Planespotting at O’Hare Chicago Airport
While plane spotting is often geared toward the best spot for photographers, this list highlights locations for enthusiasts who simply want to watch planes up close and enjoy the excitement of aviation.
What You Need for Plane Spotting
FlightAware – Flight Tracker App
See which planes are inbound and outbound, what’s currently overhead, and what’s next in line for takeoff or landing. Download: Google Play Store I Apple App Store
LiveATC – Air Traffic Control Audio
Listen to live ATC (air traffic control) communication so you can match what you’re hearing with what you’re seeing on the runway. Download: Google Play Store I Apple App Store
ORD Runway Map
Identify which runway you’re facing so you can tune into the correct ATC frequency — syncing your tracker, radio, and real‑time visuals. Download: ORD Runway Map
Planespotting Gear
Binoculars- Helpful for spotting aircraft deeper inside airport grounds or identifying planes farther out.
The Aviator's Planespotting Log - Great for tracking tail numbers, aircraft types, and special liveries.
Location Details
Allstate Arena Parking Lot
Address: Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018
Highlights: Wide open space with excellent views of aircraft approaching runway 22R. Easy access and plenty of room to move around.
Directions / Instructions: Enter the parking lot off Mannheim Road. Choose a spot with a clear line of sight toward the runway approach.
Delta Cargo Area
Address: Building 613, O'Hare International Airport, N Access Rd, Chicago, IL 66138
Highlights: One of the most active areas around the airport. Multiple runways feed into this zone, so you’ll see a steady mix of arrivals, departures, and cargo aircraft without long gaps.
Directions / Instructions: Follow Access Road toward the cargo area. Continue until nearing the end, then pull into a parking area on the north side of the road.
Cafe Mirage
Address: 9845 Lawrence Ave, Schiller Park, IL 60176
Highlights: This restaurant’s outdoor patio sits directly under a flight path.
McDonald’s at Mannheim & Higgins
Address: 3067 Mannheim Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60018
Highlights: Decent views of aircraft approaching 27R. Simple and convenient stop if you’re nearby.
Directions / Instructions: Park in the lot and position yourself facing the approach path.
⚑ O’Hare Tech Center -Our Favorite Spot
Address: 9950 Lawrence Ave, Schiller Park, IL 60176
Highlights: Aircraft pass directly overhead on arrival, creating a dramatic, close‑range experience. Located on the approach path for the longest runway, so you’ll often see the biggest visitors.
Directions / Instructions: Park in the lot and choose a spot right at the corner of Lawrence and Scott/Mannheim.
Schiller Park Metra Station
Address: 9520 Irving Park Rd, Schiller Park, IL 60176
Highlights: Easy public access with clear sightlines of aircraft landing on 28C. A simple, dependable spot if you don’t want to navigate cargo areas.
Directions / Instructions: Enter the parking lot from Ruby Street. Park and walk toward the open areas facing the runway approach.
The Landing Strip Bar and Grille
Address: 9820 Lawrence Ave, Schiller Park, IL 60176
Highlights: Aviation‑themed bar with outdoor seating under a flight path.
Click here for a Google Maps List of Locations
Other Favorite Aviation Experiences in Chicagoland
Griffin Musuem of Science
Explore the full lineup of aircraft in the Transportation Gallery, including the iconic Boeing 727
F-18 Virtual Reality Transporter - Step into a fully immersive 360° VR experience that puts you right on the deck of a carrier—jet launches, landings, drills, supply ops, and even a cockpit‑level F‑18 flight. It’s high‑energy and incredibly realistic (video).
Interactive Flight Simulator - Climb into a two‑seat simulator and test your skills as either a pilot or gunner. Choose from aircraft like the F‑4 Phantom, A‑10 Thunderbolt II, F‑15 Eagle, or P‑51 Mustang. You’ll get training time before your mission, then you can climb, dive, roll, and even pull off full 360° barrel rolls to earn “ace” status.
