How big is Lake of the Woods?

Lake of the Woods is one of the most expansive and fascinating freshwater lakes in North America. Located at the intersection of the U.S. states of Minnesota and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Manitoba, this massive body of water is not only remarkable for its sheer size but also for its complex geography and historical significance. Let’s take an in-depth look at just how big Lake of the Woods really is.

Geographic Overview

Lake of the Woods spans an impressive area of approximately 1,679 square miles (4,349 square kilometers). To put that into perspective, the lake is larger than the entire state of Rhode Island. About 1,018 square miles (2,637 square kilometers) of the lake lie within Canada, while the remaining 661 square miles (1,712 square kilometers) are in the United States, mostly in northern Minnesota.

The lake's waters are bordered by Rainy River to the east and the Winnipeg River to the northwest, which drains into Lake Winnipeg. Its strategic location on the border of two countries and three different jurisdictions (Ontario, Manitoba, and Minnesota) adds to its political and geographic uniqueness.

Shoreline and Islands

One of the most remarkable features of Lake of the Woods is its extensive shoreline, which measures more than 65,000 miles (105,000 kilometers) when including its bays and inlets. That’s longer than the entire coastline of the United States! This complex shoreline contributes to the lake’s incredibly intricate topography.

Adding to its complexity are its over 14,500 islands, making it one of the lakes with the highest number of islands in the world. These islands provide critical habitat for wildlife, recreational opportunities, and secluded spots for fishing and boating.

Depth and Volume

Although it is vast in surface area, Lake of the Woods is relatively shallow compared to the Great Lakes. Its average depth is around 27 feet (8.2 meters), with a maximum depth of about 210 feet (64 meters) in certain deep basins. The total water volume is estimated to be about 3.5 cubic miles (14.6 cubic kilometers).

Navigational and Historical Importance

Lake of the Woods has long been a vital waterway for Indigenous peoples, fur traders, and explorers. Its sheer size and network of islands made it a natural hub for trade routes. Even today, the lake remains a crucial part of the boundary between the United States and Canada.

Interestingly, the lake contains a geographical curiosity known as the Northwest Angle, the northernmost point in the contiguous United States, which is only accessible by land through Canada or by crossing the lake.

Recreational Significance

Today, Lake of the Woods is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, especially fishing, boating, and camping. It supports a diverse range of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, muskie, and smallmouth bass. Tourists are drawn to its scenic beauty, wildlife, and vast, open waters.

Conclusion

Lake of the Woods is more than just a large lake—it is a marvel of natural geography, international boundaries, and ecological richness. With nearly 1,700 square miles of surface area, thousands of islands, and a shoreline more intricate than many ocean coasts, it stands out as one of North America’s most remarkable freshwater lakes. Whether you're looking at it from a geographic, ecological, or recreational standpoint, the enormity and complexity of Lake of the Woods are truly awe-inspiring.