
Lakes are typically serene and naturally beautiful, but some lakes in America are truly extraordinary. Be it due to their unusual shapes or mysterious origins, these lakes are far from ordinary. If you believe you’ve seen everything, this list of 15 peculiar lakes will surely introduce you to something new.
Mono Lake, California

A visit to Mono Lake reveals an unusual terrain characterized by alkaline waters and towering limestone formations known as tufa towers. These structures rise from the lake’s surface, forming when underwater springs with high calcium mix with the lake’s carbonates. The high salt content supports brine shrimp and alkali flies.
Great Salt Lake, Utah

Recognized as one of the world’s largest and saltiest bodies of water, the Great Salt Lake in Utah brings a beautiful experience for visitors. This extreme salinity might allow swimmers to float effortlessly, and the north side of the lake gives a pinkish hue in late summer.
Convict Lake, Nevada

Convict Lake is famous for its blue waters, which range from deep azure to turquoise, and its unusual history. The stunning contrast with Mount Morrison that surrounds it adds to its beauty, especially in fall when aspens add fiery hues. It is a wonderful destination for nature lovers.
Crater Lake, Oregon

Crater Lake, with its strikingly clear, deep blue water, is the deepest lake in the US at 1,949 feet. Formed within the caldera of the collapsed Mount Mazama about 7,700 years ago, its isolation contributes to its remarkable clarity. No rivers or streams flow into it, only precipitation.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Famed for its beauty and clarity, Lake Tahoe allows visibility up to 70 feet in some areas. At 1,645 feet deep, it is the second-deepest lake in the United States. Its granite composition makes Lake Tahoe one of the clearest bodies of water on Earth.
Lake Okeechobee, Florida

As Florida’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Okeechobee covers over 730 square miles yet has an average depth of only about 9 feet. According to Wikipedia sources, this lake is so large you can’t see it across. Unusual shallowness makes it an important ecological resource in the region.
Salton Sea, California

Hot Lake (Washington)

Thanks to its hypersaline waters, Hot Lake in Washington is anything but ordinary. Unlike most saline lakes, Hot Lake is dominated by magnesium and sulfate ions, giving it a unique chemical composition. It is situated in a glacial basin surrounded by rocks rich in minerals like pyrite.
Lake Michigan, Michigan

Among the Great Lakes, Lake Michigan is the only one located entirely within the United States and offers blue waters and sandy beaches. One of its excellent features is the phenomenon of “ice caves” that form along the shoreline during the winter months and create beautiful scenery.
Lake of the Clouds, Michigan

Nestled in Michigan’s Porcupine Mountains, this lake is unique in its excellent reflection of the sky and its environment, especially on calm days. Its remote location and pristine environment give the lake a near-mystical quality and make it a favorite among photographers and nature lovers.
Lake Poinsett, South Dakota

Characterized by its distinctive shape and unique ecosystem, Lake Poinsett is a popular destination for fishing and birdwatching. This shallow lake comes alive during migrations when thousands of birds stop to rest. One of its peculiarities is the phenomenon where water levels fluctuate dramatically due to evaporation and irrigation.
Green Lake, Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s Green Lake holds the distinction of being the state’s deepest natural inland lake, at 237 feet. Its depth sets it apart from other lakes in the region and contributes to its popularity among outdoor lovers. In local legends, the lake is often associated with sightings of giant fish.
Bear Lake, Utah/Idaho

Straddling the Utah-Idaho border, Bear Lake is appreciated for its unique turquoise-blue color caused by the water’s refraction of suspended limestone deposits. This striking hue has earned it the nickname “The Caribbean of the Rockies.” Bear Lake is over 250,000 years old and attracts visitors year-round.
Lake Superior, Michigan/Wisconsin

Lake Superior is shrouded with a few documented shipwrecks beneath its waters. The largest of the Great Lakes, the cold, fresh waters have preserved some wrecks in pristine condition, including the famous SS Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank in 1975 during a severe storm.
Lake Havasu, Arizona

Situated on the Arizona-California border, Lake Havasu is famous for its blue waters, and the historic London Bridge has been relocated to the area. An artificial reservoir created by the Parker Dam on the Colorado River, it has become a sought-after destination for enthusiasts of water-based pursuits, such as fishing and various water sports.