The 10 Largest Lakes in the US in 2027

Lake Superior covers 31,700 square miles across Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ontario. It is the largest of the Great Lakes and the largest lake in the US by area, with a cold, rocky shoreline that draws hikers and kayakers.

Lake Huron covers 23,000 square miles between Michigan and Ontario. It shares its water level with Lake Michigan and has a long, island-dotted shoreline.

Lake Michigan covers 22,300 square miles and touches Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. It is the largest freshwater lake located entirely within the United States, with Chicago and Milwaukee on its shores.

Lake Erie covers 9,910 square miles and borders Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Ontario. It is the shallowest of the Great Lakes and famous for its walleye fishing.

Lake Ontario covers 7,340 square miles between New York and Ontario. It is the smallest of the Great Lakes by area and drains into the St. Lawrence River.

Lake of the Woods covers 1,679 square miles across Minnesota, Ontario and Manitoba. It is known for thousands of islands and some of the best walleye fishing in North America.

Iliamna Lake covers 1,014 square miles in southwest Alaska, making it the largest lake in the state. It is a key part of the Bristol Bay salmon system.

Great Salt Lake in Utah covers about 950 square miles, though its size swings with drought and rainfall. It is too salty for fish but is a huge stop for migrating birds.

Lake Okeechobee covers 730 square miles in south Florida. It is ringed by the Herbert Hoover Dike and is one of the best-known bass fishing lakes in the country.

Lake Oahe covers 685 square miles in South Dakota and North Dakota. It is a reservoir created by Oahe Dam on the Missouri River and is popular for walleye fishing.