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GRR destination photo
MSP destination photo

GRRMSP

Our Recommendation
7.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side is slightly preferred for this route as it typically offers superior views of the Mississippi River crossing and a clear perspective of downtown St. Paul during the final descent into Minneapolis.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🏙️

Grand Rapids Skyline

Immediately after takeoff from GRR, enjoy a view of the downtown Grand Rapids area and the Grand River winding through the city.

🌊

Lake Michigan Shoreline

A stunning transition from the Michigan coast into the vast blue expanse of the lake, often passing near the Saugatuck or Holland dunes.

🚜

Wisconsin Farmlands

Aerial patterns of the agricultural heartland of central Wisconsin, featuring a mosaic of green and gold fields.

🏞️

Mississippi River Valley

A major highlight as you cross the border from Wisconsin into Minnesota, showing the wide river and its many wooded islands.

🏛️

St. Paul Cathedral

During the final approach into MSP, the left side often provides a close-up view of the St. Paul skyline and the historic cathedral.

Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you. This side is prime for capturing the river crossing and the urban landscape of the Twin Cities during the standard descent path into Runway 30L or 30R. Look out for the Grand River early in the flight.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🛥️

Northern Lake Michigan

Views of the deeper blue waters of Lake Michigan, with occasional sightings of cargo ships or the distant Door Peninsula to the north.

🌲

Central Wisconsin Lakes

A bird's-eye view of the numerous glacial lakes and dense forested patches scattered across the Wisconsin landscape.

🌊

St. Croix River

The scenic border between Wisconsin and Minnesota, known for its deep blue water and lush greenery along the banks.

🏙️

Downtown Minneapolis

If the flight approaches MSP from the east, the right side can offer a spectacular view of the Minneapolis skyscrapers and U.S. Bank Stadium.

Choose the right side for sunset flights to witness the sky change colors over the Wisconsin lakes. This side is ideal for spotting the Minneapolis skyline on clear days. Keep an eye out for the distinct St. Croix River just before entering Minnesota airspace.

Top Activities in Minneapolis
Route Information

Distance: 656 km (408 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 6 min

Departure: GRR (42.88079834, -85.52279663)

Arrival: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)

Route Type: Domestic

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