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MSP → HIB
Which side of the plane to sit from Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain Airport (Minneapolis) to Range Regional Airport (Hibbing)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most iconic views of the Minneapolis skyline upon departure and provides a superior angle for viewing the massive open-pit iron mines on the approach to Hibbing.
Minneapolis Skyline
Dramatic views of downtown skyscrapers and U.S. Bank Stadium immediately after takeoff from MSP.
Mississippi River
The winding river valley serves as a geographic guide as you depart the Twin Cities metro area.
Cuyuna Range Lakes
Dozens of deep, sapphire-blue mine pit lakes surrounded by dense forest regrowth near Crosby.
Hull-Rust-Mahoning Mine
The 'Grand Canyon of the North,' a massive active iron ore mine that dominates the landscape near Hibbing.
Mesabi Range Approach
Low-altitude views of the rugged industrial terrain and iron-rich red earth characteristic of the region.
Book a window seat on the left for the best morning light on the Minneapolis skyline. As you approach Hibbing, stay alert for the sudden transition from forest to the massive red-tinted excavations of the iron mines. In winter, the frozen lakes appear as bright white patches against the dark green boreal forest.
St. Paul Landmarks
Clear views of the Minnesota State Capitol dome and the Cathedral of Saint Paul during the initial climb.
Mille Lacs Lake
One of Minnesota's largest inland lakes, often visible on the horizon with its vast, sea-like expanse.
Superior National Forest
The beginning of the vast northern wilderness characterized by dense pine stands and hidden bogs.
Iron Range Railways
Spot the heavy-duty rail lines used to transport iron ore from the mines to the Duluth shipping ports.
Taconite Plants
Large industrial processing facilities that turn raw iron ore into pellets for the global steel industry.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh western sun. It provides a great perspective of the transition from the rolling farmland of central Minnesota to the dense Northwoods. Keep an eye out for 'Northbound' traffic on the major highways below, which look like tiny ribbons through the trees.
Distance: 280 km (174 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 28 min
Departure: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)
Arrival: HIB (47.38660049, -92.83899689)
Route Type: Domestic
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