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MSP destination photo
SBN destination photo

MSPSBN

Our Recommendation
7.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior perspective of the Madison isthmus and a more scenic approach along the Michigan coastline as the aircraft descends into South Bend.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🌊

Mississippi River Crossing

Aerial views of the winding river valley and the bluffs marking the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin.

🏙️

Madison Lakes

A clear view of the Wisconsin State Capitol situated on the narrow isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona.

🏖️

Michigan Gold Coast

The picturesque sandy shoreline of Lake Michigan near St. Joseph and Benton Harbor as you begin the final descent.

Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the harsh southern sun. This side is particularly rewarding for seeing the unique geography of Madison, Wisconsin, about halfway through the trip. During descent, look for the change in water color near the Michigan shoreline.

Right Side Highlights
6.8
⛰️

Driftless Area Terrain

Observing the unglaciated, rugged topography of Southern Wisconsin characterized by deep river valleys.

🚜

Midwestern Farmland

The intricate geometric patterns of agricultural fields across the heart of the American Midwest.

🏙️

Distant Chicago Skyline

On clear days, the silhouette of the Willis Tower and downtown Chicago may be visible far to the south across the water.

The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to catch the sunset over the lake. If the flight path tracks slightly south, you may get a distant view of the Chicago skyline to the south as you cross the lower tip of Lake Michigan. Watch for the Indiana Dunes just before landing.

Top Activities in South Bend
Route Information

Distance: 661 km (411 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 6 min

Departure: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)

Arrival: SBN (41.70869827270508, -86.31729888916016)

Route Type: Domestic

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