So, How Big is Burgh Actually? A Totally Serious Investigation (with Penguins)
Hey there, geography enthusiasts and future Pittsburgh explorers! You've stumbled upon the most critical question of the century (or at least your Pittsburgh planning): just how big is this fair city?
Hold onto your fries (they gotta be Primanti's, obvs), because we're about to dive deep (well, not that deep, it's not a lake) into the nitty-gritty of Pittsburgh's square mileage.
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| How Many Square Miles Is Pittsburgh Pennsylvania |
The Big Reveal: Don Draper Draper Draper...It's 58.3 Square Miles!
That's right, folks, Pittsburgh clocks in at a respectable 58.3 square miles (151 square kilometers). Not too shabby for a city with a whole lotta history and a whole lotta Steeler pride.
But wait, there's more! (There almost always is with Pittsburgh, isn't there?) Out of those 58.3 square miles, a whopping 55.38 square miles is solid ground. That means you've got plenty of space to wander the streets, explore the museums (like the Andy Warhol Museum, gotta see those soup cans!), and maybe even catch a glimpse of a penguin (because yes, Pittsburgh has penguins...at the zoo).
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The remaining 2.97 square miles? Well, that's where things get a little wet and wild (well, not that wild). That's Pittsburgh's rivers and waterways, like the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers. These rivers are pretty darn important, not just for adding some scenic sparkle to the city, but also for Pittsburgh's rich industrial history.
Fun Fact Interlude: Pittsburgh vs. a Penguin (Because Why Not?)
Just for kicks, let's compare Pittsburgh's size to something adorable: an Emperor Penguin! An adult Emperor Penguin is roughly 4 feet tall. If we imagine a giant Emperor Penguin footprint representing a square mile (don't worry, these penguins are chill and wouldn't actually stomp around like that), then it would take approximately 14,575 Emperor Penguins to cover the entirety of Pittsburgh!
Who knew penguins were such efficient land-measurers?
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So, What Does This Mean for You, the Pittsburgh-Curious You?
Knowing Pittsburgh's size is pretty darn useful, especially if you're planning a visit. Here's a quick rundown:
- Walkable City? Mostly! With over 55 square miles of land, you can definitely explore a good chunk of Pittsburgh on foot. But hey, those hills can be tiring, so pace yourself and maybe pack some comfy shoes.
- Planning Your Route? Knowing the city's size can help you figure out how long it'll take to get from Point A to Point State Park (because, you know, gotta see the Point!).
- Pittsburgh vs. Your Hometown? Now you can brag to your friends and family about how big (or small) Pittsburgh is compared to where you're from.
Pittsburgh's size is just one piece of the puzzle, though. This city is full of surprises, hidden gems, and friendly people (Yinzers, as they're called). So come on down, explore those 58.3 square miles, and see what Pittsburgh has to offer!
Frequently Asked Square Mileage Questions:
How to find out the square mileage of a city?
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There are many ways! You can search online (like you just did!), check out the city's official website, or consult a trusty encyclopedia (remember those?).
How many square miles is a football field?
A standard American football field is roughly 1.32 acres. There are 640 acres in a square mile, so a football field is much, much smaller than a square mile of Pittsburgh.
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How big is Pittsburgh compared to other cities?
Pittsburgh is on the smaller side compared to some major metropolises, but it's bigger than many other cities! It all depends on what you're comparing it to.
How many penguins does it take to cover a square mile?
As we learned, it would take approximately 14,575 Emperor Penguins (based on our very scientific penguin footprint method) to cover a square mile. But remember, this is just for fun!
Is Pittsburgh a walkable city?
Yes, for the most part! With over 55 square miles of land, you can explore a good portion of Pittsburgh on foot. Just be prepared for some hills!
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