From never-ending forests and countless lakes, to spacious cities and ample culture, the state of Minnesota and its abundant airports offer access to the adventures of a lifetime. There’s never been a better time to visit, whether you’re flying to the Great North Woods, Lake Superior, the Twin Cities, and beyond. Here are the best places to fly in Minnesota (and what to do after you land)!
Crystal Airport (MIC) – Crystal, MN
Located eight miles northwest of the central business district of neighboring Minneapolis, Crystal Airport is one of the busiest private-service airports in the state of Minnesota. Named after the city in which it’s located, Crystal Airport offers three paved and one turf runway, and two non-precision instrument approaches. A fixed-base operator is located on site, as is an FAA-operated air traffic control tower, operating daily in the summer from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and in the winter from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Crystal Airport Contact Information
Address: 5800 Crystal Airport Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55429
Phone: (763) 537-4096
Things To Do Near Crystal Airport
Since you’re just a short Uber to anywhere in the Twin Cities, there are a number of things to do around Crystal Airport. Minnesota’s largest metropolis and the 14th largest in the nation is home to a number of things to do all year round, including visiting famous museums, seeing professional sports, and wandering beautiful parks.
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Sky Harbor Airport (DYT) – Duluth, MN
Skyharbor Airport, also known as “The People’s Airport”, is an airport and seaplane base located in Duluth, MN. Situated on the tip of the world’s longest freshwater sand spit, Sky Harbor has been dedicated to maintaining a beautiful, all-natural surrounding. It’s fully funded by user fees instead of taxpayer support, which has created a community hub for business, educational and tourist flight travel.
Sky Harbor Airport Contact Information
Address: 5000 Minnesota Ave, Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: (218) 733-0078
Things To Do Near Sky Harbor Airport
Located just five miles from downtown Duluth’s restaurant district, lakeside attractions, shopping areas and more, Sky Harbor provides pilots with the quickest entry to all the city offers. Try one of these area favorites:
- Fitgers, the famous brewery located on the bank of Lake Superior.
- Canal Park which offers historic monuments, bridges, lighthouses and great views of the Big Lake.
- If you’re flying in winter, Spirit Mountain is a local skiing-area situated on the outskirts of town.
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Chandler Field (AXN) – Alexandria, MN
Chandler Field, located in Alexandria, MN, is a beautiful strip to fly in to. It has served the people of the area for many years, once serving as a stop for WWII bombers. It’s main use today comes from corporate jets and other private planes.
Alexandria Aviation, located on the southeast ramp of KAXN, offers aircraft rentals, aircraft charters, flight instruction, and full-service 100LL and JetA refueling.
Chandler Field Airport Contact Information
Address: 2604 Aga Dr, Alexandria, MN 56308
Phone: 320-762-2111
Things To Do Near Chandler Field
Numerous Golf Courses near Alexandria
Pack up your clubs and head to one of the many golf clubs around the area, including Alexandria, Atikwa, and Geneva Golf Clubs.
Rent a Watercraft (or jetpack) at Barefoot Aqua Sports
Get out of the cockpit and onto a jet ski to test your abilities on the water. Barefoot Aqua Sports provides jet skis, pontoons, speed boats — even a jetpack-style aquaflyer for the brave — for a few hours of fun on the lakes in Douglas County.
Grab Some Famous Chicken at Chet’s Lakeside Inn
Chet’s is the most revered chicken shack in the north. Grab a half or full chicken, light or dark, or if you’re trying to stay healthy, enjoy the open salad bar instead. Seasonal hours may apply.
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Falls International Airport (INL) – International Falls/Koochiching, MN
Falls International Airport is a city owned, public use airport on the border of Canada and Minnesota. The airport, situated in Koochiching County, MN has two asphalt paved runways and is considered a designated international Port of Entry to the United States. It features daily commercial air service to and from MSP, and also provides services for private pilots through the fixed-base operator.
Falls International Airport Contact Information
Address: 3214 2nd Ave E, International Falls, MN 56649
Phone: (218) 283-4461
Things To Do Near Falls International Airport
International Falls is known for its magnificent natural features, but there’s nothing as stunning as Voyageurs National Park. The park is known for its waterways among boaters and for having some of the earliest formed rocks in the world. There are a number of guided tours available through their website.
Head to Fort Frances in Ontario
As the first European settlement west of Lake Superior, this fort was built in 1731 for fur trade. The Fort Frances Museum maintains and exhibits artifacts from throughout the town’s history. A visit here is a great way to spend a few hours if you’re flying into International Falls.
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