The state with the most lakes in the United States is Alaska, which has an estimated 3.2 million lakes, including many unnamed ones larger than five acres. Alaska far surpasses other states in the number of lakes due to its unique geography with glaciers, permafrost, and heavy rain creating many wetlands and depressions perfect for lake formation.
Other states with large numbers of lakes include:
- Wisconsin (~15,000 lakes)
- Minnesota (~14,380 lakes)
- Michigan (over 11,000 lakes)
- Florida (~30,000 lakes, many man-made)
- Texas (~7,000 lakes, many man-made)
But Alaska remains the clear leader by a huge margin in the count of lakes.