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DEC destination photo
STL destination photo

DECSTL

Our Recommendation
7.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior view of the St. Louis skyline, including the Gateway Arch and downtown district, during the final approach into STL.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🌊

Lake Decatur

Visible immediately after takeoff, this large reservoir provides a scenic start to the short flight.

🏛️

Cahokia Mounds

As you descend into the Metro East area, look for the ancient UNESCO World Heritage site's earthworks.

🏙️

St. Louis Skyline

The iconic Gateway Arch and downtown buildings are prominently visible as the plane aligns for landing.

🏟️

Busch Stadium

The home of the St. Louis Cardinals is easily identifiable by its bright red seats and open-air design.

🌉

Eads Bridge

A historic steel-arch bridge spanning the Mississippi River, marking the final transition into Missouri.

Choose the left side for morning flights to have the sun behind you, illuminating the St. Louis skyline. This side is most likely to catch the Gateway Arch if the aircraft follows a standard southeast approach into runways 30L or 30R. Keep your camera ready as the flight is very short, often under 35 minutes.

Right Side Highlights
5.5
🌾

Illinois Prairies

Extensive patterns of agricultural fields and wind turbines characterize the landscape of central Illinois.

🛤️

Route 66 Corridor

The historic highway and parallel rail lines run through small towns like Litchfield and Hamel.

💧

River Confluence

Look north to see where the Missouri and Mississippi rivers meet, creating a massive hydrological junction.

🌉

Chain of Rocks Bridge

A unique bridge with a 22-degree bend visible just north of the city limits.

🌳

Forest Park

One of the largest urban parks in the country, featuring the Art Museum and Zoo, visible just before touchdown.

The right side is ideal for spotting the geographical confluence of the major rivers north of St. Louis. If flying in the late afternoon, you may experience glare; however, it provides a great view of the airport layout (STL) during the final banking maneuvers. It is the quieter side for those wanting to avoid the sun's direct heat during midday southwesterly travel.

Top Activities in St. Louis
Route Information

Distance: 177 km (110 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 18 min

Departure: DEC (39.83459854125977, -88.8656997680664)

Arrival: STL (38.748697, -90.370003)

Route Type: Domestic

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