Winter Flight Over Chicago | Ice, Lake Michigan & Skyline in January

A January drone flight over Chicago in the heart of winter ❄️

The flight begins at Ohio Street Beach, where ice has stacked along the shoreline and the drone lifts off from a floating slab of ice. From there, the camera pans across Lake Michigan, capturing frozen textures, open water, and the stark contrast between ice and steel.

The route sweeps past the water treatment plant and along the Gold Coast, revealing Chicago’s skyline from an icy winter perspective — the north side with John Hancock Center, the south side stretching toward Willis Tower, Millennium Park, and the reflective curves of the St. Regis Chicago.

Mid-flight, the drone encounters an error-based crash over the sand — a reminder that winter flying is unpredictable. After a brief pause, it lifts again and finishes the journey, turning a near-loss into part of the story.

Cold air. Broken ice. Chicago from above.