7 Interesting Facts About the Great Lakes of North America, Read Now!

Do you know that the Great Lakes of North America are one of the most extraordinary freshwater systems on Earth? Spanning the United States and Canada, they shape climate, trade, ecosystems and daily life for millions. 

Their impact is visible even now. Over the past two weeks, ice coverage across the lakes has risen sharply, with Lake Erie reaching about 95% ice cover and overall Great Lakes ice increasing to around 51%. 

The year 2026 began with average or below-average ice levels, but a recent Arctic blast pushed coverage rapidly from 5% on 14 January to 51% by 31 January. 

According to NOAA scientist James Kessler, these levels are well above average, though “not unprecedented”. If you’ve ever wondered what the Great Lakes are and how many there are, the facts below explain why they truly matter.

Here are the 7 most interesting facts about the Great Lakes of North America: 

1. There Are Exactly Five Great Lakes in North America

A common question about which many people get confused is how many Great Lakes are there in North America? The answer is five, and they are all naturally connected and function as a single freshwater system.

The 5 Great Lakes of North America are:
Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

Source: The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirms that the lakes are “hydrologically connected and function as one freshwater system”.

2. The Great Lakes Hold Around 20% of the World’s Surface Fresh Water

One of the most remarkable facts about the Great Lakes North America system is its global importance. Together, they contain roughly one-fifth of the planet’s surface fresh water.

Source: The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that the Great Lakes “hold approximately 20 per cent of the world’s surface fresh water supply”.

3. Lake Superior Is the Largest Freshwater Lake by Surface Area on Earth

Among the five Great Lakes, Lake Superior stands apart. It is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area and contains more water than the other Great Lakes combined.

4. The Great Lakes Are So Large They Behave Like Oceans

When looking at a map of the Great Lakes, the size of the lakes is impressive. The storms, waves, and currents on the Great Lakes are very similar to those on the ocean, which is why they are sometimes referred to as inland seas.

Source: NOAA explains that the Great Lakes are “so large that they behave like oceans in terms of wave height and storms”.

5. The Great Lakes Form a Major Inland Shipping Route

The Great Lakes in North America connect to the Atlantic Ocean through the Saint Lawrence River. This makes them a vital transport corridor for international trade.

Source: The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation states that the system allows “ocean-going vessels to reach the heart of North America”.

6. The Lakes Play a Major Role in Regional Weather

The Great Lakes actively influence weather patterns. They help regulate temperatures and are responsible for lake-effect snow, which can dramatically increase winter snowfall in nearby areas.

Source: NOAA explains that cold air moving over warmer lake waters “creates intense snowfall downwind of the Great Lakes”.

7. The Great Lakes Support One of the World’s Largest Freshwater Ecosystems

The Great Lakes of North America are home to a vast range of life. Thousands of species of plants and animals depend on the lakes for survival.

Source: The EPA reports that the Great Lakes basin supports “over 3,500 species of plants and animals”.

Check Out: Top 10 Longest Rivers in North America 

To conclude, knowing about the names of the Great Lakes is only the beginning. Their size, power and influence make them one of the most valuable freshwater systems on Earth. Therefore, it deserves careful protection for future generations.