Right-side seats capture the most visually distinctive features: Lake Michigan during departure and the Red River valley during descent. The midpoint flight path over Wisconsin and Minnesota offers less dramatic scenery, making the bookend views on the right side more rewarding overall.
Flown ORD to GFK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Grand Forks is 612 miles (985 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Wisconsin farmland and forests, Mississippi River valley near La Crosse, Minnesota prairie and scattered lakes, transition from deciduous to mixed forest zones
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago shoreline during the initial climb-out northwestward from ORD. You'll see the lake's eastern edge and the city grid spreading inland as you gain altitude.
Landing at GFK
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Red River valley and the landscape approaching Grand Forks from the south. You'll see the transition from Minnesota farmland into the flat river valley that defines the region.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Grand Forks International (GFK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Grand Forks. Right-side seats capture the most visually distinctive features: Lake Michigan during departure and the Red River valley during descent. The midpoint flight path over Wisconsin and Minnesota offers less dramatic scenery, making the bookend views on the right side more rewarding overall.
What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
During takeoff from Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago shoreline during the initial climb-out northwestward from ORD. You'll see the lake's eastern edge and the city grid spreading inland as you gain altitude. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan (immediate eastern view), Chicago downtown skyline, Des Plaines River valley, Illinois prairie extending westward.
What can I see when landing at Grand Forks International in Grand Forks?
When landing at Grand Forks International (GFK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Red River valley and the landscape approaching Grand Forks from the south. You'll see the transition from Minnesota farmland into the flat river valley that defines the region. Notable sights include: Red River of the North, Minnesota-North Dakota border region, agricultural fields and prairie, Grand Forks city area.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Grand Forks?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Grand Forks International (GFK) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 612 miles (985 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Grand Forks flight path pass over?
Wisconsin farmland and forests, Mississippi River valley near La Crosse, Minnesota prairie and scattered lakes, transition from deciduous to mixed forest zones