If you want to get technical, they have slightly different aircraft that my husband would love to go into detail about why one is better than the other. But show-wise, it’s pretty similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Duluth Air Show has the added benefit of being close to a branch of the 148th<\/sup> Fighter Wing Air National Guard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A lot of times this means you\u2019ll have extra Air Force at the show performing. Some are coming back from missions, while others take off just to put on a show for you. They do all kinds of different demonstrations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Things I have seen in the past include a Harrier Jet take off vertically like a helicopter, and a KC-46A refilling another aircraft mid-flight. Every air show will have different demonstrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If there is ever a time to invest in VIP parking, I\u2019d do it at the Duluth Air Show. The general admission parking lot is a few blocks away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a noticeable few blocks after a hot day in the sun. The other thing about this Air Show is the runway remains active. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This means that there are scheduled breaks in between flight displays to let normal air traffic take off. The crowd has fun with it and waves at the commercial Delta Flight as it takes off. Those passengers never thought they would ever be part of an Air Show.<\/p>\n\n\n The Wings of North AirExpo is not a traditional airshow. They focus more on ground displays and incorporate flying into the mix. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s usually held in Eden Prairie at the Flying Cloud Airport. I attended it when I was a kid and loved getting up close with the aircraft. Over the years they’ve added aerial demonstrations too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Residents of Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, and the surrounding communities can usually stand outside their houses if they are in the flight path and view practice shows in the weeks leading up to the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out other Fun Things to do in Eden Prairie MN<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n This smaller airshow<\/a> is located in Paynesville MN, about 40 minutes southwest of St. Cloud. Not much is known about the airshow, as demonstrations are still being added. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Being a smaller show can bring a lot of fun, as you’ll get an intimate experience. This show ends with a stage performance from Ramp Dance with a band and beer garden. It’s worth checking out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n ** No show 2023 ***<\/p>\n\n\n\n The biannual Ray Fagen Memorial Airshow is taking place this year. This is an amazing location for a show. It’s expected to be a warbird-heavy air show, along with some aircraft from their personal collection of planes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They have a North American B-25 J Mitchell 44-86698\u00a0Paper Doll<\/em>, P-51D Mustangs 44-63864\u00a0Twilight Tear<\/em>\u00a0and 44-72051\u00a0Sweet Revenge<\/em>, Curtiss Kittyhawk Mk.I AK753\u00a0Desert Shark<\/em>, \u00a0P-40K Warhawk 42-10083\u00a0Aleutian Tiger<\/em>, and of course, their magnificent Lockheed P-38L Lightning 44-27231\u00a0Ruff Stuff<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Fagen Fighte<\/a>rs WWII Museum is a hidden treasure in Granite Falls. I had the opportunity to visit a few summers back and was blown away by the quality of the museum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n At the time it was free with a suggested donation. I have never seen anything as spectacular as that, and I’ve been to the Smithsonians. The owner had family in town that weekend and decided to take his own planes out to put on a show. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out the Fagen Fighters WWII Museum: Honoring the Greatest Generation<\/a> to learn more about the museum, where the airshow takes place, and other great information!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Mankato Air Spectacular<\/a> is my favorite Air Show to attend for a few reasons. First, they are close to the Twin Cities making it an easy day trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The drive is one of my favorites because it doesn\u2019t require going through big cities and road construction. Sorry, but the way 35N is right now, it\u2019s a wonder how anyone gets there in one piece. And Mankato is a fun place to visit<\/a> any time of year!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The parking is right next to the runway and they provide a tractor shuttle service to help you get to your car. You\u2019d be surprised at how nice this is until you spend what seems like an eternity walking to your car after a hot day on the tarmac.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As far as the performance schedule, there are few breaks in-between performances. The breaks that they do have are just enough time to re-stock on food or look at a grounds display and then find your seat again. Everything ends with the Thunderbirds<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out 30 Amazing Things to do in Mankato MN: The Ultimate Guide<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n With so much to see and do at an Air Show, it can get overwhelming your first time. There are things going on in every direction you turn. Here is a breakdown of what to expect so you get the most out of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First and foremost the Air Show is a live display of our country’s innovations in air travel and military achievements. If you do not support this, consider skipping this event. There will be recruiters around from every branch of the Armed services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a great opportunity to take part in a bunch of the challenges each one sets up, like pushup contests and other fun activities. A word of caution, if you give them your name and phone number, they will call you as part of a recurring effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The next best thing to seeing an aircraft in the air is getting to touch one on a runway. Things like an FA-18F, WWII P40, B-52, and a P-51 Mustang are just a few of the aircraft they have on display. