Indoor skydiving in Minnesota

Indoor skydiving in the northern United States

Unlike traditional freefall, this experience takes place in a vertical wind tunnel, a large transparent chamber where a continuous airflow keeps you suspended in midair. These simulators perfectly recreate the conditions of a 13,000-foot jump: your body floats, the wind supports you, and the tunnel operator adjusts the airspeed according to your skill level. One of the major advantages of this activity is that it’s open to everyone, starting at age 3 or 4, and can be practiced year-round regardless of the weather, it’s especially popular in the northern United States.

Wind tunnels in Minnesota

Beyond the well-known iFLY Minnetonka, other indoor skydiving centers in Minnesota have opened in major urban areas, including around Rochester and St. Cloud, to meet growing demand. These facilities are used both for first-time flyers and for experienced skydivers in training. Wind speeds can reach 250 km/h (155 mph), allowing different types of flight to be simulated: stable flying, turns, ascents, and controlled descents. Before entering the tunnel, each participant receives a safety briefing and full equipment, a flight suit, helmet, and goggles. The instructor remains present throughout the session to ensure safety and to help improve body control and technique. This discipline is both a leisure activity and a true aerial sport, used by skydivers to perfect their skills before jumping at drop zones in Minnesota and elsewhere in the U.S.

A fun skydiving simulator experience

Indoor skydiving is more than just an attraction, it’s a safe way to learn the basics of freefall. Each session includes several one- to two-minute flights, equivalent to multiple real-world parachute jumps. Children, families, and groups enjoy it as a fun and original activity, while enthusiasts use it to train before an outdoor jump in Minnesota. The tunnels are equipped with cameras to record each flight, and participants can often purchase a souvenir video or receive a beginner’s certificate. For those who want to progress further, advanced training sessions are available to learn solo flying and perform maneuvers independently. Easily accessible from Minneapolis, Duluth, or Rochester, indoor skydiving has become one of Minnesota’s top attractions, the perfect way to feel the freedom of flight without ever boarding a plane.