Surfside Airport (MN24) — Lino Lakes Aviation at the Edge of the Twin Cities Metro
Surfside Airport (MN24) in Lino Lakes, Minnesota sits in the northeastern corner of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, where Anoka County's chain of lakes and wetlands creates a distinctive aviation environment balanced between urban proximity and open water. Lino Lakes is one of Anoka County's larger suburban communities, with a population exceeding 20,000 and a landscape dominated by Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park and numerous private lakes that support an active seaplane culture alongside land-based aviation. The MN24 identifier places Surfside Airport within Minnesota's state-managed aviation registry, operating under FAA Great Lakes Region oversight alongside the Metropolitan Airports Commission's network of public-use airports serving the metro area.
Seaplane operations are a defining feature of aviation around Lino Lakes, and the name "Surfside" itself suggests a water-adjacent identity consistent with the area's lake-rich character. Minnesota's seaplane fleet — one of the largest per capita in the United States — includes hundreds of registered floatplane and amphibious aircraft whose pilots regularly transition between land airports and water landing areas across the state's 10,000+ lakes. For Lino Lakes area pilots, the proximity to both MSP's Class B airspace and the rich water landing areas of northern Anoka County creates an operational environment that demands thorough preflight planning and strong radio communication habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the MN24 identifier indicate for Surfside Airport?
The MN24 identifier denotes a Minnesota-registered general aviation airport outside the FAA's three-letter identifier system. These alphanumeric identifiers are common for smaller, private, or limited-use facilities in Minnesota's aviation registry. Pilots should verify current data via FAA charts or EFB applications before flight planning to this airport.
Can seaplanes operate near Surfside Airport in Lino Lakes?
Yes. Lino Lakes' numerous lakes are part of Minnesota's extensive water landing area network. Pilots with float-equipped aircraft should consult the MnDOT seaplane base registry and any applicable local ordinances governing water operations on specific lakes. The Rice Creek Chain of Lakes provides accessible water in the immediate area.
How close is Surfside Airport to Minneapolis-St. Paul International's Class B airspace?
Lino Lakes sits approximately 20–25 miles northeast of MSP, placing it within or near the outer rings of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Class B airspace structure. Pilots must reference the Minneapolis VFR Terminal Area Chart to identify specific altitude ceilings and floors applicable to their position and planned route when operating near this area.
Surfside Airport - Mn24 Contact Information
Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Lino Lakes, Minnesota.
| Name | Surfside Airport - Mn24 |
| Address | West Shadow Lake Drive, Lino Lakes MN 55014 Map |
| Phone | (651) 334-2987 |
| Website | |
| Hours |
Map of Surfside Airport - Mn24
Lino Lakes, Minnesota — Where Metro Convenience Meets Lake Country Aviation
Lino Lakes offers arriving pilots the unusual combination of easy access to the Twin Cities metro — I-35W and Highway 61 provide direct connections to Minneapolis and St. Paul — with a natural landscape that rivals far more remote Minnesota destinations. The Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park, Peltier Lake, Reshanau Lake, and numerous other water bodies define the community's character and draw water sports enthusiasts, anglers, and wildlife watchers year-round. For seaplane-capable aircraft, the Lino Lakes area represents one of the most accessible lake-landing environments within close range of a major American metropolitan area, a distinction that makes it popular with both resident and visiting pilots.
The Metropolitan Airports Commission manages the major general aviation reliever airports serving the Twin Cities — Crystal (MIC), Flying Cloud (FCM), Anoka County-Blaine (ANE), St. Paul Downtown (STP), and Lake Elmo — providing full-service alternatives to Surfside Airport for pilots needing instrument approaches, IFR filing, fuel, or maintenance. MnDOT's Office of Aeronautics coordinates planning across Minnesota's complete aviation network, ensuring that private and public facilities alike receive appropriate oversight. Pilots new to the Lino Lakes area should obtain current sectional charts and the Minneapolis VFR Terminal Area Chart before first flight into the region.