Top 5 Largest Lakes in the US- 2024

The United States has several expansive lakes, each with unique characteristics. Lake Superior is the largest lake in the US. Below, we examine the top 5 largest lakes in the US as of 2024, detailing their location, surface area, volume, depth, water clarity, nearby major cities, and seasonal variations in water levels.

Largest Lakes in the US

1. Lake Superior (31,700 square miles)
2. Lake Huron (23,000 square miles)
3. Lake Michigan (22,406 square miles)
4. Lake Erie (9,910 square miles)
5. Lake Ontario (7,320 square miles)

5. Lake Ontario (7,320 square miles)

Lake Ontario, located on the border between the United States and Canada, spans 7,320 square miles (19,000 square kilometers). Its volume is 393 cubic miles (1,639 cubic kilometers), with an average depth of 283 feet (86 meters) and a maximum depth reaching 802 feet (244 meters). The lake stretches 193 miles (310 kilometers) in length. Water clarity is generally high, though it can vary near urban areas. Major cities along its shores include Toronto in Ontario, Canada; Rochester in New York; and Kingston in Ontario, Canada. Water levels are typically highest in late spring and summer, and lowest during winter due to reduced inflow and freezing conditions.

4. Lake Erie (9,910 square miles)

Lake Erie, situated on the border between the United States and Canada, covers an area of 9,910 square miles (25,667 square kilometers). It has a volume of 116 cubic miles (480 cubic kilometers), with an average depth of 62 feet (18.9 meters) and a maximum depth of 210 feet (64 meters). The lake extends 241.1 miles (388.01 kilometers) in length. Its water clarity is often variable and generally low due to its shallowness and agricultural runoff. Major cities along its shores include Cleveland and Toledo in Ohio, and Buffalo in New York. Water levels are highest in late spring and summer, and lowest in late winter and early spring.

3. Lake Michigan (22,406 square miles)

Lake Michigan, located entirely within the United States, covers a vast area of 22,406 square miles (58,031 square kilometers). Its volume is 1,180 cubic miles (4,918 cubic kilometers), with an average depth of 279 feet (85 meters) and a maximum depth of 925 feet (282 meters). The lake stretches 307 miles (494.069 kilometers) in length. Water clarity ranges from moderate to high, with clearer waters generally found in the northern parts. Major cities along its shores include Chicago in Illinois, Milwaukee and Green Bay in Wisconsin. Water levels are highest in summer and early fall, and lowest in winter due to ice cover and reduced inflow.

2. Lake Huron (23,000 square miles)

Lake Huron, straddling the border between the United States and Canada, covers an area of 23,000 square miles (59,570 square kilometers). It holds a volume of 850 cubic miles (3,540 cubic kilometers) and has an average depth of 195 feet (59 meters), with a maximum depth of 750 feet (229 meters). The lake stretches 206.3 miles (332.0 kilometers) in length. Water clarity is generally high, particularly in northern regions like Georgian Bay. Major cities along its shores include Sarnia in Ontario, Canada; Bay City and Alpena in Michigan. Water levels are highest in late spring and summer and lowest in winter due to freezing conditions and reduced runoff.

1. Lake Superior (31,700 square miles)

Lake Superior, located on the border between the United States and Canada, spans 31,700 square miles (82,103 square kilometers). It has a volume of 2,900 cubic miles (12,100 cubic kilometers), with an average depth of 483 feet (147 meters) and a maximum depth of 1,333 feet (406 meters). The lake extends 349.8 miles (562.9 kilometers) in length. Water clarity is exceptionally high, with visibility reaching up to 27 feet (8 meters). Major cities along its shores include Duluth in Minnesota, Thunder Bay in Ontario, Canada, and Marquette in Michigan. Water levels are typically highest in late summer and early fall due to snowmelt and rainfall, and lowest in winter because of reduced inflows and freezing.

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