Who Has More Lakes: Minnesota or Wisconsin?

Minnesota may be known as the "Land of Ten Thousand Lakes", but Wisconsin is no slouch either when it comes to large bodies of water.

Alaska has more lakes than any other state (by far), with a whopping 3 million. However many of these bodies of water are almost inaccessible, and covered with ice for much of the year. Minnesota and Wisconsin occupy the number two and three spots in the US for lakes, but one of these Upper Midwest states holds a slight edge.

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Does Wisconsin Have More Lakes Than Minnesota?

Both Minnesota and Wisconsin's lakes developed relatively recently, in geological terms. When the glaciers retreated at the end of the last ice age (around 12,000 years ago), several deposits were left behind. This is why both states have thousands of lakes to this very day.

In truth, Minnesota has more than 10,000 lakes. The current estimate is around 14,000 lakes statewide. But does Wisconsin have more? According to several sources, it does.

According to information found from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the state has well over 15,000 lakes.

Wisconsin has over 15,000 lakes, ranging in size from small ponds to massive bodies of water like Lake Winnebago, which covers over 130,000 acres.  The state’s many lakes provide ample opportunities for fishing, and Wisconsin is home to some of the best musky fishing in the world.  The state is also known for its many picturesque lakeside towns and resorts.  Some of the lakes in Wisconsin are known for their mysterious underwater formations, like the submerged pyramids in Rock Lake.

-White Clouds Website

But before Wisconsinites start bragging, keep in mind, the definition of what a lake is can be extremely subjective. To learn more about which state's have the most lakes, check out this article from the White Clouds Website.

Story Sources: Wisconsin State Cartographers Office Website, CBS News Website, White Clouds Website, KXRB Website