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CMH destination photo
MSP destination photo

CMHMSP

Our Recommendation
7.8

Right Side of the Plane

The Right Side provides the most diverse scenery, offering potential glimpses of Lake Michigan's shoreline, the unique topography of the Driftless Area, and a beautiful approach over the St. Croix River valley.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🌊

Lake Michigan

Spectacular views of the deep blue waters and the winding coastline near the southern basin of the Great Lakes.

🏙️

Milwaukee Coastline

Clear views of the Milwaukee skyline and the Port of Milwaukee if the flight path takes a more northerly trajectory.

🏞️

The Driftless Area

Observation of the unglaciated, rugged terrain of southwestern Wisconsin characterized by deep valleys and high ridges.

🛶

St. Croix River

The scenic, winding river that serves as the natural border between Wisconsin and Minnesota.

🏙️

Downtown St. Paul

On standard arrivals, a clear view of the Minnesota State Capitol and the St. Paul skyline just before landing.

The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to avoid the direct western sun. Watch for the 'Driftless Area' in Wisconsin, which offers the most interesting geological formations of the trip. Ensure your window is clean for photos of the St. Croix River, which is often at its most vibrant during the autumn foliage season.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🏙️

Columbus Skyline

Excellent views of downtown Columbus and the Scioto River immediately following a westbound departure.

🌽

Midwestern Heartland

A sprawling tapestry of agricultural grid patterns across Indiana and Illinois, showcasing the scale of the American farm belt.

🏙️

Chicago Skyline

On clear days with a southerly route, the iconic Sears (Willis) Tower and Lake Michigan shoreline are visible in the distance.

🌊

Mississippi River

A dramatic crossing of the nation's largest river system as the flight enters the Minnesota border region.

🏟️

Mall of America

During the final approach into MSP, look for the massive retail complex located just south of the airport perimeter.

Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind you. This side is particularly rewarding if the flight path skims the southern edge of Lake Michigan, providing distant but impressive views of the Chicago metro area. During winter, look for the stark contrast of snow-covered fields in the rural segments.

Top Activities in Minneapolis
Route Information

Distance: 1,006 km (625 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 20 min

Departure: CMH (39.998001, -82.891899)

Arrival: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)

Route Type: Domestic

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