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PSC destination photo
MSP destination photo

PSCMSP

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side is superior for this eastbound journey because it offers consistent lighting away from the sun's glare and spectacular views of the Palouse, northern Montana wilderness, and the stunning lake-dotted descent into Minnesota.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌾

The Palouse

Shortly after takeoff from PSC, view the rolling, vibrant green and gold wheat hills of eastern Washington.

🏔️

Bitterroot Mountains

Rugged, snow-capped peaks along the Idaho-Montana border offering dramatic alpine scenery.

🌊

Fort Peck Lake

A massive, winding reservoir on the Missouri River that stands out against the Montana plains.

🏜️

North Dakota Badlands

The striking, eroded rock formations of Theodore Roosevelt National Park visible mid-flight.

🏙️

Red River Valley

The flat, fertile farmland surrounding the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area.

🛥️

Minnesota Lake District

Thousands of glacial lakes appear during the descent, showcasing why Minnesota is the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Sit on the left (Side A/C) to avoid direct sunlight and glare, which is especially important for mid-day flights. This side provides the best view of the 'Big Sky' Montana landscapes and the beautiful transition into the lush Minnesota wetlands. Keep your camera ready about 20 minutes after takeoff for the Palouse and 30 minutes before landing for the lakes.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
🌊

Wallula Gap

A massive water gap through basalt ridges where the Columbia River turns south.

🌲

Blue Mountains

Deeply forested ridges of the Umatilla National Forest visible to the south after departure.

🌋

Yellowstone Plateau

In the far distance, you can often see the high-altitude terrain of the Yellowstone region.

⛰️

Black Hills

The dark, forested uplift in South Dakota can be spotted on a clear day south of the flight path.

💧

Missouri River

Multiple crossings of the winding Missouri River as it snakes through the Great Plains.

🏙️

MSP Skyline

Excellent views of the Minneapolis and St. Paul skyscrapers depending on the landing runway configuration.

The right side (Side D/F) offers views of more famous landmarks like the distant Black Hills, but you will likely deal with significant sun glare for most of the flight. If flying during winter, the snow-covered plains of South Dakota and the Missouri River look particularly geometric and artistic from this side. For the best arrival views, watch for the MSP airport's proximity to the Mississippi River.

Top Activities in Minneapolis
Route Information

Distance: 2,013 km (1,251 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 41 min

Departure: PSC (46.26470184326172, -119.11900329589844)

Arrival: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)

Route Type: Domestic

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