Duluth to Chicago is 413 miles (664 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
While takeoff favors the right for Lake Superior views, the landing approach on the left provides superior views of Lake Michigan and Chicago's iconic skyline, which is the more memorable visual reward for the majority of the flight's descent phase.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses Wisconsin's eastern lowlands and approaches Lake Michigan from the north. Notable features include the transition from forested terrain around Duluth to increasingly urbanized areas as you approach the Chicago metropolitan area. Green Bay and the Fox River valley may be visible to the left (west) depending on exact routing. The southern shore of Lake Michigan becomes increasingly prominent in the final 30 minutes of flight, with the Chicago urban sprawl expanding across the landscape south and west of the lake.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DLH
RIGHTDuluth typically departs to the south or southwest. Right-side seats offer views of Lake Superior's western shoreline and the St. Louis River estuary as you climb out, with the city of Duluth visible below and to the left.
Landing at MDW
LEFTApproaching Midway from the north typically uses runways 4L/4R or 9L/9R. Left-side seats provide excellent views of Lake Michigan's southern shoreline, the Chicago skyline including downtown's distinctive high-rise cluster, and the approach path over the city's south and west sides.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Duluth International (DLH) to Chicago Midway International (MDW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Duluth to Chicago. While takeoff favors the right for Lake Superior views, the landing approach on the left provides superior views of Lake Michigan and Chicago's iconic skyline, which is the more memorable visual reward for the majority of the flight's descent phase.
What can I see during takeoff from Duluth International in Duluth?
During takeoff from Duluth International (DLH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Duluth typically departs to the south or southwest. Right-side seats offer views of Lake Superior's western shoreline and the St. Louis River estuary as you climb out, with the city of Duluth visible below and to the left. Notable sights include: Lake Superior (western basin), St. Louis River estuary, Duluth city grid, Superior Entry shipping channel.
What can I see when landing at Chicago Midway International in Chicago?
When landing at Chicago Midway International (MDW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching Midway from the north typically uses runways 4L/4R or 9L/9R. Left-side seats provide excellent views of Lake Michigan's southern shoreline, the Chicago skyline including downtown's distinctive high-rise cluster, and the approach path over the city's south and west sides. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (southern basin), Chicago downtown skyline, Midway Airport grounds, Chicago residential neighborhoods (Pilsen, Back of the Yards districts).
How long is the flight from Duluth to Chicago?
The flight from Duluth International (DLH) to Chicago Midway International (MDW) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 413 miles (664 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Duluth to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses Wisconsin's eastern lowlands and approaches Lake Michigan from the north. Notable features include the transition from forested terrain around Duluth to increasingly urbanized areas as you approach the Chicago metropolitan area. Green Bay and the Fox River valley may be visible to the left (west) depending on exact routing. The southern shore of Lake Michigan becomes increasingly prominent in the final 30 minutes of flight, with the Chicago urban sprawl expanding across the landscape south and west of the lake.