It Turns Out You CAN See Chicago From Michigan

When I lived in Florida, it was nearly impossible to get people to understand that Lake Michigan wasn't just any lake. People would constantly ask me if I could see Chicago from Michigan, and I would always tell them no, you can't even see the other side. They didn't understand the scale of Lake Michigan until they came and visited Michigan.

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However, it appears I was wrong, and it is possible to see Chicago's skyline from Michigan if you visit a specific spot on a very particular day.

How Far Apart Is Chicago From Michigan?

Depending on where you're standing, the shortest distance from Michigan to Chicago is along the Michigan-Indiana border in Michiana, spanning approximately 40 miles across Lake Michigan. That would be a 2.5-hour trip if you were going 15 knots (17 mph). Forty miles is a long way to look, too far to see the city skyline from the lakeshore.

READ MORE: Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes Lose Beloved Overlook

However, with some elevation and the perfect conditions outside, it's possible to get a peek at the Windy City from our side of Lake Michigan.

How It's Possible To See Chicago In Michigan

Over Memorial Day weekend, Michigan had some perfect summer weather. Not a cloud in the sky, mid-70-degree weather, with a slight breeze. You couldn't have asked for a better day. Someone on the r/Michigan subreddit took their time to post their view of Lake Michigan, which included a surprise: the city of Chicago's skyline, visible from Warren Park. Warren Dunes State Park is about ~50 miles from Chicago.

I did not realize you could see Chicago from the top of Warren Dunes. 53 miles away per Google Earth.
byu/EvergreenHulk inMichigan

How? Atmospheric refraction. According to Dr. Mark Rennie, an associate professor in aerooptics at the University of Notre Dame, a strong temperature inversion (cold air over Lake Michigan while the air is warm) causes the speed of light to differ in the air. This causes light rays to bend, allowing you to see farther over the water.

The Best Time To View Chicago

In the above photo, that's what's happening. The temperature of the water is still chilly in the spring (Lake Michigan averages 49°F), but the air temperature is significantly warmer, creating what we commonly know as a mirage. If you're trying to get a glimpse of the city, head to Tower Hill in Warren Dunes State Park after a period of cool temperatures, and the day will be much warmer than it has been.