Duluth to Chicago is 397 miles (639 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
The left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — Lake Superior and the Duluth harbor on departure, and the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan on approach. The right side offers mostly flat Wisconsin and Illinois agricultural terrain throughout the cruise portion with no comparable landmarks.
Flight Path
The flight tracks roughly south-southwest over northern Wisconsin's lake-dotted forested terrain, then crosses the agricultural flatlands of central Wisconsin near Wausau and Rhinelander. The Wisconsin River valley is visible below around the midpoint. Further south the terrain transitions to the flat Illinois prairie north of Rockford, with the Fox River valley appearing before the Chicago suburban sprawl begins.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DLH
LEFTDuluth typically departs runway 09 heading east or runway 27 heading west. On a southbound departure toward Chicago, aircraft generally turn south, putting Lake Superior and the Duluth harbor on the left (east) side. The vast expanse of Lake Superior dominates the view, with the Duluth-Superior harbor and the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge visible during the initial climb.
Landing at ORD
LEFTO'Hare arrivals from the north typically use runways oriented east-west or northwest-southeast, with final approach often from the north or northwest. On approach from the Duluth direction, the left side faces east toward downtown Chicago, Lake Michigan's shoreline, and the city grid — the most visually compelling urban geography in the Midwest.
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 Ohare International (ORD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Duluth to Chicago. The left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — Lake Superior and the Duluth harbor on departure, and the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan on approach. The right side offers mostly flat Wisconsin and Illinois agricultural terrain throughout the cruise portion with no comparable landmarks.
What can I see during takeoff from Duluth International in Duluth?
During takeoff from Duluth International (DLH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Duluth typically departs runway 09 heading east or runway 27 heading west. On a southbound departure toward Chicago, aircraft generally turn south, putting Lake Superior and the Duluth harbor on the left (east) side. The vast expanse of Lake Superior dominates the view, with the Duluth-Superior harbor and the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge visible during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Lake Superior open water, Duluth-Superior harbor and ship canal, Park Point barrier spit, Wisconsin's Bayfield Peninsula across the lake.
What can I see when landing at Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
When landing at Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Left side for the best views. O'Hare arrivals from the north typically use runways oriented east-west or northwest-southeast, with final approach often from the north or northwest. On approach from the Duluth direction, the left side faces east toward downtown Chicago, Lake Michigan's shoreline, and the city grid — the most visually compelling urban geography in the Midwest. Notable sights include: Downtown Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago River grid, O'Hare airport complex sprawl.
How long is the flight from Duluth to Chicago?
The flight from Duluth International (DLH) to Chicago Ohare International (ORD) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 397 miles (639 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Duluth to Chicago flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly south-southwest over northern Wisconsin's lake-dotted forested terrain, then crosses the agricultural flatlands of central Wisconsin near Wausau and Rhinelander. The Wisconsin River valley is visible below around the midpoint. Further south the terrain transitions to the flat Illinois prairie north of Rockford, with the Fox River valley appearing before the Chicago suburban sprawl begins.