MSP Airport Aircraft Viewing Area

Website: Aircraft Viewing Area

MSP’s Aircraft Viewing Area is one of Saint Paul’s hidden gems. Many families find it to be the perfect spot to watch planes take off and land for a close-up viewing experience.

The summer my boys started taking a delighted interest in airplanes, they would point out every one they spotted 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.

Why the MSP Airport Aircraft Viewing Area is great family fun

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

Best Times to View Airplanes

The best time to view airplanes will depend on weather and MSP’s schedule. Because there is no shelter and the area can get windy and sunny, you may want to choose a less windy day with some cloud cover but no rain. Departures from the terminal occur all day but happen at higher volumes at the beginning and end of the work day — 7am to 9am and 4pm to 7pm.

What to Bring

Airplane watching isn’t that different from birdwatching when it comes to what to pack. While the viewing area is close enough that binoculars are not necessary, adults and bigger kids may get a kick out of trying to match up the planes they see with the onsite aircraft poster (see photo above). Bigger airplane enthusiasts may want to bring a camera and journal to record the planes they see. Other items that would make the visit more pleasant include a picnic or snacks, sunscreen and noise cancelling headphones.

Downsides of the visit

• There are no restrooms.
• There is currently no shady area from which to watch. However, trees have been planted so someday there may be more shade.
• If you don’t know your way around the area, it may be a bit hard to find the first time.
• It was surprisingly crowded. We had hoped to grab a picnic table, but they were in use.
• 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

We hope you have a chance to get out and enjoy the up-close views, photo opportunities, and a exciting atmosphere just steps from MSP’s runway. If you have already visited the Aircraft Viewing Area, share your tips with other parents in the comments section. We would love to hear your feedback.

Share Your Experience/Tips:

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