Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the United States, but it pales in comparison to some of the largest lakes in North America. The state covers only 1,214 square miles, which is surprisingly small once you realize that the six freshwater lakes within or partially connected to the United States are actually much larger. Some of these lakes are so large that they behave more like inland seas, with rough waves, changeable weather and shorelines extending far beyond the horizon. Five of them are part of the Great Lakes system, and the sixth is on the U.S.-Canada border and contains thousands of islands. Together, these lakes revolutionized the perception of North American freshwater geography. Their size, wildlife and economic importance make them one of the most striking natural features on the continent.According to WorldAtlas, six freshwater lakes within or partially connected to the United States are larger than the entire state of Rhode Island.
U.S. lakes are bigger than Rhode Island
lake of woods
Lake of the Woods covers approximately 1,679 square miles, making it larger than the state of Rhode Island. The lake spans northern Minnesota and into Canada and reportedly contains more than 14,500 islands. Experts say it has more islands than any other lake in the world.The lake is famous for fishing, especially walleye fishing, and attracts visitors year-round. Wildlife around the shoreline includes pelicans, herons, mallard ducks and black bears. On calm days, parts of the lake look almost ocean-like due to its vast open water.
lake ontario
At approximately 7,340 square miles, Lake Ontario is the smallest of the Great Lakes, but is still many times dwarfed by Rhode Island. The lake is part of the border between New York and the Canadian province of Ontario.Lake Ontario plays an important role in shipping as it connects the Great Lakes system to the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence Seaway. According to reports, approximately 9 million people rely on the lake for drinking water. The Niagara River also flows into it, closely connecting the lake to Niagara Falls.
Lake Erie
PC: Life on Lake Erie
Lake Erie covers an area of approximately 9,910 square miles and borders several U.S. states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New York. It is the shallowest of the Great Lakes, which causes it to warm faster than the other lakes.Experts believe this warm water makes Erie the most biologically productive of the Great Lakes. Millions of migratory birds pass through the area each year, while rare species continue to survive on the islands within the lake. Freshwater jellyfish and freshwater sponges have also been reported to be found in its waters, surprising many visitors.
lake michigan
PC: World Atlas
Lake Michigan covers an area of approximately 22,300 square miles, nearly 15 times the size of Rhode Island. It is also the only Great Lake located entirely within the United States.Major cities such as Chicago and Milwaukee sit along its coastline. The lake is famous for its huge freshwater dunes and long beaches, especially around Indiana Dunes National Park. The eastern coastline is also famous for fruit growing, as the lake helps regulate temperatures year-round.
Lake Huron
Lake Huron is slightly larger than Lake Michigan, covering an area of approximately 23,007 square miles. The lake contains the famous Georgian Bay area and thousands of islands scattered throughout its waters.Experts estimate that there are nearly 1,000 shipwrecks beneath the surface of Lake Huron, all of which have been preserved in the cold freshwater conditions. The lake is also home to Wasaga Beach, which is reportedly the longest freshwater beach in the world.The large forested areas surrounding the lake continue to support diverse wildlife and a relatively undeveloped shoreline.
lake superior
PC: Great Lakes Literacy Center
Lake Superior is the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area, covering 31,700 square miles. It borders Ontario, Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin.The lake is deeper and colder than the other Great Lakes, with some parts reaching depths exceeding 1,300 feet. Much of the surrounding coastline remains wild and sparsely populated, helping to protect habitat for moose, wolves, bobcats and woodland caribou.According to reports, standing on the shores of Lake Superior feels more like facing an ocean than a lake. The horizon seems endless, especially in bad weather. It’s hard to fully grasp its scale until you see it in person.
According to AFP, 
