Mapping US Waters: Lakes & Rivers Quiz

Major Lakes and Rivers of the US Quiz

Test your knowledge of America’s most significant waterways! This quiz covers major lakes and rivers that have shaped our nation’s geography, commerce, and history.

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Major Lakes and Rivers of the US Quiz

US Lakes and Rivers Quiz

1 / 20

Which Great Lake touches four U.S. states?

2 / 20

Which river runs through the heart of New Orleans?

3 / 20

Which river divides New York City and New Jersey?

4 / 20

What is the longest river in the United States?

5 / 20

Which U.S. lake is nicknamed “The Dead Sea of America”?

6 / 20

What river forms part of the border between Texas and Mexico?

7 / 20

Which Great Lake is the deepest?

8 / 20

What famous lake straddles California and Nevada?

9 / 20

What major river flows through the Grand Canyon?

10 / 20

Which lake is the largest natural freshwater lake by surface area in the continental U.S.?

11 / 20

Which Great Lake does not touch both the U.S. and Canada?

12 / 20

What Western U.S. lake has a surface elevation that is typically 6,225 feet above sea level?

13 / 20

Which river has been transformed into San Antonio’s River Walk?

14 / 20

Which US river is famous for riverboat gambling?

15 / 20

Which lake is famous for its crystal-clear waters and is located in Oregon?

16 / 20

What river flows through Washington, D.C.?

17 / 20

Which river runs through the Las Vegas Valley?

18 / 20

What Great Lake is closest to Chicago?

19 / 20

What is the largest reservoir in the United States by volume?

20 / 20

Which river forms part of the border between Kentucky and Ohio?

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Major Rivers and Lakes of the United States: Nature’s Highways and Reservoirs

The United States is home to some of the world’s most impressive waterways, from mighty rivers that shaped the nation’s development to vast lakes that hold enough freshwater to influence regional climates.

Iconic Rivers

The Mississippi River

The Mississippi River stands as America’s most iconic waterway, stretching 2,340 miles from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. This “Father of Waters” drains 31 states and, combined with its major tributary the Missouri River, forms the world’s fourth-longest river system.

The Missouri River

Known as the “Big Muddy,” the Missouri River extends 2,341 miles, making it slightly longer than the Mississippi. It begins in Montana’s Rocky Mountains before joining the Mississippi near St. Louis, serving as a vital water source for agriculture throughout the Midwest.

The Colorado River

Carving the Grand Canyon and providing water to seven states, the Colorado River plays a crucial role in the American Southwest. Its 1,450-mile journey from the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of California has been extensively dammed to provide water and power to millions.

Major Lakes

The Great Lakes

The five Great Lakes—Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario—form the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth. Lake Superior alone contains enough water to cover both North and South America in one foot of water. These lakes contain 21% of the world’s surface fresh water and 84% of North America’s surface fresh water.

Great Salt Lake

Utah’s Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. This remnant of ancient Lake Bonneville has no outlet, leading to its high salinity levels—in some areas, it’s saltier than the ocean.

Environmental Significance

These waterways serve multiple crucial functions:

  • Transportation corridors for commerce
  • Freshwater sources for millions of Americans
  • Critical habitats for diverse wildlife
  • Flood control and irrigation systems
  • Hydroelectric power generation
  • Recreation and tourism

However, many face significant challenges from pollution, overuse, and climate change. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these vital water resources for future generations.

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