Simviation Forum - KMSP Airplane Observing locations

May 15^th, 2009 at 8:55pm

PlutonianEmpire Offline
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Where is a good spot either at or around the Minneapolis KMSP airport that I can watch planes take off or land? And what is the street address or lat/long coordinates of that spot (so I can find directions to it In Mapquest or Google Earth or something like that)? Is it still legal to observe planes from those spots?

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Reply #1 - May 15^th, 2009 at 9:10pm

Sean_TK Offline
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It may be a safer bet both legally and convenience-wise to plane spot at either Holman/Downtown or Anoka Co.

I have relatives in MN and although I have been through KMSP many, many times (great airport), I cannot think of an decent spot for spotting.

It's been a few years since I've been to Holman/Downtown, but from what I remember, you have a fairly decent area next to the old terminal. Anoka County is always worth a look too. Easy access pretty much everywhere, along with a nice air museum open to the public, and friendly people that will usually let you enter the other large hangers.

A few years ago my grandfather and I were walking around Anoka County, saw a partially opened hanger and asked to go inside. The folks invited us to look around for a bit, and upon entering the hanger, there it was:
THE Howard 500, the actual, real plane of Milton Shupe flight simulator fame. I wish I still had my picture of it!

You obviously won't see your giant tubeliners here, but the sheer variety of light aircraft should keep you occupied!

-Sean

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Reply #2 - May 15^th, 2009 at 9:23pm

Thumper04 Offline
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Try the upper level of the east parking ramp at the Mall of America. It's roughly 3/4 mile from the threshold, and maybe 1/4 mile west of the extended centerline of 17/35. Should afford a decent veiw of the rest of the airport as well. No charge for parking either.

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Reply #3 - May 15^th, 2009 at 9:49pm

PlutonianEmpire Offline
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Thumper04 wrote on May 15^th, 2009 at 9:23pm:

Try the upper level of the east parking ramp at the Mall of America. It's roughly 3/4 mile from the threshold, and maybe 1/4 mile west of the extended centerline of 17/35. Should afford a decent veiw of the rest of the airport as well. No charge for parking either.

Sweet. I'll try it out.

Sean_TK wrote on May 15^th, 2009 at 9:10pm:

It may be a safer bet both legally and convenience-wise to plane spot at either Holman/Downtown or Anoka Co.

I have relatives in MN and although I have been through KMSP many, many times (great airport), I cannot think of an decent spot for spotting.

It's been a few years since I've been to Holman/Downtown, but from what I remember, you have a fairly decent area next to the old terminal. Anoka County is always worth a look too. Easy access pretty much everywhere, along with a nice air museum open to the public, and friendly people that will usually let you enter the other large hangers.

A few years ago my grandfather and I were walking around Anoka County, saw a partially opened hanger and asked to go inside. The folks invited us to look around for a bit, and upon entering the hanger, there it was:
THE Howard 500, the actual, real plane of Milton Shupe flight simulator fame. I wish I still had my picture of it!

You obviously won't see your giant tubeliners here, but the sheer variety of light aircraft should keep you occupied!

-Sean

I prefer tubeliners, but yeah, that seems like a nice idea.

Still open to more suggestions!

&&There is no escaping the Plutonian Empire!!!!

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Reply #4 - May 15^th, 2009 at 10:09pm

DaveSims Offline
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Thumper04 wrote on May 15^th, 2009 at 9:23pm:

Try the upper level of the east parking ramp at the Mall of America. It's roughly 3/4 mile from the threshold, and maybe 1/4 mile west of the extended centerline of 17/35. Should afford a decent veiw of the rest of the airport as well. No charge for parking either.

Exactly what I was thinking, my girlfriend hates when we park there, cause I would rather watch airplanes than go in the mall. Wink

Dave

www.flymcw.com

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Reply #5 - May 18^th, 2009 at 1:37pm

Thumper04 Offline
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Hurlburt Field, FL

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DaveSims wrote on May 15^th, 2009 at 10:09pm:

Exactly what I was thinking, my girlfriend hates when we park there, cause I would rather watch airplanes than go in the mall. Wink

Who wouldn't? I really hate the mall. I'd much rather spend my time in Ikea across the street!

But yeah, the mall is probably the easiest-access place where you're least likely to be hassled by anybody.

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Reply #6 - Jun 7^th, 2009 at 1:40am

PlutonianEmpire Offline
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How come no one told me about that "cell phone lot" on Post Rd right by runway 30L?

I tried it, and saw a squad car go by us with no problem.

&&There is no escaping the Plutonian Empire!!!!

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