Which US State has the most lakes? Think about freshwater lakes – whether they're those peaceful, hidden spots or the massive inland seas. They truly define the look and feel of life across the United States. While plenty of states with lakes boast their new geographical findings and surveys consistently show just how incredibly vast these natural features are. These lakes are more than just fun places to visit; they are important ecosystems that support all kinds of animals, affect the weather in the area, and help communities grow. Finding out which states are really "loaded with lakes" gives you a cool look at America's unique water landscape and how important these watery treasures are for the economy and the environment.
Which US State has the most Lakes?
Alaska is without a doubt the state with the most lakes. The Last Frontier has an amazing 3.2 million lakes, which include many unnamed bodies of water that are bigger than five acres. Alaska has 3,197 named natural lakes, according to the government. The state's unique geography, which includes large glaciers, permafrost, and heavy rain, creates huge wetlands and depressions that are perfect for forming lakes. This is why there are so many lakes. These clear waters are not only important for the ecosystem, but they are also important for fishing, transportation, and the subsistence living of Native Americans. This is why Alaska is known around the world as a great place to fish.
California takes the top spot for best lake in the nation!https://t.co/tVCDpwHkAf
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) July 13, 2025
List of 9 US States with the Most Lakes
Alaska tops the list of states with the most lakes by a wide margin, but several other US states also have a lot of lakes, each with its own unique aquatic scenery and recreational options. The exact numbers can change based on how you define a "lake" (for example, minimum size, natural vs. man-made, named vs. unnamed), but these are the best ones:
| State | Estimated Number of Lakes | Largest Inland Lake |
| ~3.2 million (over 5 acres, incl. unnamed) | Lake Iliamna | |
| Wisconsin | ~15,000 | Lake Winnebago |
| 11,842 (over 10 acres) | Red Lake | |
| ~11,000 (inland, >5 acres) | Houghton Lake | |
| ~30,000 | Lake Okeechobee | |
| Washington | ~8,000 | Lake Chelan |
| ~7,600 | Oneida Lake | |
| Texas | ~6,700-7,000 | Caddo Lake |
| ~6,000 | Moosehead Lake |
In conclusion, Alaska has the most lakes, but states like Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin are still proud of their large lake populations, which are a big part of their natural heritage and provide lots of recreation opportunities. These different bodies of water all over the US really show how different the country's geography is and how important these freshwater resources are to the country.
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