Right seats win both takeoff and landing, offering Lake Michigan views during departure and the Mississippi River during arrival. These are the two most visually distinctive geographic features on this route.
Flown MKE to STL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Milwaukee to St. Louis is 318 miles (511 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Illinois prairie landscape, scattered lakes and wetlands in central Illinois, the Illinois River valley, transition from glaciated terrain (north) to more open prairie (south)
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MKE
RIGHTRight seats offer views of Lake Michigan immediately after departure, a striking contrast to the urban sprawl of Milwaukee. The lake dominates the eastern horizon during climb-out and provides the most visually distinctive feature in the first 10-15 minutes of flight.
Landing at STL
RIGHTRight seats provide excellent views of the Mississippi River and St. Louis's distinctive urban features during descent. The river's serpentine curves and the city's position along its banks create a compelling geographic landmark visible from 8,000-15,000 feet on approach.
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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 General Mitchell International (MKE) to Lambert St Louis International (STL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Milwaukee to St. Louis. Right seats win both takeoff and landing, offering Lake Michigan views during departure and the Mississippi River during arrival. These are the two most visually distinctive geographic features on this route.
What can I see during takeoff from General Mitchell International in Milwaukee?
During takeoff from General Mitchell International (MKE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats offer views of Lake Michigan immediately after departure, a striking contrast to the urban sprawl of Milwaukee. The lake dominates the eastern horizon during climb-out and provides the most visually distinctive feature in the first 10-15 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (eastern shore), Milwaukee urban grid, Kettle Moraine landscape (rolling terrain southwest of the city).
What can I see when landing at Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
When landing at Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide excellent views of the Mississippi River and St. Louis's distinctive urban features during descent. The river's serpentine curves and the city's position along its banks create a compelling geographic landmark visible from 8,000-15,000 feet on approach. Notable sights include: Mississippi River (multiple meanders), St. Louis urban core and Gateway Arch area, Illinois bluffs east of the river.
How long is the flight from Milwaukee to St. Louis?
The flight from General Mitchell International (MKE) to Lambert St Louis International (STL) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 318 miles (511 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Milwaukee to St. Louis flight path pass over?
Illinois prairie landscape, scattered lakes and wetlands in central Illinois, the Illinois River valley, transition from glaciated terrain (north) to more open prairie (south)