Chicago Elevation

The elevation of Chicago is 594 feet

The elevation of a city like Chicago is a geographical indicator of how high that location is in relation to sea level. The elevation of Chicago is 594 feet (181 m), which is just a little higher than most other major cities. Many big cities, both in the United States and other nations, tend to be situated at elevations of 500 feet (152 m) or less as they are mostly constructed on coastal locations. Chicago is in a unique position as it is quite far inland but is still on the shoreline of a huge body of water in the form of Lake Michigan. The city has a fascinating history behind it, with the name 'Chicago' coming from a French interpretation of the indigenous word 'Shikaawa', which was the name given to a kind of wild onion. The area was inhabited by Native Americans for many years, before European settlers founded the city in the early 19th century.

Due to its location, Chicago's economy thrived. It was a key point to connect the east and west sides of America, attracting many residents and businesses. Many European migrants heading to America heard of Chicago's reputation and were drawn to the city, and it never stopped growing through the 20th century into the modern era. Nowadays, Chicago is a prime tourist location, boasting a beautiful skyline and countless landmarks and attractions like Millennium Park, the Chicago River, the Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Magnificent Mile.

The highest point in Illinois is Charles Mound

Illinois isn't the lowest state in America, but it is among the states with the lowest mean elevations. The mean elevation of Illinois is just 600 feet (180 m), which is the same mean elevation as Maine and Georgia. When compared with this reading, we can see that Chicago's elevation is very close to the state average. The highest point in Illinois is Charles Mound, a hill in Jo Daviess County near the Wisconsin border. Charles Mound has an elevation of 1,235 feet (376 m). The lowest point in Illinois is the confluence of the Ohio River and Mississippi River, which has an elevation of just 280 feet (85 m).

Chicago Elevation compared to other cities

Chicago is often compared to the other major cities of the United States like New York and Los Angeles. It has a higher elevation than both, with New York having an elevation of 33 feet (10 m) and Los Angeles being situated at an elevation of 285 feet (87 m). The capital of Illinois, Springfield, has an elevation of 558 feet (170 m), while the state's second biggest city, Aurora, has an elevation of 718 feet (219 m), so the elevation of Chicago is between these two large Illinois locations. The city of Chicago has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. The Windy City has relatively warm, humid summers, with temperatures often reaching and exceeding 90°F (32°C) during the hottest months of the year like June, July, and August. Winters in Chicago tend to be quite cold, with daily averages of just 25°F (-4°C) in January. The city can experience quite heavy snowfall in December, January, and February, and has moderate rain for much of the rest of the year.

As the second most visited city in the entire United States, it's clear that there are lots of things to do in Chicago. The city is well known for its thriving night life, with a lot of live music and high class restaurants available to enjoy all through the evenings. Chicago is also well-known for its distinctive architecture and open air public art, with various statues and sculptures waiting to be discovered all around the city. All kinds of recreational activities can be enjoyed in and around Chicago and it's even possible to go on urban kayaking tours along the Chicago River.