Loading map...

DTW destination photo
MSP destination photo

DTWMSP

Our Recommendation
7.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers superior views of the winding Mississippi River and the downtown skylines of both St. Paul and Minneapolis during the typical westward arrival sequence into MSP.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🏛️

Ann Arbor & UofM

Clear views of the University of Michigan campus and the 'Big House' stadium shortly after departing DTW.

🌊

Lake Michigan Cross

An expansive view of the deep blue water as the flight traverses the center of the lake between Michigan and Wisconsin.

🌾

Midwest Farmland

The geometric patchwork of central Wisconsin's agricultural heartland, particularly vibrant during the summer greening.

🚢

Mississippi River

The massive, winding waterway marking the border between Wisconsin and Minnesota during the final descent.

🏙️

Twin Cities Skyline

Prime views of the Minneapolis skyscrapers and the U.S. Bank Stadium when landing from the east.

For the best experience, book an afternoon flight to have the sun behind you for clearer photography. If the plane lands on the 30 runways, the left side provides the most iconic view of the Minneapolis city center. Watch closely within 10 minutes of takeoff for the Michigan Stadium.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🏙️

Grand Rapids

Views of Michigan's second-largest city and the winding Grand River as you head toward the lakeshore.

🏖️

Sleeping Bear Dunes

On more northerly routes, you can see the high sandy bluffs of the Michigan coastline along Lake Michigan.

🌲

Wisconsin Northwoods

Dense clusters of pine forests and hundreds of small glacial lakes dotting the landscape of northern Wisconsin.

🏞️

St. Croix River

A scenic national riverway that carves through the landscape just before the flight reaches the MSP metro area.

🏟️

Allianz Field

The distinct, glowing architecture of the soccer stadium in St. Paul is often visible on the right during the approach.

The right side is excellent for morning flights as the sun illuminates the landscape from the east. It offers a great perspective of the St. Croix Valley. Look for the white sails of boats on the many Wisconsin lakes during the summer months.

Top Activities in Minneapolis
Route Information

Distance: 848 km (527 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 25 min

Departure: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)

Arrival: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)

Route Type: Domestic

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.