Where to Park, Shop and Dine at MSP Airport

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport History and Changes

MSP Airport is a civilian and military airport about 10 miles from downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Its history begins in 1919 as the Speedway Field when local groups took control of the Twin City Speedway racetrack. They built a wooden structure for airmail services, and the airport gradually expanded throughout the 30s, 40s, and 50s to become a significant hub for air travel throughout the Midwest region.

In more recent history, the airport has pushed to reduce noise problems and added better soundproofing elements. In 2008 and 2014, it received further funding to mitigate noise, with a total of $95 million added in 2014 alone. In 2022, it was ranked in Passenger Satisfaction as the best airport in the United States and Canada by J.D. Power.

MSP has also introduced eco-friendly initiatives, like utilizing LEED-certified buildings. These eco-friendly initiatives have earned praise from various groups in recent years and have become some of the most popular amenities in the airport. MSP has pledged to continually add new and exciting green initiatives to its facility in the coming decades.

MSP Address and Contact Information

Located approximately 10 miles from both Minneapolis and Saint Paul, MSP Airport has a Minneapolis address of 4300 Glumack Drive. You can call the airport at 1.612.726.5555 to learn more about your flight, MSP airport delays, MSP airport weather, and any MSP airport hotels that may be near you. The Minnesota St Paul Airport includes 24/7 customer service support.

Art, Sculpture, and Things to See at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport

MSP Airport’s extensive art program helps introduce you and your family to the extensive art scene throughout the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area. For example, there’s a sculpture garden featuring works like “Sisyphus” by Tony Craig and other local art designs. It includes a self-guided tour that makes it more exciting and memorable.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport also hosts regular live music performances that include local rock, jazz, and classical musicians. These artists change regularly and typically occur in various areas throughout the terminals. For example, you might see a small jazz combo playing in one terminal and a folk-style band playing in another.

MSP Airport Parking/Transportation

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport has multiple parking options, however many Minnesota travelers choose Park N Fly by The Parking Spot for discounts, loyalty rewards, great service, and hospitality. 

Hotels Near Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport

There are many hotels near MSP Airport that you can stay with during your travels. These MSP Airport hotels provide high-quality service and a cozy place to stay while you’re in the area. Just a few options that might make sense to you and your family include:

• Baymont by Wyndham Bloomington
   1200 East 78th Street, Richfield, MN
   Ph. + 1.800.337.0550
   
   
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham
   7815 Nicollet Avenue South, Bloomington, MN
   Ph. + 1.952.881.7311
   
   
• Hyatt Place Minneapolis Airport
   7800 International Drive, Bloomington, MN
   Ph. + 1.952.0700
   
   
• Radisson Blu Mall of America
   2100 Killebrew Drive, Bloomington, MN
   Ph. + 1.844.5296

Terminal Map for MSP Airport

MSP provides a map for people traveling through their terminals. This MSP airport map lets you choose between Terminals 1 and 2, including restaurants, shopping destinations, restrooms, airlines, and flight status. Use the MSP map to ensure that you can get around MSP airport just fine and minimize any potential problems you might have finding your way around. For a more in-depth look, download their MSP Airport mobile app on Androids, iPhones, and iPads to get real-time flight status updates and wait times. 

Food and Dining at MSP Airport

Minneapolis International Airport provides its guests with multiple MSP Airport food dining options that make it easy to travel. These are critical if you or your kids get “hangry” and need a place to take the edge off your hunger. Here are a few MSP Airport restaurants you may enjoy:

• Angel Food Bakery: Located in Terminal 1 near Concourse E, this restaurant is open from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. and provides delicious baked goods, such as bread, bagels, and cookies. Its donut bar provides plenty of options to satisfy your sweet tooth as you travel.
• Auntie Anne’s: With two locations in Terminal 1, Auntie Anne’s provides tasty soft pretzels, cheese, and many other meal options. They’re one of the most popular restaurants in the airport due to their low prices and unique options.
• Bruegger’s Bagels: You can find Bruegger’s Bagels in Terminal 1, Concourse A, and get delicious bagels and bagel sandwiches from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. These sandwiches include fresh ingredients and healthy toppings that make them worth considering.
• Chili’s: Located in Terminal 1, this popular national favorite serves various family-friendly meals. These include burgers, fish dishes, and Mexican-style favorites that make Chili’s an excellent place to relax while on your trip.
• French Meadow Bakery & Cafe: Located in Terminal 2, French Meadow Bakery & Cafe provides you and your family with delicious fresh meals. These include sandwiches, soups, cookies, and even personal pizzas.
• Hissho Sushi: If you and your kids love sushi, hit Terminal 1 to find Hissho Sushi. Here, skilled sushi chefs prepare delicious meals daily, including fresh sushi rolls and other Asian favorites, such as miso soup.
• Holy Land Deli: Holy Land Deli is another excellent dining option in Terminal 2, including freshly cut meats served and tasty slices of bread. It’s something of a Minnesota institution, which makes it an excellent option for people who want tasty and diverse food types.
• Stone Arch: MSP is a surprisingly popular craft beer scene that includes brewpubs like Stone Arch. Here, enjoy Minnesota’s best craft beef options, make new friends, and experience tasty pub-style dishes.

Amenities and Pets at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport

MSP Airport provides pet and animal relief areas outside doors 1 and 4 at Terminal 1, and outside door 8 at Terminal 2. All non-service animals must be kenneled in the airport’s facilities.

Fun for Kids and Teens at MSP Airport

If you’re traveling with kids, they deserve to have a few fun and engaging places to hang out. Thankfully, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport provides multiple places where your young ones can relax and enjoy themselves. These include:

• The Family Zone in Terminal 1, where very young children can play with their parents
• Wildlife exhibits like Minnesota Wildlife Refuge, which showcases local animals
• Shopping destinations like North Loop Market feature authentic gifts and keepsakes
• Relaxation options like XpresSpa that provide facials and massages for adults and teens

Lounges at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport

When visiting MSP Airport, you can check out multiple lounges where you can relax, meet new people, see some live music, or just enjoy a drink. These include:

• Delta Sky Club in Terminal 1
• Escape Lounges in Terminal 1
• PGA MSP Airport in Terminal 1
• United Club in Terminal 1

MSP Airport Moving Walkways, Lightrails, and Wheelchair Assistance

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport uses moving walkways throughout Concourse A and other airport areas. These help to make it easier to get around the airport quickly and smoothly. Furthermore, it also has METRO Blue Line lightrail stations in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, typically located near parking ramps.

Each station is entirely handicap accessible and provides a new train every 12-15 minutes, letting you easily visit the Twin Cities. MSP has multiple wheelchair accessibility options, including ramps, handicap parking, and wheelchair rental.

Security at MSP Airport

Streamlining your airport security experience requires arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international travel to ensure MSP officials have time to check your bags and screen you. All Minnesota air travelers need a REAL ID Minnesota driver’s license or identification card after May 7, 2025. There are REAL ID offices located at Terminal 1, meaning you can get this card here if you don’t know where else to find it.

Terminal 1 has multiple checkpoints, including the North, South, Skyway Security, and Checkpoint #7. Terminal 2 has just two checkpoints on level 2, including near the Orange and Purple Parking ramp. MSP also provides Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, two security programs you must understand if you plan to travel. Both can streamline your experience but differ in very important ways.

Wi-Fi and Tech at Minnesota St Paul Airport

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport provides free Wi-Fi internet support throughout its terminals. You need to accept their terms of service to get a four-hour session. Note that there are also multiple charging stations for phones and electronic devices. These are located throughout sitting areas in the terminals, typically near the departure areas.