Exploring the largest lake in each U.S. state offers a glimpse into the diverse and breathtaking natural landscapes that span the country. From the Great Lakes to hidden gems nestled in the mountains, these bodies of water are integral to their regions, providing recreation, wildlife habitats, and vital water resources. Let's embark on a journey across the United States to discover the largest lake in every state.
Alabama: Guntersville Lake
Guntersville Lake, covering 69,000 acres, is Alabama’s largest lake. It stretches 75 miles from Guntersville Dam to Nickajack Dam in Tennessee and is a haven for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.
Alaska: Iliamna Lake
Iliamna Lake, with a surface area of 1,012 square miles, is the largest lake in Alaska. This remote and pristine lake is renowned for its clear waters and abundant salmon populations.
Arizona: Lake Mead
Straddling the border between Nevada and Arizona, Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States, covering 247 square miles. It’s a crucial water source for the region and a popular spot for recreation.
Arkansas: Lake Ouachita
Lake Ouachita is Arkansas’s largest lake, spanning 66,324 acres. It’s known for its crystal-clear waters and is a favorite for fishing, scuba diving, and camping.
California: Salton Sea
The Salton Sea, at 343 square miles, is California’s largest lake. Formed by an accidental inflow of water from the Colorado River, it’s a unique and somewhat eerie destination for visitors.
Colorado: Blue Mesa Reservoir
Blue Mesa Reservoir, with 14.34 square miles of surface area, is Colorado’s largest lake. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, it offers stunning scenery and numerous recreational activities.
Connecticut: Candlewood Lake
Candlewood Lake, spanning 8.4 square miles, is Connecticut’s largest lake. It’s a popular summer destination for boating, fishing, and lakeside relaxation.
Delaware: Lums Pond
Lums Pond, covering 1.79 square miles, is the largest freshwater pond in Delaware. Located within Lums Pond State Park, it offers various outdoor activities, including fishing and kayaking.
Florida: Lake Okeechobee
Lake Okeechobee is Florida’s largest lake, with a surface area of 730 square miles. It’s a crucial water resource for the state and a hotspot for fishing and birdwatching.
Georgia: Lake Lanier
Lake Lanier, covering 59 square miles, is Georgia’s largest lake. Created by the Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River, it’s a major recreational area near Atlanta.
Hawaii: Halaliʻi Lake
Halaliʻi Lake, also known as Lake Halalii, is the largest natural lake in Hawaii. Situated on the island of Niʻihau, it’s a saline lake covering about 860 acres.
Idaho: Lake Pend Oreille
Lake Pend Oreille, with a surface area of 148 square miles, is Idaho’s largest lake. It’s one of the deepest lakes in the United States and a hub for outdoor activities.
Illinois: Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan, shared with three other states, is Illinois’s largest lake, covering 22,400 square miles. Chicago’s shoreline is a bustling area with beaches, parks, and cultural attractions.
Indiana: Lake Michigan
Indiana also shares Lake Michigan, making it the largest lake in the state. Indiana Dunes National Park offers picturesque landscapes along its shores.
Iowa: Lake Red Rock
Lake Red Rock, spanning 107 square miles, is Iowa’s largest lake. This reservoir is an important flood control and recreation area, offering boating, fishing, and camping.
Kansas: Milford Lake
Milford Lake, with a surface area of 24,000 acres, is Kansas’s largest lake. It’s a prime destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Kentucky: Kentucky Lake
Kentucky Lake, covering 160,309 acres, is the largest man-made lake east of the Mississippi River. It’s a popular spot for boating, fishing, and water sports.
Louisiana: Lake Pontchartrain
Lake Pontchartrain, spanning 630 square miles, is Louisiana’s largest lake. Although technically an estuary, it’s often considered a lake and is a critical water body for the region.
Maine: Moosehead Lake
Moosehead Lake, covering 117 square miles, is the largest lake in Maine. It’s a picturesque destination for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.
Maryland: Deep Creek Lake
Deep Creek Lake, with a surface area of 3.9 square miles, is Maryland’s largest inland body of water. It’s a year-round destination for outdoor activities.
Massachusetts: Quabbin Reservoir
The Quabbin Reservoir, covering 38.6 square miles, is the largest lake in Massachusetts. It’s a vital water supply for the Boston area and a serene spot for nature lovers.
