The Evolution Of Mitchel Field Airport: Gates And Growth

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is a civil–military airport located 5 miles south of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The airport has a rich history, named after United States Army General Billy Mitchell, who is regarded as the father of the United States Air Force. The airport has seen several expansions and renovations since its establishment, with the most recent addition being a 16-gate expansion in 1990, bringing the total number of gates to 42. In 2012, discussions were held about closing one concourse to cut costs, and in 2018, initial funding was provided for the replacement of Concourse E with a new international terminal. As of 2025, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport has one terminal with two concourses, Concourse C and Concourse D, and a total of 38 gates.

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport's history

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, located 5 nautical miles south of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is named after United States Army General Billy Mitchell, who is regarded as the father of the US Air Force. The airport was originally established in 1920 as Hamilton Airport by local businessman and aviator Thomas F. Hamilton.

In October 1926, Milwaukee County purchased the land and renamed it Milwaukee County Airport. The first airport terminal, the Hirschbuehl Farmhouse, opened in July 1927, with Northwest Airlines providing air service to Chicago and Minneapolis/St. Paul. In August 1927, the airport received a visit from world-renowned aviator Charles Lindbergh.

During the late 1930s, a new two-story passenger terminal was constructed by the Works Progress Administration. On March 17, 1941, the airport was renamed General Mitchell Field, honouring Milwaukee native and aviation advocate Brigadier General William "Billy" Mitchell. During World War II, Mitchell Field was leased to the War Department and served as a prisoner-of-war camp, housing over 3,000 prisoners and 250 enlisted men.

The current terminal opened on July 20, 1955, and has since undergone several expansions and renovations. In 1986, the airport was renamed General Mitchell International Airport, reflecting its growing national recognition and the presence of US Customs. The airport has continued to expand and improve its facilities over the years, including the addition of new concourses and gates, as well as enhancing its safety features.

In 2019, the airport underwent a rebranding, becoming Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport to highlight its location and anchor city. The airport has received recent accolades, being recognised as one of the best airports in the world by the Airports Council International in 2022 and 2023. Today, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport has one terminal with two concourses and 38 gates, serving as a vital transportation hub for the region.

Concourse C and Concourse D

Concourse C features the Bay View Exchange and Bronzeville Crossing shops, as well as a branch of Starbucks and Chili's restaurant. It also includes a TSA PreCheck lane, which allows eligible travellers to keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on during security screening.

Concourse D houses a Delta Sky Club, which provides a space for relaxation or work. It also includes the Brighton and Lakeview Travel Mart shops, as well as Miller Brewhouse and Usinger's Famous Sausage restaurants.

The airport's amenities

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) has a range of amenities to ensure a seamless travel experience for its passengers. The airport features a single terminal with two concourses, Concourse C and Concourse D, encompassing a total of 38 gates. Below is an overview of the amenities available at MKE.

Mitchell Gallery of Flight

The Mitchell Gallery of Flight is a free, non-profit aviation museum located pre-security in the main terminal. The museum is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and houses a number of historic aircraft on display, including the Crites 1911 Curtiss Pusher N1911D, "Silver Streak", and the North American TB-25M Mitchell, named after the airport's namesake, General William "Billy" Mitchell. The gallery also includes a clay "peace mural" from Saint Petersburg, Russia, which was previously located inside the security perimeter of a domestic concourse.

Retail and Food Options

MKE offers a variety of retail and dining options for travellers. Concourse C is home to popular chains such as Starbucks and Chili's, while Concourse D offers local favourites like Miller Brewhouse and Usinger's Famous Sausage. The main terminal features a Harley-Davidson shop, a PGA Tour Shop, and a branch of Renaissance Books, known for being the world's first used bookstore in an airport. There are also convenience stores and newsstands located throughout the airport.

Family Amenities

MKE provides several amenities specifically for families. Play areas for children are available throughout the facility, and baby and family amenities are also offered. Nursing suites and mothers' rooms are located within the terminal for those travelling with infants.

Relaxation and Work Spaces

For those seeking a moment of relaxation or a quiet work area, Concourse D houses a Delta Sky Club. Additionally, the USO room on the concession level offers a space for rest and rejuvenation.

