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SDF destination photo
MSP destination photo

SDFMSP

Our Recommendation
7.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides a superior view of the Ohio River at departure, the winding Mississippi River valley during the descent, and the iconic skyscrapers of downtown Minneapolis upon arrival.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🌊

Ohio River Crossing

Immediately after takeoff, witness the wide Ohio River carving the boundary between Kentucky and Indiana.

🏙️

Downtown Louisville

Excellent views of the KFC Yum! Center and the historic Louisville skyline shortly after lift-off.

🛤️

Wabash River Valley

View the meandering waters of the Wabash River as the flight traverses the Indiana-Illinois border.

🚜

Midwestern Patchwork

Stunning geometric patterns of corn and soybean fields across the Illinois and Iowa plains.

🏙️

Minneapolis Skyline

A prime view of the Foshay Tower and modern skyscrapers when landing from the south or east.

Choose the left side for afternoon flights to avoid direct glare from the sun. Watch for the dramatic shift in landscape as the flat prairies give way to the bluffs of the Mississippi River valley about 20 minutes before landing. In winter, the frozen river patterns are particularly striking.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🏎️

Indianapolis Perimeter

On clear days, catch a glimpse of the distant Indianapolis skyline and the famous Motor Speedway to the east.

🌲

The Driftless Area

Observation of the unique, unglaciated rugged terrain of southwestern Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota.

🛶

St. Croix River

The scenic waterway separating Wisconsin and Minnesota is visible during the final approach phase.

🏛️

St. Paul State Capitol

A clear view of the massive white marble dome of the Minnesota State Capitol building in St. Paul.

🏟️

Allianz Field

The distinct, glowing facade of the Minnesota United soccer stadium is a landmark for the right-side approach.

The right side is ideal for morning flights to witness the sunrise over the Midwest. Keep an eye out for the distinct lack of glacial drift in the 'Driftless Area' of Wisconsin, which features steeper hills and deeper valleys than the surrounding plains.

Top Activities in Minneapolis
Route Information

Distance: 971 km (603 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 37 min

Departure: SDF (38.1744, -85.736)

Arrival: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)

Route Type: Domestic

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