Largest Lakes in the US: Top 10 On Basis Of Size

The USA has literally the Great Lakes! The diverse ecosystem is truly spectacular. Large areas of the USA also contribute to it. You will find some of the biggest natural freshwater lakes in this country. However, here we will see all kinds of lakes and rank them on the basis of their size.

Stay tuned to learn more about the Largest lakes in the US. I will add some quirky facts about them to make the information more interesting.

Top 10 Largest Lakes in the US based on Surface Area

We'll focus on the biggest lakes on the basis of surface area. There are some lakes that have greater depth but a smaller surface area, while others are relatively shallow. This affects how much water the lake can store. In principle, a lake with a small surface but greater depth may be considered "bigger" than a shallow lake spanning many square miles.

The Great Lakes: All 5 Largest Lakes in the US

The Great Lakes is a set of five naturally linked lakes, and one of them just ranks after the Caspian Sea in terms of size. These lakes share their area with the US and Canada. These lakes are an ecological treasure, not only for the USA but for the world. The Great Lakes are the biggest freshwater lake in the world. All these lakes support a diverse range of plant, bird, mammal, and fish species while also supplying water for the surrounding animal and human populations.

The Great Lakes Commission created the Circle Tour in 1988 as a spectacular tourist trip around the five lakes and through the eight neighboring states and Ontario, Canada. To complete Lake Michigan's 900-mile Circle Tour without stopping would take around 14.5 hours.

Lake Superior

As the name suggests, it is one of the biggest lakes among the others. Not only this, but it is the biggest freshwater lake in the world and ranks second as the biggest lake in the world. Do you know that the Empire State Building can sink in Lake Superior? Now, you can imagine its depth and vastness.

In the north, it touches Ontario, Canada. In the US, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan are fed by this lake. Approximately 20% of the world's surface freshwater is in Lake Superior.

Lake Huron

Do you know that the name Huron is derived from a French word that means "bristle-haired"? It is probably referring to the headdresses of the Native people that the French have encountered in this region.

Lake Huron is the second-biggest Great Lakes and it is surrounded by Michigan and Ontario. It has the longest shorelines among the Great Lakes. There are many big and small islands in this lake.

Manitoulin Island is the largest, hosting around 13,000 people on this island. Georgian Bay, part of Lake Huron has almost 17,500 scattered islands.

Lake Michigan

This lake ranks third among the Great Lakes. It is also the third biggest lake in America. Lake Michigan and Huron, these two lakes are technically the same because they are linked by the Straits of Mackinac and have the same surface height. This interesting fact indicates that Lake Michigan-Huron can be referred to as the world's biggest freshwater lake in terms of surface area. It is the only lake among the Great Lake which is completely within the boundary of the US.

Another interesting fact about Lake Michigan is that its name is derived from the term "meshi-gami", which means "big lake". Its shore is also home to the biggest freshwater sand dunes in the world. Sleeping Bear Sand Dune, which is the tallest one is located on its coast only.

Out of all the facts, the most interesting is that Lake Michigan has its own Bermuda Triangle. Do search it about to know mysterious activities occuring there.

Lake Erie

Lake Erie has been named after the Erie people who resided on the lake's southern banks. It is a shortened form of the Iroquoian. It ranks fourth in terms of size and touches Ontario in the North, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York in the South.

It is well connected to the Hudson River via the Erie Canal and plays a prominent role in trade. However, this lake contributed to the invasion of exotic species.

The most intriguing fact about Lake Erie is that Bessie, a 'sea monster', has been seen multiple times throughout the years in this lake!

Lake Ontario

It is the smallest lake among the Great Lakes in terms of surface area. The US and Canada border directly passes through the middle of the lake. The literal meaning of Lake Ontario is the "beautiful lake". It is located near the base of Niagara Falls and most populated among all the lakes. This lake hosts several islands, among them the Thousand Islands region is well known, which constitutes the border between the United States and Canada. Many of these islands are deserted or small, but Wolfe Island is the largest of them.

Other 5 Largest (Biggest) Lakes of the US

Lake of the Woods

Are you aware of the fact that Lake of the Woods was an important fur-trading route? This sixth-biggest lake in the US used to serve as a link between the Great Lakes and Western Canada for the fur trade.

This lake is popular among fossil-hunting people, who love to collect the remains and unique minerals. It is thus one of the most popular camping sites.

Iliamna Lake

It is the biggest lake in Alaska, and 7th biggest in the US. It is tucked between the mountain ranges and the house of one of the active volcanoes- Iliamna Volcano. Did you know you might come across harbor seals in Iliamna Lake? It is unusual for harbor seals to live in freshwater, yet this is one of just two Harbor seal groups that do so.

Great Salt Lake

It is the biggest salt lake in the US. It is also the fourth biggest lake in the world that does not drain into another water system. This lake has no outlet. The Great Salt Lake has diminished by more than half, owing to climate change and agricultural demand. As a result, experts are now warning of a potential disaster: toxic dust clouds. If you love prehistoric sites then it is the best place to visit.

The Great Salt Lake itself is the remains of Lake Bonneville. To swim or float in the lake, you can head for Antelope Island State Park, where white oolitic sand beaches offer easy access without brine bugs.

Lake Oahe

It is the biggest man-made lake in the US. It serves as the reservoir of the Oahe Dam and Missouri River. This lake boasts for incredible prairie ecosystem. It is a very famous destination for adventure lovers who like water skiing, tubing, and boating. Along with serving as flood prevention and supporting agriculture; it also enhances the recreational industries.

Lake Okeechobee

Lake Okeechobee is the 10th biggest lake in the US. It is nicknamed "Florida's Inland Sea", and traditionally being known for its contribution to agriculture. In recent times, it is well known for fishing and boating.

You can see lots of native fish in this water along with White ibis, snowy egrets, and Tricolored herons. Unfortunately, this lake also became the victim of polluted watersheds. After Lake Michigan, it is the second largest freshwater lake that is entirely within the US boundary.

Which State in the USA houses the best lakes?

It is not easy to rank states that have the 'best' lake because the best depends on several factors. Best can be used for the prettiest lake. In such a situation, it can be Lake Tahoe, which is tucked between the Nevada and California border.

However, here I will give the name of the state which shares borders with many lakes. Michigan's state borders allow visitors and local people access to four of the Great Lakes:

• Lake Superior
• Lake Michigan
• Lake Huron
• Lake Erie

As a result, Michigan is often regarded as the state with the best lakes.

Besides lake sightseeing, you can also roam around Michigan state, because it offers lots of fun. You can explore lighthouses that have absolutely insta-worthy aesthetics. You can spend some peaceful time on a car-less island or you can visit maritime museums. Frozen Lighthouses are truly dreamy and this state is heaven for ski lovers.

Also Read, List of Most Countries Having Most Beautiful Women in the world.

Conclusion

The US has the Largest freshwater lake in the world. Not only this but several other big lakes offer diverse and vibrant ecologies. This enhances the scenic beauty of the region and contributes heavily to the ecosystem. It is house of several native species. These lakes are excellent recreation spots. However, pollution and exotic species are causing disruptions in the region's environment.