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FAR destination photo
MSP destination photo

FARMSP

Our Recommendation
8.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers the most consistent scenic rewards, featuring the dense Minnesota Lake Country, the winding Mississippi River, and the best potential views of the Minneapolis skyline upon approach.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🌊

Red River of the North

Immediately after takeoff, witness the serpentine path of the river that forms the border between North Dakota and Minnesota.

🚤

Minnesota Lake District

Fly over the 'Land of 10,000 Lakes,' including the clusters around Pelican Lake and the Alexandria area.

🏙️

St. Cloud Urban Area

A clear view of Central Minnesota's largest city and its position along the Mississippi River corridor.

🌉

Mississippi River Crossing

Aerial perspective of the upper Mississippi as it begins to widen and flow toward the Twin Cities.

🏙️

Downtown Minneapolis

Depending on the landing configuration, catch the skyscrapers of the city center and the US Bank Stadium.

Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct southern sun glare. The views of the lake country are best during the transition from late spring to autumn. If the flight lands on the 12L or 12R runways, the left side provides a superior view of the Minneapolis skyline during the final descent.

Right Side Highlights
7.4
🚜

Agricultural Patchwork

The geometric precision of the Red River Valley's farmland creates a stunning quilt-like pattern of various crops.

🌳

Glacial Ridge

Observe the subtle transition from the flat lakebed of ancient Lake Agassiz into the rolling glacial moraines.

🛶

Minnesota River Valley

Deep, wide valley views as the plane tracks southeast toward the confluence near the airport.

🛍️

Mall of America

An iconic view of the massive retail complex located just south of the MSP airport perimeter during final approach.

🦅

Minnesota Valley Refuge

Expansive wetlands and wildlife habitats bordering the airport to the south and west.

The right side is ideal for evening flights to catch the sunset over the prairie. Keep your camera ready during the final 3 minutes of flight; if landing from the west, the Mall of America is most prominent on this side. During winter, look for the intricate patterns of frozen rivers and snow-covered fields.

Top Activities in Minneapolis
Route Information

Distance: 359 km (223 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 36 min

Departure: FAR (46.92070007324219, -96.81580352783205)

Arrival: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)

Route Type: Domestic

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