Bowman Field

Bowman Field is where as a teenager I began my flight lessons toward my private pilots license. It’s an excellent airport to instruct and train pilots. Lots of history that’s obvious all over the airport. Absence makes the heart grow fonder and when I return to Bowman Field those memories come rushing back. Only time to avoid this airport is Derby and Thunder over Louisville weeks.

I might be somewhat bias because I have an extreme infatuation with planes and history. I virtually grew up on Bowman field working at AirCenter1, cleaning and fueling planes, and at Ohio Valley Maintenance as a handyman. I also received my solo and private pilots licensee here by the age of 17.
The history of Bowman can be seen at the main terminal located on the corner of Pee Wee Reese and Taylorsville Road. Pictures litter the walls, cramming in over 120 years of rich aeronautical history into one building. There is very few things better to me than grabbing a large ice tea on a summer day and sitting out in the summer sun watching planes take off and land. For a more romantic setting I would suggest visiting late night (11pm-​12am). This is the time frame in which UPS planes line up across the sky as the fly over en route to Louisville International Airport. The area is well lit and safe.
In conclusion, Bowman is an underappreciated jewel of Louisville. I would highly encourage people to visit. It’s educational, free and entertaining!

Bowman Field is such a neat tidbit of history — one of the great treasures that makes Louisville special.
Established in 1919, it is one of the longest continuously operating, general aviation airports in the United States. And it makes me feel like I’m going back in time whenever I visit.
I envision gals with finger-​wave hairdos, cloche hats and low-​waisted skirts and fellas in fedoras and bow ties with slicked back hair — suitcases in hand — waiting for flights. Family and friends of the travelers gather in the airport’s large lobby.
Seriously, if anyone is in need of a period setting for a movie, Bowman Field definitely fits the part.
If you get a chance to visit, take some time to look at the photos that line the lobby’s walls. I was particularly impressed with the photo of Eleanor Roosevelt when she visited the airport.
And from the lobby you can look out onto parked planes and runways. They practically meet the building.
Bistro La Relais, which is in the main building as well, provides visitors with a great food option.

Historic, stunning, perfectly preserved. A unique legendary piece of WPA architecture. It’s crazy to think this was once «the airport»!

Nostalgic, magical, surreal, romantic, traveling back in time…
We happened upon this place on a sunny, breezy Saturday afternoon. The building is well preserved and complete with historic photos and stories. The history is rich with military, commercial, and private planes. (see photo of history)
There is a really cool outdoor bench area. As soon as you see the empty benches facing the tarmac, we couldn’t help but instantly imagine ladies and gentlemen in the 30s waiting for arrivals. During the depression (we read) watching the planes was a very popular activity that didn’t cost a thing.
We were able to walk right out on the tarmac and check out the private planes. Only later, did we see the «no trespassing sign.» Also, they do offer flying lessons.
The restaurant on site was preparing to open for the 5:30 dinner hour and smelled of mouth watering roasted garlic.
Why visit? Great location. Free. Renews your sense of adventure as you discover all the nooks, crannies, and history. I can’t wait to bring our other out of town guests. What a fun place for a picnic or trip with the kids.

I travel back and froth between DC and Louisville frequently and my coworker bought a plane so we decided to fly ourselves this time. Bowman field is a really cool airport. It was built in 1929 and was one of the first airports in the country. TWA Panam and continental used to fly out of there «back in the day». Now its a general aviation airport with some charter operations.
Apparently its really over run during Derby time — but it was chill when we came it. For me the awesomest part was I’d called ahead to Hertz and they had dropped a car off at the airport for me. I went over to the car and drove right up to the plane.
If you buy gas its free to tie down — so we are buying gas and can stay for a week or so for free.
There is supposed to be an amazing restaurant Le Realis on the field. I haven’t tried it yet but it looks real good. Hope to review it soon.