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BIS destination photo
MSP destination photo

BISMSP

Our Recommendation
7.5

Left Side of the Plane

The Left Side offers a superior view of the Fargo-Moorhead metro area and the dramatic transition from the flat North Dakota plains into the dense, glaciated lake country of central Minnesota.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🌊

Missouri River Bend

A final view of the wide Missouri River as it separates Bismarck and Mandan during the climb out.

🏙️

Fargo-Moorhead

The largest urban center in the region, visible near the North Dakota-Minnesota border along the Red River.

🛶

Otter Tail Lake Region

The landscape transforms into the iconic Land of 10,000 Lakes, featuring thousands of water bodies scattered across the terrain.

🏞️

St. Cloud

A clear view of the upper Mississippi River as it winds through this major central Minnesota hub.

💧

Minneapolis Chain of Lakes

On the final approach, see the beautiful urban lakes like Bde Maka Ska and Harriet just west of downtown.

Choose the left side for morning flights to see the sun reflecting off the many lakes. This side is also better for spotting the Red River Valley's perfectly flat, grid-patterned farmland before the terrain becomes hilly in Minnesota.

Right Side Highlights
6.8
🌊

Oahe Reservoir

To the south of the flight path, the vast northern reaches of the Oahe Reservoir on the Missouri River are often visible.

🌾

Coteau des Prairies

Observe the distinct rise of the prairie plateau, a highland area formed by glacial deposits in southeastern North Dakota.

🚣

Minnesota River Valley

The plane often follows the lush, wide valley of the Minnesota River during the descent into the Twin Cities.

🏡

Lake Minnetonka

Depending on the approach pattern, the sprawling, intricate shoreline of Lake Minnetonka is a major highlight to the west of the city.

🛍️

Mall of America

A perfect view of the massive shopping complex and the Nickelodeon Universe roof located immediately south of the MSP runways.

The right side is the best choice for afternoon or evening flights to avoid glare from the southern sun. On the final approach into MSP, this side provides an unbeatable view of the Mall of America if the flight lands on the 30L or 30R runways.

Top Activities in Minneapolis
Route Information

Distance: 619 km (385 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 2 min

Departure: BIS (46.77270126342773, -100.74600219726562)

Arrival: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)

Route Type: Domestic

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