List of lakes of the United States

The List of lakes of the United States encompasses a comprehensive array of lakes found within the United States. The United States is home to thousands of lakes, varying in size and characteristics, from the vast Great Lakes shared with Canada to smaller, lesser-known bodies of water scattered across the country. This article provides an overview of some of the most significant and ecologically important lakes in the U.S.

Great Lakes

The Great Lakes are the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth by total area, and second-largest by total volume, containing 21% of the world's surface fresh water. Located on the U.S.-Canada border, they consist of five lakes:

• Lake Superior - the largest and deepest of the Great Lakes.
• Lake Michigan - the second-largest of the Great Lakes and the only one located entirely in the United States.
• Lake Huron - known for its beautiful island archipelagos.
• Lake Erie - the shallowest and smallest by volume of the Great Lakes.
• Lake Ontario - the smallest in surface area and easternmost of the Great Lakes.

Notable U.S. Lakes

Alaska

• Lake Iliamna - the largest lake in Alaska and the third largest in the United States.
• Lake Clark - known for its stunning, remote wilderness and clear waters.

California

• Lake Tahoe - renowned for its clarity and the surrounding ski resorts.
• Clear Lake - the largest natural freshwater lake wholly within California.

Florida

• Lake Okeechobee - the largest lake in Florida and the second-largest freshwater lake contained entirely within the continental U.S.

Minnesota

• Lake of the Woods - a multi-basin lake located in Minnesota and Canada.
• Lake Minnetonka - known for its affluent residential areas and recreational opportunities.

Utah

• Great Salt Lake - the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere and the eighth-largest terminal lake in the world.

Texas

• Caddo Lake - a lake and bayou on the border between Texas and Louisiana, known for its cypress swamps.

Ecological Importance

Many lakes in the United States are crucial for various ecological reasons, including habitat for wildlife, freshwater supply, and maintaining the ecological balance. They also play a significant role in the economy, supporting activities such as fishing, tourism, and water sports.

Conservation Efforts

Conservation efforts are crucial in maintaining the health and natural beauty of these lakes. Various federal and state agencies, along with local communities and non-profit organizations, work towards preserving these aquatic ecosystems.

See also

• List of dams and reservoirs in the United States
• List of rivers of the United States