State mottos offer a unique glimpse into the heart and soul of a place, a few choice words capturing its essence and character. Minnesota proudly wears the title “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” a name as legendary as the state itself. But just how many lakes lie within Minnesota’s borders?
And what truly defines a lake—what sets it apart from a pond, or a winding stretch of river? We journeyed into the Great North, eager to uncover the secrets behind its shimmering waters and to understand what gives Minnesota its celebrated, lake-filled identity.
Does Minnesota Actually Have 10,000 Lakes?
Minnesota is not simply the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”—it boasts even more than that, with lakes scattered like jewels across its vast and varied landscape. While a few of these lakes may lie dry during certain seasons, the majority form a stunning patchwork of waters that are woven into the fabric of the state.
Beyond serving as idyllic spots for fishing, swimming, and summer getaways, Minnesota’s lakes are essential to its environment, lifestyle, and economy, supporting everything from local tourism to cherished outdoor traditions. According to the most reliable sources, Minnesota is home to an astounding 17,246 lakes, each with its own story and significance.
Minnesota’s waters define more than its geography—they define the very spirit of Minnesota, a place where lakes are more than bodies of water, they are a way of life. Limnologist John A. Downing, a scientist who studies Minnesota’s lakes and rivers, made that count during his graduate years at university. Mr. Downing later reported his count was not accurate.
Mr. Downing reports that the many, many small lakes in Minnesota make it difficult to count all the lakes in Minnesota. He said: “Lake scientists—limnologists—can make educated guesses about the number of lakes in a landscape by measuring and counting the bigger lakes and using that number to estimate or project the number of smaller lakes.”
How Many Lakes Are in Minnesota?
When Mr. Downing counted the lakes in Minnesota, he theorized that the number of lakes and water bodies after glaciation in Minnesota, about 10,000 years ago, must have been around 4.6 million. Almost 50% of the total area of those 4.6 million lakes, or about 15,000 square miles, would have been made up of lakes smaller than one-quarter of an acre, covering about 11,000 square feet.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) officially counts 14,380 “lakes” in its state. The MNDNR has been assembling a huge database since 1991, listing every water body in Minnesota that could be counted as a lake.
The MNDNR counts over 117,000 “water bodies”. But what is the difference between a lake and a pond? The smallest MNDNR water body in its database covers only 0.004 acres or 174 square feet. Limnologists define a lake as a water body large enough to have a wave-swept shore.
To designate a lake as a wave-swept shore requires a brisk wind of about 30 knots, or 34.5 mph, to blow across enough surface water to raise waves of about 4 inches in height and displace fine sediment. The MNDNR database suggests Minnesota has 14,380 lakes if you count lakes that cross the U.S./Canada border, and you do not count the few lakes that are mostly in other states.
The database does not count water bodies under 10 acres as an official Minnesota lake. No one knows the exact number of lakes in Minnesota, or anywhere else. Even satellite photographs do not help identify all lakes and ponds. Water bodies can be too small or indistinct enough to recognize them from their surrounding land. Some lakes do not look like lakes in aerial and satellite pictures.
What Are the 5 Major Lakes in Minnesota?
Twenty-eight percent (28%) of Minnesota’s lakes are over 100,000 acres each. Nine percent (9%) cover between 10,000 and 100,000 acres. Twenty-three percent (23%) have a surface area between 1,000 and 10,000 acres. Thirty-nine percent (39%) of Minnesota’s lakes are smaller than 100 acres.
Lake Superior is Minnesota’s largest, most important and major lake. The next five lakes that hold the title as Minnesota’s major and largest lakes are:
- Lake Superior: 31,700 square miles
- Lake of the Woods: 1,486 square miles
- Lower and Upper Red Lake: 451.25 square miles
- Mille Lacs: 207 square miles
- Leech: 174.28 square miles
What Is Minnesota’s Largest Lake?
In Minnesota, the famed “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” only one lake holds the title of largest, and this lake is nothing short of legendary. Lake Superior, with its vast, sparkling expanse, is not only Minnesota’s largest lake but also one of the most renowned lakes in the world, covering a surface area of an incredible 31,700 square miles,
Lake Superior’s grandeur reaches far beyond Minnesota’s borders, shaping the landscape and spirit of the region. Meanwhile, within Minnesota’s boundaries, Upper Lake and Lower Red Lake stand as the largest bodies of water contained entirely within the state. Together, these two lakes cover a surface area of 451.25 square miles, embodying the rugged beauty and rich aquatic life that defines Minnesota’s waters.
Why Do They Call Minnesota the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”?
Minnesota earned the nickname “Land of 10,000 Lakes” because of its considerable abundance of lakes. Its lakes play a significant role in Minnesota’s natural landscape, culture, and recreation. Although the slogan suggests there are exactly 10,000 lakes, Minnesota actually has over 17,000 lakes. Each Minnesota Lake contributes to the state’s scenic beauty, ecosystem, and outdoor lifestyles.
The phrase “10,000 lakes” captures the public’s imagination with its simplicity and appeal, making it an easily remembered and iconic description of Minnesota’s identity. For Minnesotans, their lakes are much more than numbers—they’re cherished spaces for fishing, boating, swimming, and relaxing, and they help define the character and charm of Minnesota.
How Did Minnesota Get 10,000 Lakes?
Glacial activity formed Minnesota’s famous abundance of lakes during the last Ice Age, about 10,000 to 12,000 years ago. Massive glaciers excavated basins as they advanced and retreated and reshaped the earth via erosion and deposition of materials. The result was thousands of basins scattered across the Great North’s landscapes.
The basins filled with glacial melt and formed today’s lakes. In Minnesota, glaciers left a legacy of diverse landscapes full of lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Minnesota terrain contains areas of impermeable rock and clay that allow water to collect in and remain in these basins.
The glaciers left Minnesota with a dazzling array of lakes and rivers. They range from the sea-sized water body of Lake Superior to uncounted smaller lakes. They all contribute to Minnesota’s extraordinary landscape. They earn Minnesota its state motto, the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.”
Is Michigan the Land of 10,000 Lakes?
The term “Land of 10,000 Lakes” is known as a state nickname or state moniker for Minnesota. It serves as an informal slogan that reflects the state’s identity and natural landscape, specifically its abundance of lakes. This nickname is both a symbol of pride for Minnesotans and an iconic descriptor often used in tourism and cultural references to the state.
Does Minnesota Actually Have 10,000 Lakes?
As noted above, Minnesota has many more than 10,000 lakes. According to the most reliable sources, Minnesota is home to an astounding 17,246 lakes, counted by limnologist John A. Downing during his graduate years at university. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) officially counts 14,380 “lakes” in its state.
What State Has 12,000 Lakes?
Often, incredible online sources report that both Minnesota and Wisconsin have over 12,000 lakes. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports that Wisconsin is home to approximately 15,000 lakes. Like Minnesota, it depends on the criteria Wisconsin uses to count its lakes.
Which State Has 1,000 Lakes?
I could not find any evidence of any U.S. state having only 1,000 lakes or using the slogan “Land of a Thousand Lakes”. The slogan “Land of 10,000 Lakes” for Michigan popped up in the late 1800s. The phrase gained momentous traction via promotional materials from the “Ten Thousand Lakes of Minnesota Association“.
The Ten Thousand Lakes of Minnesota Association actively marketed the state by this slogan in the early 1900s. The Michigan State Legislature officially adopted this slogan by adding it to vehicle license plates in 1950.
2 Comments