Who Really Owns the Great Lakes? (Spoiler: It's Not Just the USA)

The Great Lakes—those vast puddles that make up the largest group of freshwater lakes on the planet by total area. They’re so massive that they’ve been dubbed the “Third Coast” of the United States, as if two coastlines weren’t enough for a country with an already inflated ego.

But who actually owns these colossal bodies of water? If you thought it was exclusively the good ol’ USA, prepare to have your patriotic bubble burst.

What Are the Great Lakes?

Let me take you on a little journey back to elementary school geography—only this time, I’ll try to make it less sleep-inducing. The Great Lakes consist of five behemoth lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario. Together, they hold about 21% of the world’s surface fresh water.

That’s right, over one-fifth of the planet’s fresh water is sloshing around between the U.S. and Canada, like an enormous shared bathtub that neither side wants to clean.

Formed over 10,000 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age, these lakes were carved out by retreating glaciers that, much like my ex, left a significant impact before disappearing. The lakes span a combined surface area of 94,250 square miles (244,106 square kilometers) and boast a coastline longer than the U.S. eastern seaboard.

Lake Superior alone is so vast that it could fit all the other Great Lakes plus three more Lake Eries. Talk about overcompensating.

Historically, the Great Lakes have been a hub for transportation, commerce, and, of course, territorial squabbles. Indigenous peoples lived around these waters for thousands of years before Europeans showed up with their flags and a penchant for drawing arbitrary lines on maps.

Are the Great Lakes International Waters?

Now, you might be wondering, “Are these lakes considered international waters?” Well, not exactly. International waters, or the high seas, are areas not under the jurisdiction of any country, usually starting 12 nautical miles from a nation’s coastline.

The Great Lakes, however, are classified as boundary waters. This means they’re shared between two countries—in this case, the United States and Canada—much like a duplex with really nosy neighbors.

The Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 laid the groundwork for how the U.S. and Canada manage these waters. The treaty established the International Joint Commission (IJC) to prevent and resolve disputes, because apparently, adults can’t share without a chaperone.

So, while you won’t find pirate ships declaring independence on Lake Huron, the waters are indeed international in the sense that they require bilateral cooperation.

Isle Royale Cove in the national park — “Lake Superior Michigan, Isle Royale National Park rocky cove.”

Who Owns the Great Lakes in the USA?

Ownership of the Great Lakes within the U.S. is a tangled web of federal, state, and sometimes private interests. Generally speaking, the federal government holds sovereignty over the waters themselves, but the states adjacent to the lakes—Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York—have jurisdiction over the waters within their state boundaries up to the international border with Canada.

But don’t get too excited about staking your claim on a piece of Lake Superior. The Public Trust Doctrine ensures that the Great Lakes are held in trust by the state governments for public use. This means you can’t just buy a chunk of lake and declare it your personal swimming pool, no matter how much you hate sharing.

PRO TIP: What Are The Most Dangerous Creatures in Lake Michigan

Who Polices the Great Lakes?

So, who keeps the peace in this massive aquatic playground? Enter the U.S. Coast Guard and the Canadian Coast Guard. These agencies are responsible for law enforcement, search and rescue, and maintaining navigational aids.

On the U.S. side, the Coast Guard’s Ninth District oversees the Great Lakes region. They coordinate with various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, because nothing says efficiency like multiple layers of bureaucracy. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and local provincial police also have roles in policing the lakes on the Canadian side.

International cooperation is key here. The Shiprider Program allows cross-designated officers from both countries to enforce laws on either side of the border. It’s like a buddy cop movie, but with less Hollywood glamor and more paperwork.

Which Great Lake Is Solely in U.S. Territory?

Finally, a question with a straightforward answer! Lake Michigan is the only one of the Great Lakes located entirely within the United States. Sorry, Canada—you’ll have to stick with your other four massive lakes and universal healthcare.

Lake Michigan borders Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. It’s the second-largest Great Lake by volume and the third-largest by surface area. So, if you’re looking to sail without the risk of accidentally entering international waters and causing an international incident, Lake Michigan is your safest bet.

Does the Navy Protect the Great Lakes?

Ah, the Navy—because nothing says “defense” like battleships patrolling freshwater lakes. In reality, the U.S. Navy doesn’t maintain a regular operational presence on the Great Lakes. During World War II, the Navy did use the Great Lakes for training purposes, even converting two passenger steamships into aircraft carriers for pilot training. But those days are long gone.

Today, maritime security and law enforcement are primarily the responsibility of the U.S. Coast Guard. The Navy’s absence isn’t due to a lack of interest but rather practicality. The Great Lakes are connected to the ocean via the Saint Lawrence Seaway, but the locks limit the size of vessels that can enter.

So unless the Navy downsizes its ships to tugboats, they’re not easily cruising these waters anytime soon.

Are the Great Lakes Worth Visiting?

Is that even a question? The Great Lakes region is like the underappreciated middle child of American tourism. Sure, it’s not as flashy as the coasts or as grand as the Rockies, but it has its own rugged charm that’s hard to resist.

From the stunning Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior to the bustling city life of Chicago on Lake Michigan’s shores, there’s something for everyone. You can explore shipwrecks in Thunder Bay, sample wines in Ontario’s burgeoning wine country, or get lost—hopefully not literally—in the Isle Royale National Park.

And let’s not forget the cultural experiences. The region is rich in Indigenous history, maritime lore, and a blend of American and Canadian influences. Plus, where else can you experience all four seasons in a single day?

So, yes, the Great Lakes are absolutely worth visiting—just don’t forget to bring a jacket, sunscreen, and maybe a kayak. Or at least a good sense of humor about the weather.

The Great Lakes are our Personal Favorite Stomping Grounds

So, who owns the Great Lakes? The answer is a delightful mess of international treaties, federal and state laws, and mutual agreements between the U.S. and Canada. It’s a shared responsibility, much like co-parenting a very large, very wet child.

In the grand scheme of things, the Great Lakes serve as a reminder that cooperation is possible, even when politics and borders get in the way. They’re a testament to the idea that some resources are too valuable to be hoarded or squabbled over—unless we’re talking about that last slice of pizza, in which case, all bets are off.

As someone who’s stood on the frozen shores of Lake Superior questioning my life choices, I can attest to the awe these lakes inspire. They may not be solely American—or solely Canadian—but perhaps that’s for the best. After all, good things are better when they’re shared.

Just maybe not the water quality reports.