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Aircraft Viewing Area, Saint Paul

Aircraft Viewing Area

Cargo Road, St. Paul, MN 55111

612-726-8100

Details:

This summer, my boys started taking a delighted interest in airplanes. They point out every one that goes overhead and ask constantly about the chance of flying somewhere. I decided this would be a good time to visit Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport's Aircraft Viewing Area. This is the official place to watch airplanes in the metro area. Add to the fun by using this handy Flight Tracker website, so you can figure out where each airplane is headed.

Although it is really just a sidewalk with benches, it was a fun place to visit for a family picnic.

We've found that a good time to stop here is after dropping family off at the airport. We can go "watch Grandma's plane take off". It doesn't really matter if we watch her actual flight. We just stop and wave goodbye to the next plane to take off.

Plusses of the Aircraft Viewing Area

1. It is free.
2. You can spontaneously drop by. There are no special security checks since it is not actually at the airport.
3. It has a direct view of runways and easy viewing of planes rolling in after landing.
4. There are 25 free parking spaces.
5. Two picnic tables are available on a first come basis.
6. There are several park benches.
7. Garbage and recycling receptacles are handy for cleaning up post-picnic.
8. Security cameras and lighting are onsite.
9. For those interested, there is a sign with details about the various planes.

Hard to photograph, but interesting to look at while you visit.

 Minuses of the Aircraft Viewing Area

1. There are no restrooms.
2. There is currently no shady area from which to watch. However, trees have been planted so someday there may be more shade.
3. If you don't know your way around the area, it may be a bit hard to find the first time.
4. It was surprisingly crowded. We had hoped to grab a picnic table, but they were in use.
5. It is loud. Sensitive children may not like it. I had to take our toddler back to the van early.

Finding the Aircraft Viewing Area.

The viewing area sits deep in the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport, at the end of Cargo Road and next to the FedEx Shipping Center. You can get there from 66^th Street in Richfield, then take Longfellow south to Cargo Road. Or from 494, go north on 24^th Avenue to 77^th Street to Longfellow Road, to Cargo Road.  Click on the image below to go to a printable PDF map from MSP.

Another option for watching planes is nearby Fort Snelling State Park. State parks require the purchase a vehicle permit, but offers restrooms and shade. 

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