The Five Great Lakes of North America

The Great Lakes—the world's largest freshwater system by surface area—comprise five interconnected lakes:

1. Lake Superior — Largest (82,100 km²), deepest (406 m), coldest. Borders MN, WI, MI, ON.
2. Lake Michigan — 2nd largest (58,000 km²); only Great Lake entirely in US (WI, IL, IN, MI).
3. Lake Huron — 3rd largest (59,600 km²); includes Georgian Bay. Borders MI, ON.
4. Lake Erie — 4th largest (25,700 km²); shallowest, warmest, most productive fishery. Borders MI, OH, PA, NY, ON.
5. Lake Ontario — Smallest (19,000 km²) but deep (244 m); outlet to St. Lawrence River. Borders NY, ON.

Key Facts

• Total Area: 244,000 km² (94,000 sq mi).
• Volume: 22,600 km³ (5,400 cu mi) — 21% of world's surface fresh water.
• Drainage: St. Lawrence River → Atlantic.
• Connection: Straits of Mackinac (Michigan–Huron hydrologically one lake); Welland Canal (Erie–Ontario); St. Marys River (Superior–Huron).
• Population: 34M+ in basin (US + Canada).

Governance

Binational: Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (1972, updated), International Joint Commission, state/provincial compacts.