Skydiving in Minnesota

An ideal state for skydiving

The flat terrain, stable weather, and wide open spaces of Minnesota create perfect jumping conditions for much of the year. Whether you want to experience your first tandem jump, improve your skills with an AFF (Accelerated Freefall) course, or simply try indoor skydiving, Minnesota offers a variety of experiences for all levels. The clubs in Minneapolis, Forest Lake, Baldwin, and Skydive Twin Cities are among the most renowned in the northern United States.

Tandem jump: the best introduction

Tandem skydiving is the most accessible and popular option in Minnesota. After a short ground briefing, you board a small plane that climbs to 13,000 feet (about 4,000 meters). Attached to a professional instructor, you experience about 45 seconds of freefall at over 200 km/h before the parachute opens, allowing for a smooth, silent descent. From the sky, the view is spectacular, to the west, the forests and fields of the Mississippi Valley; to the north, the shimmering blue reflections of countless lakes; and on clear days, the Minneapolis-Saint Paul skyline on the horizon. Each jump is supervised by instructors certified by the Federal Aviation Administration, ensuring maximum safety. It’s an ideal experience for a first jump, a birthday gift, or a thrilling activity during a stay in Minnesota.

AFF course: becoming autonomous in freefall

For those who want to go further, several skydiving centers in Minnesota offer AFF (Accelerated Freefall) courses. This progressive training teaches you to jump solo from the very first flights, under the supervision of two instructors who accompany you during freefall. As you progress, you learn to control your body position, deploy your parachute, and steer the canopy until landing. The centers in Forest Lake and Baldwin are especially well-known for their comprehensive training programs. The course takes place over several days and leads to an initial skydiving license recognized nationwide. It’s the ideal option for enthusiasts who want to make freefall a real sporting passion.

Indoor skydiving: an accessible alternative

For those who want to experience the sensation of flight without jumping from a plane, indoor skydiving in Minneapolis is the perfect alternative. The iFLY Minnetonka center, located near Ridgedale Center, features a state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnel. The airflow reaches over 200 km/h, accurately recreating the feeling of a real skydive. Open to participants as young as 3, the activity is supervised by professional instructors. Each session includes a short training briefing, equipment rental, and two one-minute flights inside the tunnel. It’s an ideal introduction before trying an outdoor jump.

An experience to live in Minnesota’s skies

Skydiving in Minnesota is an unforgettable experience, no matter which type of flight you choose. Between the realism of indoor skydiving, the freedom of tandem jumping, and the learning experience of the AFF course, everyone can find the perfect balance between excitement and discovery. With modern facilities, certified instructors, and exceptional natural surroundings, Minnesota ranks among the best U.S. destinations to discover the thrill of skydiving.