Minnesota is famously known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," but the actual number of lakes is significantly higher. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the state has 11,842 lakes that are 10 acres or larger

. If smaller basins over 2.5 acres are included, the total number of lakes increases to about 21,871

. Some sources, including the Minnesota Sea Grant, suggest an even higher count of around 14,380 lakes when considering lakes that cross the U.S.-Canada border and other factors

. In summary:

• Officially recognized lakes of 10 acres or more: about 11,842
• Lakes including smaller basins (over 2.5 acres): approximately 21,871
• Broader estimates including border lakes: around 14,380

This vast number of lakes is due to glacial activity during the last Ice Age, which carved out numerous basins filled by meltwater, creating Minnesota's extensive freshwater lake system

. Thus, Minnesota has well over 11,000 lakes, and depending on the criteria, the count can exceed 20,000.