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MWA → STL
Which side of the plane to sit from Williamson County Regional Airport (Marion) to St Louis Lambert International Airport (St. Louis)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the iconic St. Louis skyline, including the Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium, during the final approach into STL.
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Mississippi River
View the massive river system forming the natural border between Illinois and Missouri as you cross from the east.
Gateway Arch
An unparalleled view of the 630-foot stainless steel monument and the urban core of Downtown St. Louis.
Busch Stadium
The home of the St. Louis Cardinals is clearly visible just south of the Arch during the descent.
Forest Park
Sprawling views of one of the nation's largest urban parks, featuring the Art Museum and Zoo.
Jefferson Barracks
A historic military site and national cemetery situated on the bluffs overlooking the river.
Sit on the left for the best chance to see the Arch. On clear days, the descent over the Illinois suburbs provides a perfect alignment for city photography. Sunset flights are particularly scenic as the sun reflects off the Arch's stainless steel surface.
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Crab Orchard Lake
Large bodies of water and wetlands immediately visible after takeoff from Marion.
Illinois Farmlands
Geometric patterns of vast agricultural fields characteristic of the Midwestern landscape.
Kaskaskia River
A winding river corridor featuring dense forest patches and rural Illinois scenery.
Carlyle Lake
To the north, you can often spot Illinois' largest man-made lake on the horizon.
River Confluence
Distances views of the Missouri River meeting the Mississippi north of the city center.
The right side is ideal for capturing the rural beauty of Southern Illinois. Keep an eye out for the transition from flat farmland to the industrial outskirts of East St. Louis. It is often less crowded on these regional routes, providing a quieter viewing experience.
Book Hotels in St. LouisDistance: 162 km (101 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 16 min
Departure: MWA (37.75500107, -89.01110077)
Arrival: STL (38.748697, -90.370003)
Route Type: Domestic
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