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There may be opportunities to get in a few aircraft and see what they would be like to fly.<\/p>\n\n\n The simple answer is yes. They become popular entertainment for families because kids often get in for free! The Mankato Air Spectacular is free for kids under 12 and Duluth is free for five and under. So bring them all! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Before taking your kids to an Air Show, make sure to let them know what to expect. There will be loud noises. This can include explosions and mock gunfire from a plane, to a wall of fire. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is all part of the show. This all takes part behind the runway and not on the crowd side. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whenever the Thunder Birds, Blue Angels, or any other high-powered jet aircraft is in the air, expect things to get loud. So loud, you can feel it in your chest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While I won\u2019t ruin anything for anyone\u2019s first experience, if you have younger kids that scare easy and the Thunder Birds or Blue Angles are out, keep them close. They like to show off sneak maneuvers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bring some type of ear protection, especially for young children. My son\u2019s first Air Show was when he was a year old and we still made sure he was wearing earmuffs. Adults should also wear them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can pick them up on Amazon<\/a>, Cabela\u2019s<\/a>, and Scheels. They sell them at the Air Shows too if you forget. We used the same ear protection we got for the kids for the Lucas Oil Drag Races in Brainerd<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pick up some ear protection<\/a> online and don’t worry about tracking them down in the stores. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n You may be tempted to arrive early to see all the great ground displays. But if you hold off on this for in-between aerial shows, you\u2019ll have a much better attention span. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a great time to get them out of their chairs. Often you’ll find most Minnesota air shows have a dedicated Kids Zone filled with inflatable activities kids can do for a fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The air show last for almost 4 hours. That\u2019s a lot of time to expect a kid to stay interested in flying planes. At some point during the show though, you will face the inevitable I\u2019m bored. <\/p>\n\n\n\n That is why I recommend bringing a deck of cards or something small to entertain them. Chances are this will happen when a plane is doing something so cool; you will be shocked why they don\u2019t care. Just accept that this will happen at some point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bring some small travel games<\/a> to keep the kids occupied!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n After each performer is done, your kids will get the opportunity to meet the pilots. This includes the Thunderbirds! Pay attention to the loudspeakers and find out where they will be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Otherwise, you can also get autographs from the pilots on the ground. Most of them stay near their aircraft and are in uniform.<\/p>\n\n\n Almost everything you need is inside the Air Show. Including chairs, if you forget yours. But in order to save a few dollars and have a better experience, I recommend a few other things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Air Shows all have their own rules about what type of chairs you can bring in. Traditionally, any type that can be folded up into a bag and thrown over your shoulder is good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The only problem is there are 1000 other people with the same chairs. It makes it incredibly difficult to find yours in the sea of chairs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Bring one that stands out. One year when we had a bunch of chairs that had a \u201cDick’s\u201d logo on the back for Dick’s Sporting Goods Store<\/a>. They were very easy to spot. You can also solve this problem by hanging back by buildings and other landmarks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sun Block and an Umbrella are necessary. Rain or Shine, bring an Umbrella! Having an umbrella over you in-between air displays will be life-changing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You laugh, but after coming home from multiple Minnesota Air Shows with the worst sunburns of my life, I finally got smart and brought out the umbrella.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pick up a good quality Sun Umbrella<\/a>! We got for of these last season and they made such a difference! Plus it dropped the temp a good 5 – 10 degrees!!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a huge money saving. The Mankato Air Spectacular, Fagen Fighters, and others let you bring in 1 bottle of unopened water or an empty refillable water container per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They provide water satiation to fill up and get more water. Take advantage of this because it can get hot out there. Fill your Hydro Flask<\/a> with ice before you go and have a cool drink!<\/p>\n\n\n There are generally three types of tickets at Air Shows. General Admission, Premium, and VIP seats. All have a variety of different features. Which one to choose depends on where you want to sit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The nice thing about Minnesota Air Shows is that 90 percent of the show is in the air. That means you do not have to be close to the runway to see everything. So don\u2019t worry about a tall person in front of you. That\u2019s why I usually get a General Admission Ticket whenever I go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n General Admission is a free-for-all. Almost anything is fair game when selecting a seat. The key is to stay near the show center. This is usually marked by the announcers who are on a platform next to the runway. