While the Denver departure offers a brief but striking mountain view on the left, the right side delivers a more sustained scenic payoff with the Lake Michigan shoreline and Milwaukee skyline during the entire descent and approach, giving it a slight edge for overall visual variety.
Flown DEN to MKE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Milwaukee is 894 miles (1,438 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Flat agricultural plains of Nebraska and Iowa, with the Mississippi River visible below near the Iowa-Illinois-Wisconsin border as the flight crosses into the upper Midwest.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
LEFTDeparting DEN toward the northeast, the initial climb and turn give left-side passengers a clear view back toward the Front Range and the Rocky Mountain foothills rising abruptly from the plains west of Denver. This is the only true mountain scenery on the route, making the takeoff sequence the visual highlight for that side.
Landing at MKE
RIGHTOn approach into MKE from the west, the final turn onto runway 01L or 19R typically brings the aircraft over or near Lake Michigan's shoreline, giving right-side passengers a view of the lake's blue expanse and Milwaukee's downtown skyline and harbor just before touchdown.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to General Mitchell International (MKE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Milwaukee. While the Denver departure offers a brief but striking mountain view on the left, the right side delivers a more sustained scenic payoff with the Lake Michigan shoreline and Milwaukee skyline during the entire descent and approach, giving it a slight edge for overall visual variety.
What can I see during takeoff from Denver International in Denver?
During takeoff from Denver International (DEN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing DEN toward the northeast, the initial climb and turn give left-side passengers a clear view back toward the Front Range and the Rocky Mountain foothills rising abruptly from the plains west of Denver. This is the only true mountain scenery on the route, making the takeoff sequence the visual highlight for that side. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, Longs Peak area, Denver's northern suburbs, South Platte River valley.
What can I see when landing at General Mitchell International in Milwaukee?
When landing at General Mitchell International (MKE), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into MKE from the west, the final turn onto runway 01L or 19R typically brings the aircraft over or near Lake Michigan's shoreline, giving right-side passengers a view of the lake's blue expanse and Milwaukee's downtown skyline and harbor just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Milwaukee downtown skyline, Milwaukee harbor, Lake Michigan breakwater.
How long is the flight from Denver to Milwaukee?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to General Mitchell International (MKE) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 894 miles (1,438 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Milwaukee flight path pass over?
Flat agricultural plains of Nebraska and Iowa, with the Mississippi River visible below near the Iowa-Illinois-Wisconsin border as the flight crosses into the upper Midwest.