MWA

Best window seat at Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offRIGHT

Crab Orchard Lake, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge wetlands, Shawnee National Forest ridgelines on the distant southeastern horizon

LandingRIGHT

Marion city grid, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Williamson County farmland

🛫 Taking Off from Marion (MWA)

Best sideRight
WhyRunway 20 departures climb northward, and the right side offers views of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and its lakes about 8–10 miles northeast. The left side faces toward Carbondale and the relatively featureless terrain west of Marion, making the right side the more visually interesting choice.
Look forCrab Orchard Lake (largest visible water body northeast of Marion), Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge wetlands, Shawnee National Forest ridgelines on the distant southeastern horizon, Interstate 57 corridor running north-south in middle distance

🛬 Landing at Marion (MWA)

Best sideRight
WhyLanding on Runway 20 (southbound) gives right-side passengers a clear view of Marion and the surrounding Williamson County terrain. The right wing will be positioned toward the west, offering views of the town's grid pattern and the broader Ohio River valley landscape during final approach.
Look forMarion city grid, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge (southeast), Williamson County farmland, Ohio River valley ridgelines to the west

Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois is a small regional airport with a single terminal, primarily serving the Marion-Carbondale area with limited commercial flights subsidized under the Essential Air Service program.

⛰️ Elevation472 ft
🛫 Runways2 (02/20, 11/29)
📍 NearbyCGI 47 miPAH 50 miBLV 71 miEVV 83 mi

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois (MWA)?

At Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois in Marion: for takeoff, sit on the Right side; for landing, sit on the Right side. Notable views include: Crab Orchard Lake (largest visible water body northeast of Marion), Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge wetlands, Shawnee National Forest ridgelines on the distant southeastern horizon, Interstate 57 corridor running north-south in middle distance.

What can I see during takeoff from Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois in Marion?

When taking off from Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois (MWA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Runway 20 departures climb northward, and the right side offers views of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and its lakes about 8–10 miles northeast. The left side faces toward Carbondale and the relatively featureless terrain west of Marion, making the right side the more visually interesting choice. Notable sights include: Crab Orchard Lake (largest visible water body northeast of Marion), Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge wetlands, Shawnee National Forest ridgelines on the distant southeastern horizon, Interstate 57 corridor running north-south in middle distance.

What can I see when landing at Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois in Marion?

When landing at Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois (MWA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Landing on Runway 20 (southbound) gives right-side passengers a clear view of Marion and the surrounding Williamson County terrain. The right wing will be positioned toward the west, offering views of the town's grid pattern and the broader Ohio River valley landscape during final approach. Notable sights include: Marion city grid, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge (southeast), Williamson County farmland, Ohio River valley ridgelines to the west.

What factors affect the best window seat at Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois?

The best window seat at Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois (MWA) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Marion (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.