How Big is Chicago? Asking for a Friend (Who Needs a Bigger Hot Dog)
Hey there, geography gurus and Windy City wanderers! Ever looked at a map and thought, "Man, Chicago seems pretty darn big, but just how big are we talking?" Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive into the glorious sprawl that is Chicago, Illinois.
The City That Wouldn't Quit (Growing)
First things first, let's talk about the city itself. Chicago, the reigning champ of Illinois and the third most populous city in the US of A, clocks in at a respectable 228 square miles (or 591 square kilometers for our metric friends). That's a whole lotta room for deep dish pizza, jazz clubs, and enough museums to make your head spin (almost as fast as the Ferris wheel on Navy Pier).
Think of it this way: if you strapped on some comfy shoes and decided to walk the entire perimeter of Chicago (not recommended, especially in January), you'd be hoofing it for about 70 miles (that's 113 kilometers). By the time you finished, you'd have a serious case of wanderlust and enough stories to fill a travel blog (and maybe a bathtub full of Chicago's finest deep dish).
But Wait, There's More (Chicago)!
Now, here's where things get interesting. Because Chicago isn't just an island (although it does have some pretty sweet beaches on Lake Michigan). The greater Chicago area, also lovingly referred to as "Chicagoland" (because, you know, Chicago rules the land!), is a sprawling metropolis that stretches far beyond the city limits. We're talking suburbs, satellite cities, and enough people to fill a stadium (or ten).
Chicagoland encompasses a whopping 10,286 square miles (a knee-buckling 28,120 square kilometers). That's bigger than the state of New Jersey! Imagine all the hot dog stands you could visit in that kind of space!
So, How Big is Chicago? It Depends on How Hungry You Are for Hot Dogs
So, the answer to our burning question depends on your definition of "Chicago." The city itself is a bustling giant, but the entire Chicagoland area is a metropolis that stretches on for miles.
Here's the short and sweet:
- City of Chicago: Big enough to keep you busy for days (and nights... deep dish pizza anyone?).
- Chicagoland: Big enough to get lost in (but hopefully find your way back to a hot dog stand).
No matter which Chicago you choose to explore, one thing's for sure: you're in for a treat. Just be sure to pack your walking shoes (or your appetite, depending on your priorities).