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you cannot find them, the premium seating and VIP tents will be closest to the show center. Pick a spot nearby. Sometimes it is better to be towards the back because of the show because easier to find your chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One thing that surprises me each time is just how many people show up and fill in the gaps you have left between you and the people in front of you. Do not be too concerned, or try and stake out our spot with blankets if you are concerned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bring a colorful blanket that you can spot easily from a distance and keep in front of your chairs. This will give you more space to lay out. Pick up one by clicking here<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The premium seating is a designated area close to the action. Being up close will give you the added benefit of getting to see any activity on the ground. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This can include acrobatic maneuvers like slicing a string 10 feet off the ground with a plane. Or landing an airplane on a moving vehicle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes there is pyrotechnics and there might even be a rocket-powered truck. If they are important to you, defiantly get this package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n VIP seating always has the most alluring. They come with a wide range of features, providing special food vendors, tents, and chairs to sit in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is great for people from out of town that may not have chairs and gives you the opportunity to spend some time under a tent. In past experiences, there is usually space in front of the tent to view so it does not obstruct your view.<\/p>\n\n\n Let\u2019s get real for a second. You will not be able to get a decent picture of an airplane flying with a cellphone. Most pocket cameras will not have the zoom required either. If you have those kinds of cameras, just sit back and enjoy the show. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Those cameras will only be able to get a decent picture of ground displays. If you do want a decent picture of planes in the air, make sure you have a good telephoto lens<\/a> on a DSLR-style camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 90% of the photos on this page were taken with a telephoto lens. If you don’t have one you can pick one up by clicking here<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n If you are still Jonesing for more Minnesota Airs Shows, visit the Minnesota Air National Guard Museum<\/a> in St. Paul. It\u2019s a secure facility so you\u2019ll need to make a reservation before visiting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"B-2](\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/stealth-bomber.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWings of North AirExpo \u2013 July 22-23th<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"p-51](\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/P-51-Mustang.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPaynesville Airshow – August 26, 2023<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ray Fagen Memorial Airshow <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Mankato Air Spectacular \u2013 Tentative June 17-18, 2023<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Thunderbirds](\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Thunderbirds-Formation.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nTips and Tricks for an Air Show<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What is there to do at an Air Show?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Military Presence<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Displays<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Cockpit](\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Aircraft.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nAre Air Shows Kid Friendly?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Preparing Kids for the Air Show<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Ear Protection<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"ear](\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Ear-Muffs.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nEntertainment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Meet the Pilots<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Watching](\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Watching-a-Show.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWhat Should I Bring to an Air Show?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Unique Folding Chairs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sun Protection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hydration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Snacks](\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Snacks.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWhat Type of Tickets Do I Need?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
General Admission Tickets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Premium Runway Seating<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
VIP Seating<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Finding](\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Air-Show-Crowds.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nTaking Pictures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Lucas](\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/lucas-oil-biplane.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWant More Minnesota Air Show Fun Year Round?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Get](\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/MN-Air-Shows.png\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"