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MSP destination photo
HIB destination photo

MSPHIB

Our Recommendation
7.8

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.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🏙️

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.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🏛️

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.

Top Activities in Hibbing
Route Information

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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