The Merrill airport has been serving the Lincoln County community and businesses for many years.

The Merrill airport was established in 1936. It started out with two grass runways/strips (North/South and East/West). In late 1947, the North/South runway was paved with blacktop. In the early fifties, the North/South runway was move to the west. The first main airport service hangar was built and located south of the current main hangar/terminal. In 1947 service hangar rent was $10 per month. The current main hangar/terminal was built in 1966-67. Several private hangars were constructed where the original main service hangar was located. The original private hangar owners where Merrill Manufacturing, Edwin Sandas, Bud Taylor (Taylor Funeral Home), Richard Vandergeest, O’Day borthers (Foto News), Merrill Flying Club, Dr. Hilt, Gary Schulz, and Mark Koenig).  In approximately 1977, there were ten rental hangars built north of the current main service hangar. In addition, several private hangars are located north of the main service hangar, too. In 1981, the old East/West runway was replaced and lengthened.

Other interesting history facts:

• Huber Humphrey flew into Merrill. Merrill’s mayor was to meet him however; he had to ask directions to the airport.


• For a while, Tiny Krueger took flying lessons.


• In the early days, the south end of the airport was swamp. In spring only float planes could land at the airport.

Throughout the airport’s history, there were many excellent airport managers. Each one maintained and helped the airport grow. The following list provides their history:

• 1939 – 1942 Edwin Baseman
  1943 – 1944 No flying occurred during the war years
  1945 – 1946 Bill and Stan Hurst
  1947 – 1960 Charles and Alida Ercegavac
  1961 – 1962 Al (Butch) Roman and Loyd Boyd
  1963 -1973 John Hatz
  1974 – 1974 Ted Leaver (Division of Central Wisconsin Aviation)
  1975 – James Claspill (Division of Central Wisconsin Aviation)
  1976 – 1979 James Nieswonger (J&J Aviation)
  1979 – 1980 James Nieswonger (American air service)
  1980 – 1980 Richard Ganci (Ganci Flying Service)
  1980 – 1984 Gene Dalesandro (Merrill Flying Service)
  1984 – 1984 Micahel Wynn (Wynaire)
  1985 – 2004Robert Gehring (Northwind Aviation)
  2005 – Present John Miller (John Miller Aviation Inc.)

The following list provides a brief overview of the airport's projected future growth and expansion:

• Build a parallel taxi way for East/West runway (25/07).
• Create a public access ramp south from Champagne Street.
• Install a Jet A refueling system
• Provide room for additional private hangars
• Erect a new terminal building
• Provide an additional row of rental hangars
• Bring city sewer and water to the main terminal building and private hangars