Discovery flight in Minnesota

Indoor skydiving in Minnesota

Minnesota offers the perfect setting for flying, with stable weather, vast open spaces, and spectacular natural scenery. Whether in a hot air balloon, light aircraft, ultralight, or indoor skydiving wind tunnel, each experience provides unique sensations while showcasing the beauty of the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.”

Scenic airplane flights

Airplane flights in Minnesota are available from several airfields, including Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Duluth, and Brainerd. These discovery flights let you admire rivers, lake chains, and pine forests from a few hundred meters up. From Duluth International Airport, pilots take passengers over Lake Superior, the largest of North America’s Great Lakes. In Minneapolis, scenic flights soar above the city and the Mississippi River, offering spectacular views of its bridges and parks. These flights are open to everyone and can be booked for a first experience, a gift, or simply an original outing with a partner or friends.

Hot air balloon flights in Minnesota

For those seeking a calm and peaceful flight, a hot air balloon ride is one of Minnesota’s most iconic aerial activities. Departures take place at sunrise or sunset, when winds are calm and light is softer. Around Stillwater, St. Cloud, or Lakeville, balloon rides offer panoramic views of farmland, wooded areas, and small Midwest towns. The basket rises slowly, carried by the wind, while the silence of the flight allows you to fully enjoy the surrounding nature. At the end of the flight, pilots often serve the traditional champagne toast in a warm, friendly atmosphere.

Skydiving and indoor freefall

Adrenaline seekers can choose between a tandem skydive or an indoor skydiving session. Outdoor jumps are offered in several areas, including Baldwin, Forest Lake, and Skydive Twin Cities, on the Minnesota-Wisconsin border. The flight to altitude takes about twenty minutes, followed by the big jump from 13,000 feet. For those who prefer an alternative to jumping from a plane, indoor skydiving at the iFLY Minneapolis center in Minnetonka delivers the same sensations in a vertical wind tunnel. Air propelled at over 200 km/h reproduces the feeling of real freefall, all under the supervision of professional instructors.

Ultralight and light aircraft flights

Ultralight and light aircraft flights are becoming increasingly popular in southern and eastern Minnesota, particularly around Rochester and Faribault. These small planes allow low-altitude flights to observe lakes, forests, and farmland from a unique perspective. The pilot adapts the route based on weather conditions and passenger preferences. It’s an ideal activity for those curious about flight who want to experience free flight without committing to full training. Some clubs also offer introductory lessons,the first step toward learning to fly solo.

An aerial experience to live or offer

Whatever the activity, a discovery flight in Minnesota is an accessible, safe, and unforgettable experience. All pilots and instructors are FAA-certified, and flights are open to everyone. Between the calm of a hot air balloon flight, the thrill of skydiving, and the technology of indoor skydiving, there’s something for everyone in Minnesota’s skies. Offering an aerial discovery flight here means offering a unique way to explore this beautiful state, between bustling cities, shimmering lakes, and endless forests.