The Great Lakes State: Surprisingly Big, Not So Surprisingly Shaped Like a Mitten
Ah, Michigan. The land of cherries, Motown, and those glorious Great Lakes. But beyond the delicious fruit, the funky music, and all that superior freshwater, there's a question that plagues geographers (well, maybe not plagues, but definitely tickles their curiosity): How big is Michigan, really?
Well, buckle up, geography enthusiasts (or just people who scrolled by and are mildly intrigued), because we're about to dive into the fascinating world of Michigan-sized facts.
Spoiler Alert: Michigan's Packing Some Heat (Landmass-Wise, That Is)
You might be surprised to learn that Michigan isn't exactly a shrinking violet when it comes to size. In fact, when it comes to total area (including all that glorious Great Lakes water), Michigan ranks a respectable 11th amongst the 50 states. That's right, it elbows its way in right behind California's redwood forests and sandy beaches.
Now, hold on there, landlubber lovers! Land mass is a whole different story. Michigan scoots down to a still-impressive 22nd place when it comes to just land area. Still not too shabby for a state shaped like a giant mitten!
But wait, there's more! Michigan holds the crown (or should we say mitten?) for the most water area of any state in the lower 48. That's a whole lotta H2O, folks!
So, How Many States Can Fit in Michigan's Mitten?
Now that we've established Michigan's impressive aquatic acreage, let's get down to brass tacks (or maybe copper tacks, considering the state's rich mining history). How many states are actually smaller than Michigan in terms of total area?
Drumroll please... A whopping 39 states can be tucked neatly under the giant mitten! That's almost the entire East Coast crammed into one Great Lakes state. Imagine all the road trips you could take in a state this big (without ever leaving the mitten-shaped borders!).
But hey, don't let this mitten mania go to your head, Michigan. We still love all our states, big or small!
Frequently Asked Mitten-Sized Questions:
How to impress your friends with Michigan trivia? Easy! Tell them Michigan has more coastline than any other state except Alaska and California.
How to know if you're in the Great Lakes state? Look for a giant mitten-shaped outline on a map, or check if you're surrounded by more freshwater than you can shake a stick at.
How to avoid getting lost in Michigan's vastness? A good GPS and a healthy respect for the mitten's size should do the trick.
How to celebrate Michigan's impressive water area? Grab a kayak, a fishing rod, or just a beach towel and soak up the Great Lakes glory!
How to appreciate all 50 states, regardless of size? Travel, learn, and celebrate the incredible diversity of the United States, from coast to coast (and mitten to mitten)!
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