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APN → DTW
Which side of the plane to sit from Alpena County Regional Airport (Alpena) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the Lake Huron coastline, the expansive Saginaw Bay, and a stunning aerial approach of the Detroit River and downtown skyline.
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Lake Huron Shoreline
Breathtaking views of the turquoise waters and rugged coastline as you depart Alpena heading south.
Saginaw Bay
A vast expanse of water where the 'thumb' of Michigan begins to take shape to the east.
St. Clair River
Watch the international border with Canada and the heavy freighter traffic navigating towards Lake St. Clair.
Lake St. Clair
A beautiful view of the shallow blue lake, dotted with recreational boats and the shoreline of Grosse Pointe.
Detroit Waterfront
The iconic Renaissance Center and the downtown skyline are frequently visible during the descent into DTW.
Book a morning flight to witness the sun rising over Lake Huron. During the descent, keep your camera ready for the Detroit River and the Ambassador Bridge. If the plane approaches DTW from the north, the left side provides the clearest view of the city center.
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Huron National Forest
Deep green canopy views of the sprawling northern Michigan forests shortly after takeoff.
Saginaw Valley
View the agricultural heartland of Mid-Michigan and the clustered urban areas of Bay City and Saginaw.
Flint Urban Area
The industrial landscapes and grid patterns of Flint and its surrounding suburbs.
Oakland County Suburbs
A dense patch of residential developments and inland lakes as you enter the Metro Detroit airspace.
The right side is best for viewing autumn foliage colors during late September and October. While less scenic than the water views on the left, it provides a good perspective of Michigan's industrial and agricultural transition from north to south.
Book Hotels in DetroitDistance: 319 km (198 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 32 min
Departure: APN (45.07809829999999, -83.56030273)
Arrival: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Route Type: Domestic
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