The wind is just right for you to come in for a landing at the Northwest Airlines History Center Museum – and we’re happy to guide you in!
FROM MSP INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT:
Long layover? The Northwest Airlines History Center Museum at the Crowne Plaza Aire Hotel is easily accessible from both MSP terminals using the METRO Blue Line Light Rail. The museum is two stops from Terminal 2 and one stop from Terminal 1.
From the Airport to the Museum:
- Follow the signs to the “Baggage Claim” area.
- From there, follow the signs to “Light Rail Transit.” In Terminal 1, this will include a short tram ride underneath the terminal.
- At the Light Rail Transit station, buy a ticket from the ticket machine. Fares: $2.50 peak, $2.00 off-peak. A ticket is good for 2 .5 hours of unlimited travel, so depending on the length of your visit to the museum, a separate return ticket may not be necessary.
- The Metro Transit Blue Line trains run every 10 minutes. Take a “southbound” train marked “Mall of America.”
- Get off at the “American Boulevard” station. The ride from Terminal 1 is about 10 minutes, or 5 minutes from Terminal 2.
- Cross the street to the Crowne Plaza Aire Hotel. The museum is on the third floor, across from the Fitness Center.
Total average time from Terminal 1 to the Museum:
40 minutes
(15 max walking from gate to LRT station, 10 max waiting for train, 10 max riding train, 5 walking from LRT station to museum)
Total average time from Terminal 2 to the Museum:
40 minutes
(20 max walking from gate to LRT station, 10 max waiting for train, 5 max riding train, 5 walking from LRT station to museum)
From the Museum to the Airport:
- Cross American Boulevard and 34th Ave to the northbound Blue Line light rail station (across the street from the southbound station).
- If necessary, purchase a new ticket from the ticket machine.
- Take any “northbound” Blue Line train to the terminal for your airline.
Total average time from the Museum to Terminal 1:
40 minutes
(5 walking from museum to LRT station, 10 max waiting for train, 10 riding train, 15 max walking from LRT station to gate)
Note: flight boarding begins 30 min before departure time.
Total average time from the Museum to Terminal 2:
70 minutes
(5 walking from museum to LRT station, 10 max waiting for train, 5 riding train, 10 max walking from LRT station to TSA security, 15-30 going through security, 10 max walk to gate)
Note: flight boarding begins 30 min before departure time.
FROM THE TWIN CITIES METRO AREA:
- Head toward MSP International Airport.
- From I-494, get off at the 34th Ave. S. exit (second exit east of Hwy 77/Cedar)
- Go south on 34th Ave. S. for one block to American Blvd.
- Turn left onto American Blvd.
- Crowne Plaza Aire Hotel is on your right. Free parking is available on the top two floors of the hotel’s ramp – use the section marked “Hotel Parking” only. The museum is on the third floor, across from the Fitness Center.
CONTACT THE NORTHWEST AIRLINES HISTORY CENTER
To get more information about the Northwest Airlines History Center, book a special guided tour for a large group, donate an item, or learn about volunteer opportunities, please contact the Northwest Airlines History Center using the form below:
Northwest Airlines History Center Museum (Map)
(please do not send mail to this address)
Crowne Plaza Aire Hotel
3 Appletree Square
Bloomington, MN
952-876-8677
info@northwestairlineshistory.org
Northwest Airlines History Center Office and Archives
(mailing address)
10100 Flying Cloud Drive, Suite A306
Eden Prairie MN 55347-4016
952-698-4478