Michigan: Lake Superior
Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes, is Michigan’s largest lake, covering 31,700 square miles. Its vast expanse offers stunning scenery and numerous recreational opportunities.
Minnesota: Lake Superior
Minnesota also shares Lake Superior, which is its largest lake. The North Shore is renowned for its rugged beauty and outdoor activities.
Mississippi: Ross Barnett Reservoir
Ross Barnett Reservoir, covering 33,000 acres, is Mississippi’s largest lake. It’s a key water source for the region and a popular spot for boating and fishing.
Missouri: Truman Reservoir
Truman Reservoir, spanning 55,600 acres, is Missouri’s largest lake. It’s a hub for fishing, boating, and wildlife watching.
Montana: Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake, covering 197 square miles, is Montana’s largest natural freshwater lake. It’s known for its clear waters and stunning mountain views.
Nebraska: Lake McConaughy
Lake McConaughy, with a surface area of 30,500 acres, is Nebraska’s largest lake. It’s a popular destination for boating, fishing, and camping.
Nevada: Lake Mead
Lake Mead, also the largest lake in Arizona, is Nevada’s largest lake. It offers numerous recreational opportunities and is a crucial water source for the region.
New Hampshire: Lake Winnipesaukee
Lake Winnipesaukee, spanning 71 square miles, is New Hampshire’s largest lake. It’s a popular destination for boating, fishing, and vacationing.
New Jersey: Lake Hopatcong
Lake Hopatcong, covering 4 square miles, is New Jersey’s largest lake. It’s a bustling spot for boating, fishing, and lakeside activities.
New Mexico: Elephant Butte Reservoir
Elephant Butte Reservoir, with a surface area of 36,500 acres, is New Mexico’s largest lake. It’s a major recreation area for boating, fishing, and camping.
New York: Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario, one of the Great Lakes, is New York’s largest lake, covering 7,340 square miles. It’s a vital water resource and a beautiful destination for outdoor activities.
North Carolina: Lake Mattamuskeet
Lake Mattamuskeet, spanning 63 square miles, is North Carolina’s largest natural lake. It’s a key habitat for migratory birds and a peaceful spot for nature enthusiasts.
North Dakota: Lake Sakakawea
Lake Sakakawea, with a surface area of 307,000 acres, is North Dakota’s largest lake. It’s a significant recreational and fishing destination.
Ohio: Lake Erie
Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes, is Ohio’s largest lake, covering 9,910 square miles. Its shores are lined with parks, beaches, and vibrant cities.
Oklahoma: Eufaula Lake
Eufaula Lake, spanning 105,500 acres, is Oklahoma’s largest lake. It’s a popular spot for fishing, boating, and water sports.
Oregon: Upper Klamath Lake
Upper Klamath Lake, covering 96 square miles, is Oregon’s largest lake. It’s an important habitat for birds and a beautiful spot for outdoor activities.
Pennsylvania: Lake Erie
Lake Erie, shared with three other states, is Pennsylvania’s largest lake. Presque Isle State Park is a popular destination along its shores.
Rhode Island: Scituate Reservoir
The Scituate Reservoir, covering 7.2 square miles, is Rhode Island’s largest lake. It’s a crucial water supply for the state and surrounded by scenic beauty.
South Carolina: Lake Marion
Lake Marion, spanning 110,000 acres, is South Carolina’s largest lake. It’s a prime destination for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.
South Dakota: Lake Oahe
Lake Oahe, with a surface area of 370,000 acres, is South Dakota’s largest lake. It’s a key recreational area and a significant water resource for the region.
Tennessee: Kentucky Lake
Kentucky Lake, also the largest lake in Kentucky, extends into Tennessee, making it the state’s largest lake as well. It offers abundant recreational opportunities.
Texas: Toledo Bend Reservoir
Toledo Bend Reservoir, covering 185,000 acres, is Texas’s largest lake. It’s a premier fishing destination and offers numerous outdoor activities.
Utah: Great Salt Lake
Great Salt Lake, spanning 1,700 square miles, is Utah’s largest lake. It’s famous for its high salinity and unique ecosystem.
Vermont: Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain, covering 490 square miles, is Vermont’s largest lake. It’s a picturesque spot for boating, fishing, and historical exploration.
Virginia: Buggs Island Lake (Kerr Lake)
Buggs Island Lake, also known as Kerr Lake, spans 48,900 acres and is Virginia’s largest