Navigation and Wayfinding

To assist with wayfinding, MKE provides interactive terminal maps that can be accessed online or via mobile phone. These maps allow users to navigate to specific terminals, concourses, gates, or amenities, and provide directions between locations. Signage throughout the terminal also helps direct passengers to their gates, amenities, and other points of interest.

Transportation and Parking

MKE offers a variety of transportation options, including bus, train, and shuttle services to and from the airport. Remote parking lots and shuttle services are available, and a free shuttle bus connects the airport to the nearby Amtrak Milwaukee Airport Rail Station.

Accessibility

MKE provides accessibility information and services to ensure a smooth travel experience for all passengers. This includes accessible parking, wayfinding assistance, and family restrooms located within the terminal.

With its range of amenities, MKE strives to provide a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for its passengers, offering convenient services and facilities that cater to the diverse needs of travellers.

The airport's food and shopping options

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport has a wide range of food and shopping options to satisfy travellers' needs. The airport features a single terminal with two concourses, Concourse C and Concourse D, offering a variety of dining and retail choices.

Concourse C is home to popular restaurant chains such as Starbucks and Chili's. This concourse also houses Southwest Airlines and United Airlines. Concourse D, on the other hand, accommodates the remaining airlines and offers local favourites like Miller Brewhouse and Usinger's Famous Sausage. For travellers seeking a relaxing atmosphere, Concourse D houses a Delta Sky Club.

In addition to the dining options within the concourses, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport also has a Vino Volo Wine Bar, Garden District Kitchen and Bar, Great American Bagel, and Nonna Bartolotta's.

When it comes to shopping, the airport provides a diverse selection of retail outlets. The main terminal features a Harley-Davidson shop and a PGA Tour Shop. Additionally, there is the Miller – The Brewery Shop, Bay View Exchange (Concourse C), Brew City Brand (Concourses C and D), Brighton (Concourse D), and Bronzeville Crossing (Concourse C). For book lovers, the Renaissance Books store in the main terminal is a must-visit, known for being the world's first used bookstore in an airport.

The airport also offers convenience stores and newsstands located throughout, ensuring travellers can find any last-minute travel essentials they may need. With its variety of food and shopping options, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport caters to the diverse preferences and needs of its travellers.

The airport's location and accessibility

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is located 5.8 miles south of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. It is named after United States Army General Billy Mitchell, who was raised in Milwaukee and is regarded as the father of the United States Air Force. The airport is the primary hub for Milwaukee and also serves travellers from Southern and Eastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.

The airport is accessible by road from I-41/I-94 and WIS 38 via WIS 119. The MCTS Green Line offers service to downtown and north shore suburbs, with Route 80 serving the airport from Oak Creek, downtown, and Milwaukee's north side. Badger Coaches also operates a service between the airport, downtown Milwaukee, Johnson Creek, Goerkes Corners, and Madison.

Amtrak's Milwaukee Airport Rail Station is located just 0.75 miles from the airport, with free shuttle buses connecting the train station to the baggage claim area. Amtrak Thruway bus services also run from the airport to Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Appleton, and Green Bay.

Wisconsin Coach Lines operates an Airport Express service to O'Hare Airport (ORD) in Chicago, as well as from Waukesha, Milwaukee (Downtown and the Amtrak/Greyhound Station), Racine, and Kenosha. Lamers Connect offers daily services to/from Wausau, with stops in Milwaukee, Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Appleton, Waupaca, and Stevens Point.

The airport has one terminal with two concourses, Concourse C and Concourse D, and a total of 38 gates. Southwest Airlines and United Airlines primarily use Concourse C, while Concourse D accommodates the remaining airlines. All international arrivals without border pre-clearance must pass through the International Arrivals Building.

The terminal features the Mitchell Gallery of Flight, a non-profit museum, and a USO room on the concession level. There are also retail outlets, a small food court, and a branch of Renaissance Books, which is believed to be the world's first airport bookstore specialising in used books. Play areas for children are available throughout the facility.

Frequently asked questions