hub. Booking a rental car at GRR is the most efficient way to access the Holland area and the various parks and museums located at the site of the old township airport. For those attending the annual Tulip Time Festival, pre-arranging ground transport is essential due to the high seasonal demand.
Ground transportation around the Park Township area is well-supported by local taxi services and bicycle paths that connect the former airport site to the nearby state parks and beaches. For shorter layovers between local attractions, the site's new walking trails and picnic shelters provide an excellent environment for relaxation. The airport's location just 5 minutes from the Macatawa Bay waterfront makes it an ideal spot for a scenic outdoor break. Always verify the latest park facility hours, as
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Ambler Airport (ABL) is a remote, state-owned public-use airport located in the Native Alaskan village of Ambler, within the Northwest Arctic Borough. It serves as an indispensable lifeline for this isolated community, as there are no connecting roads. The airport's infrastructure is extremely basic, reflecting its role as a bush airport. There is no traditional terminal building; instead, operations are conducted from a small, heated shelter or a designated waiting area adjacent to the gravel runway. This single facility serves as the waiting lounge, check-in area, and baggage claim point.
The airport is equipped with two gravel runways, the longest measuring 3,000 feet, operating at an elevation of 334 feet above mean sea level. This design accommodates the small aircraft, typically Twin Otters or Cessnas, that are vital for connecting Ambler to larger regional hubs. Passengers should anticipate a highly informal process, with direct interactions with pilots and airline representatives from operators like Bering Air.
Amenities at Ambler Airport are exceptionally sparse. There are no cafes, restaurants, vending machines, or shops on-site. Travelers are strongly advised to bring all necessary provisions, including food, water, and personal supplies. Security procedures are minimal, consistent with bush flying operations in remote Alaska, focusing on adherence to general aviation safety guidelines.
๐ Connection Tips
Connections at Ambler Airport are exclusively through domestic bush flights, with Bering Air being the primary scheduled carrier. These flights are crucial for linking Ambler with the regional hub of Kotzebue (OTZ) and nearby villages like Shungnak (SHG) and Kobuk (OBU). Kotzebue's Ralph Wien Memorial Airport serves as the main gateway from which most flights to Ambler originate, providing essential connections to Anchorage via Alaska Airlines. Because there are no roads connecting this isolated part of the Northwest Arctic Borough to the rest of the state, these regional air links are the only way to transport supplies, personnel, and medical essentials to the community. Travelers should expect a highly personalized but informal experience, as flights often operate as multi-stop 'milk runs' across the Kobuk River valley.
Travel to and from Ambler is highly dependent on unpredictable Arctic weather conditions and available daylight hours. Flights are frequently subject to significant delays or total cancellations due to adverse weather patterns, including dense fog, heavy snow, or high winds, which are common throughout the year. It is crucial for all travelers to maintain flexible itineraries and to confirm their flight status directly with Bering Air or their charter operator before heading to the airstrip. Unlike major commercial airports, there are no inter-airline baggage transfer services here; all luggage is handled manually by the pilot and ground agents upon arrival and departure. Always prepare for the unexpected and carry essential items in your carry-on, as the challenging environment can lead to extended stays in regional hubs like Kotzebue.
Ground transportation in the village of Ambler is extremely limited and primarily relies on local community members or pre-arranged pickups from your lodging provider. There are no traditional taxi services, Uber, or rental cars readily available at the airport, which is located about 1.5 miles north of the village center. Most residents and visitors use ATVs (four-wheelers) during the summer and snow machines in the winter to navigate the gravel road between the airstrip and the community. Bering Air typically has a local agent who coordinates arrivals and can assist with logistics, but it is vital to have a clear plan for your ground transport well in advance of your touchdown to ensure you are not left stranded at the remote airfield.
Self-sufficiency is paramount when traveling to such an isolated destination, and coordination with local providers like the Kobuk River Lodge is highly recommended. This lodge is the primary provider for both accommodation and meals in Ambler and can often assist with arranging the necessary transport from the airport. During the summer months, travel between Ambler, Shungnak, and Kobuk can also be conducted via small boats on the Kobuk River, though this is a local arrangement and not part of any formal transit system. Having a thorough understanding of your ground logistics, including pre-booked lodging and a confirmed local contact for pickup, is as critical as your flight plan when navigating the unique challenges of the Alaskan bush.
โ Back to Park Township Airport