Many travelers flying into Chicago for the first time are shocked by the size of Lake Michigan. Usually, a lake is just a small body of water that’s great for hanging around in the summer. But Lake Michigan and its four siblings are more akin to inland seas that dominate the geographical landscapes of the Midwestern United States and central Canada.

Lake Michigan provides a beautiful backdrop for Chicago’s skyline, but it’s also a vital natural resource, a recreational retreat, and a captivating geological wonder. Whether you’re a local, a tourist, or simply curious about the Great Lakes, understanding more about Lake Michigan’s will almost certainly increase your appreciation for this freshwater marvel.

To help get you started, we’ve created this easy-to-read infographic with some incredible facts and statistics about Lake Michigan.