Funke Memorial Field

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Funke Memorial Field is a historic airfield located in the state of Kentucky that was built in the 1920s.


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Summary

The airfield has a rich history and is a popular destination for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs. The field is home to several vintage aircraft and aviation artifacts, including a DC-3 airplane and a replica of the Wright Brothers' first glider. Visitors can take guided tours of the airfield and museum to learn more about the history of aviation in the region.

In addition to its aviation history, Funke Memorial Field is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The airfield is located in a scenic area surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests, making it an ideal spot for hiking, camping, and fishing. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and Mammoth Cave National Park.

One interesting fact about Funke Memorial Field is that it was named after a local aviator, Carl Funke, who played a key role in establishing the airfield. Funke Memorial Field is also one of the few remaining grass airfields in the United States, which adds to its unique charm and character.

The best time of year to visit Funke Memorial Field is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. Visitors should also check the airfield's schedule of events, as there are often airshows and other special events held throughout the year. Overall, Funke Memorial Field is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in aviation history, outdoor recreation, and the natural beauty of Kentucky.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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