Lake Michigan is a large lake located between four of the Great Lakes states – Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. In addition, it is the only great lake to be completely within the borders of the United States. It is the fifth largest lake in the world, and has long been a source of water and recreation for the people living around it. But one of the most interesting aspects of this body of water is the view it provides from the top of the Sears Tower in downtown Chicago.
At 442 meters, the Willis Tower (known as the Sears Tower until 2009) is the tallest building in Chicago and the second-highest in the United States (after the One World Trade Center in New York City). From the top of the Tower, one can witness the breathtaking beauty of Lake Michigan, which stretches along nearly 2,000 kilometers of coastline. On a clear day, one can actually see the other side of the lake from the roof of the Tower.
The view of the lake from the Sears Tower is truly remarkable. One can observe the sun rise over the lake in the east, and catch glimpses of the islands located within it. During the day, the lake’s pristine turquoise waters shimmer in the sun and provide an excellent panorama to the onlooker. At night, one can witness the vibrant lights of the cityscape and its reflection onto the lake’s still waters.
Geographically speaking, it is possible to see across Lake Michigan from the Sears Tower, due to the width of the lake. According to experts, the length of the lake is approximately 200 miles, while the width is only about 75 miles. This means that a person can see approximately 150 miles from the Sears Tower.
The view is further enhanced by the use of binoculars or telescopes. Many stores in Chicago sell these instruments, allowing visitors to the Willis Tower to get an even closer look at the lake. Binoculars or telescopes will allow viewers to see objects or animals on the far shore that the naked eye can’t pick up. Additionally, a powerful telescope or binoculars can even detect ships sailing along the lake.
As far as climate is concerned, visitors to the Tower will have the best view of Lake Michigan on a day with calm, clear weather. A day with rainy or cloudy conditions will lessen the visibility, but one can still have a good experience of the lake from the Tower.
Lake Michigan is an important navigational route in the midwest and many ships traverse the lake to transport goods and passengers. In the old days, the main transportation was by steam ferries, but today cargo and passenger ships ply the lake. These ships, together with smaller fishing vessels, provide a colorful display for viewers looking across the lake from the Tower.
The lake is also home to a variety of sea creatures. Although these animals cannot be seen from the Tower, viewers can spot large colonies of birds hovering over the lake in search of food, or just enjoying the fantastic view.
The CitySkyline Cruise is one of the best ways to get an unobstructed view of the lake. The cruise sails along the coast of the lake, allowing guests to see all the towns, cities and nature along its entire length.
Recreation
The lake is an important recreation area as well. People visit to enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, and other water sports. The lake also serves as a playground for wildlife, including fish, mammals, birds, and more.
Lake Michigan is a great destination for holidaymakers due to its incredible natural beauty and array of recreational activities. People can also take advantage of the wonderful camping opportunities in the area, as well as take in the stunning sunsets.
Families and friends can also spend some quality time on the beaches of the lake, soaking up the sunshine and catching some waves. The crystal-clear waters are also great for swimming, canoeing and kayaking.
Conclusion
Finally, it has been established that landing a good view of Lake Michigan from the top of the Sears Tower is indeed an amazing experience. The beauty and splendor of this delightful body of water is truly breathtaking, and one can appreciate the various activities associated with it from the vantage point of the Tower.
Weather
In terms of the weather, visitors to the Tower should expect sunny skies and mild temperatures in the summer months. Springs and autumn generally feature cooler days and pleasant evenings. Winters tend to be colder, although occasionally visitors will experience some lazy sunny days.
In terms of climate change, Lake Michigan is affected by the rising temperatures across the world. In recent years the waters have warmed up, causing the lake ice cover to shrink in the frigid winter months. As such, it is essential to bear in mind the environmental consequences of visiting the lake.
The lake’s various weather conditions allow visitors to the Willis Tower a unique opportunity to view the lake from different angles and in different light each day. From one day to the next, the lake’s appearance may be completely different, making for an ever-changing and breathtaking experience.
Wildlife
In terms of wildlife, Lake Michigan is home to over 200 species of fish, with its most famous occupants being the Great Lakes trout, salmon and whitefish. Additionally, the lake is also home to a variety of mammals, reptiles and amphibians such as otters, beavers, turtles and frogs.
Given the size and depth of the Lake Michigan, a variety of different birds make the lake their home, such as seagulls, ducks and geese. On any given day, one can see a variety of birds hovering over the lake’s still waters, in search of food or just enjoying the view.
The lake is also an important habitat for various species of plants, most notably water lilies, which can be found growing along the edges of the lake.
Conclusion
Although one may not be able to truly appreciate the magnitude of the lake until standing in it, with the right circumstances and perhaps a pair of binoculars, one can enjoy a fantastic view of it from the top of the Willis Tower in Chicago. Whether one is there to observe the wildlife, witness the city skyline, watch the sun rise or set over the lake, the experience is one that will be etched in his or her memory forever.
