Which U.S. state has the most lakes?

Alaska has the most lakes, with estimates ranging from over 90 large lakes to as many as 3 million naturally occurring lakes.

What is Minnesota's nickname related to lakes?

Minnesota is famously known as the 'Land of 10,000 Lakes,' and indeed has over 11,842 lakes.

What criteria did the USGS use to count lakes?

The U.S. Geological Survey study focused on lakes with a surface area exceeding 10 square miles, filtering out smaller ponds.

Home / Lifestyle / US Lakes: Alaska Leads With Millions, States Drown in Water

US Lakes: Alaska Leads With Millions, States Drown in Water

4 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Alaska boasts over 3 million natural lakes, dwarfing all other states.
Minnesota is famously known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
A USGS study filtered lakes by surface area, excluding smaller ponds.

US Lakes: Alaska Leads With Millions, States Drown in Water

Alaska holds the undisputed title for the most lakes in the United States, with estimates suggesting over 3 million natural lakes within its vast borders. This figure significantly outranks other states, highlighting the sheer abundance of water in the largest U.S. state, where an estimated 40% of the nation's surface water resides.

Minnesota, widely recognized as the 'Land of 10,000 Lakes,' lives up to its moniker, reporting over 11,842 lakes. The state's iconic Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake globally by surface area, forms a significant part of its border. Other states like Maine, Michigan, and Florida also boast substantial numbers of lakes, each offering unique aquatic landscapes.

These rankings are based on a U.S. Geological Survey study that specifically measured lakes with a surface area of 10 square miles or greater. This criterion, while filtering out smaller ponds, provides a consistent metric for comparing the lake-rich territories across the country, identifying prime destinations for water-based recreation.