Loading map...
STC → ORD
Which side of the plane to sit from St Cloud Regional Airport (Saint Cloud) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most iconic views, including the Isthmus of Madison and a high probability of seeing the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan shoreline during the descent into O'Hare.
Search flights from STC to ORD
Upper Mississippi River
Aerial views of the winding river and the transition from Minnesota into Wisconsin.
Madison Isthmus
A stunning view of the Wisconsin State Capitol building situated between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona.
Wisconsin Farmlands
A geometric patchwork of agricultural fields that changes colors dramatically with the seasons.
Chicago Skyline
On standard approaches from the north, the left side provides a panoramic view of the Willis Tower and John Hancock Center.
Lake Michigan
The vast blue expanse of the Great Lake becomes visible as the plane turns for its final approach.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct glare and to catch the sunrise reflecting off the Wisconsin lakes. This side is superior for photography of the Madison area and the Chicago lakefront. During winter, look for the intricate ice patterns forming on the smaller lakes below.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United States
The Driftless Area
View the unique, rugged topography of southwestern Wisconsin that escaped glacial flattening.
Wisconsin Dells
Look for the distinct sandstone formations and the concentrated area of water parks and resorts.
Rockford Urban Area
The industrial and residential layout of one of Illinois' largest cities outside of Chicago.
Chicagoland Suburbs
An expansive view of the dense residential grids and arterial highways of the western suburbs.
O'Hare Perimeter
As you touch down, you get a great view of the massive hangar complexes and cargo operations.
The right side is ideal for geography enthusiasts who want to see the Driftless Area's ridges and valleys. If the flight arrives from the south, this side may offer better views of the suburban sprawl. Keep an eye out for the Fox River as it winds through the western Chicago suburbs shortly before landing.
Book Hotels in ChicagoDistance: 634 km (394 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 3 min
Departure: STC (45.54660034179688, -94.05989837646484)
Arrival: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.