Located on the banks of gorgeous Lake Michigan and featuring a legendary skyline, Chicago is treasured for its amazing food, endless entertainment, rich history, and vibrant culture. Yet, it's the area's distinctive structures and acclaimed landmarks that draw in thousands of tourists every year.
There's no better way to take in the city's world-famous landmarks and jaw-dropping architecture than from above. A Chicago helicopter tour provides an aerial view of historic and new skyscrapers, stunning views, and many well-known attractions. Whether you're a newcomer, a long-time local, or considering a move to Chicago, these tours let you see the Windy City from a new perspective.
Fly Heli tours at Vertiport Chicago
Chicago's only full-service downtown heliport, Vertiport, is the starting point for your choice of exciting Fly Heli Chicago tours. Up to three passengers can fly above the city in one of several tours that cover from 10 to 45 miles. Take your pick of views: You may wish to go downtown, to the shoreline, or have a unique look at popular festivals. Top Fly Heli Chicago tours include:
- City Tour: This 10-mile tour takes passengers over the city to view the Willis Tower, the John Hancock Building, Downtown Chicago, The Bean, Grant Park, Soldier Field, and more.
- Diamond Tour: Get a new perspective on the city's sports culture across 23 miles of views of the beautiful skyline and sports stadiums. You can expect to cover it all in the 10-mile tour plus a panoramic view of Downtown Chicago, Guaranteed Rate Field, 31st Street Harbor, the Magnificent Mile, Lincoln Park Zoo, Wrigley Field, and more.
- Shoreline Tour: Take in a breathtaking view of the stunning urban shoreline spanning 30 miles and covering views of the Museum of Science and Industry as well as a panoramic view of Downtown, Lake Michigan Shoreline, 31st Street Harbor, the Magnificent Mile, and more.
- Music Festival Tour: Watch the bustling city transform as you rise into the air to get a bird's eye view of Chicago's largest music festivals from the air. You'll see the Downtown Music Festival Willis Tower, The Bean, Grant Park, and more.
- Navy Pier Firework Tour: See the amazing Navy Pier Fireworks in an entirely new light from a tour that encircles the entire display over Lake Michigan and provides views of Downtown, Willis Tower, the John Hancock Building, Grant Park, Soldier Field, and more.
- Grand Chicago Tour: Get the complete Chicago tour with this 45-mile flight that includes everything in the 23-mile Diamond Tour plus views of the Lake Michigan shoreline, 31st Street Harbor, the Magnificent Mile, Loyola University, North Western University, the Bahá'í Temple, and more.
Beyond the typical offerings, specialty tours are also available for passengers hoping to make an important occasion even more memorable. These exclusive tours include the Marry Me Tour, the Birthday Bash Tour, and more.
Heli Chicago
Experience awe-inspiring views of the iconic skyline and learn fascinating details about the city's history and architecture from experienced and knowledgeable pilots at Heli Chicago. The tour covers views of downtown and famous landmarks, and Heli Chicago also has tours with unique features not available from other operators. Heli Chicago's popular tours include:
- 45-Minute Downtown Chicago Tour: This flight for up to three passengers begins at the Schaumburg Regional Airport, flies east to view the Chicago skyline, and circles back around for views of the United Center, Soldier Field, Willis Tower, Wrigley Field, and more.
- 45-Minute Luxury Downtown Chicago Tour: Unlike most tours, this downtown tour can include up to six passengers in a luxury helicopter that is air-conditioned and has beverages available on board. There's an option for larger families and corporate events.
- 30-Minute Northwest Side Tour: This unique tour takes up to three passengers over Northwest Chicago to fly past Woodfield Mall, Barrington Hills, and the Grand Victoria Casino and along the Fox River.
- 30-Minute Intro Flight: For an entirely different experience, take the controls in a Vietnam-era helicopter. With guidance from experienced instructors, you can fly over the Northwest suburbs of Chicago in a tour for up to three passengers.
Chicago Aerial Tours
The longest-standing tour operator in the area, Chicago Aerial Tours, offers both airplane and helicopter tours. The helicopter tour for up to three people departs from the Chicago Midway Signature terminal and turns toward the lake shore to provide a stunning view of the Chicago skyline. Over the 20- to 30-minute flight, passengers can take in views of Lake Michigan, Northerly Island, the Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium Millennium Park, the Willis Tower, and more.
Yonder Tours
Take your choice of helicopter tour, each of which features a different experience. Yonder Tours combines tours with other entertainment options. Experience an aerial view of Chicago after dark, a tour that includes dinner for two, or enjoy a two-part tour that begins on a boat. Here's what you can expect.
- Chicago by Night Helicopter Tour: This 15-minute tour offers passengers a dazzling view of Chicago after dark. Look down over the sparkling skyline to revel in panoramic views of the Lake Michigan shoreline and the sprawling city, including Lincoln Park, the Navy Pier, Willis Tower, and more.
- Chicago Helicopter Flight with Dinner for Two: This enchanting tour enhances a special occasion with a 15-minute helicopter flight that includes guided commentary, an optional champagne toast, and a $100 gift card for the Duck Inn Chicago for an intimate dinner for two.
- Architectural River Cruise and Chicago: This unique tour gives passengers the unexpected opportunity to experience Chicago from the air and water. Begin with a cruise down the Chicago River to take in the scenery and learn about the town's architectural history. Finish with a helicopter flight over the skyline to view the city's most famous landmarks from a completely different angle.
Make Chicago your home with assistance from Trisha Kannon
A helicopter tour of Chicago is an exhilarating experience you'll never forget. Yet, it still doesn't cover everything the iconic neighborhoods of the Windy City have to offer. If you're planning to make Chicago your home, you need the inside track to the area's eclectic real estate market and available homes in the most desirable neighborhoods. Whether you're seeking a spacious single-family home or a stunning ultra-luxury property, Trisha Kannon can help. Get in touch to learn more about local entertainment, attractions, and available properties in the area.
