The US States with No Major Rivers, Lakes or Oceans within Their Borders

When checking the geographical properties of the United States, one might wonder if there are any states that lack major rivers, lakes, or oceans within their borders. The answer to this question is clear: all 50 states in the US have at least some form of water bodies within their territory. However, certain states come very close to this concept, particularly in terms of rivers and lakes.

The Exception: Hawaii and Its Territorial Waters

The state of Hawaii is an exception in this case. While Hawaii does not have any major rivers, lakes, or oceans defined by its borders, it does have territorial waters. These waters, which surround the islands, are part of the Pacific Ocean and thus contribute to the state’s vast water area. This unique geographical feature sets Hawaii apart from other US states, making it the only one that can claim to have no major rivers, lakes, or oceans within its borders in the traditional sense.

States Without Major Waterway Borders

Several other US states are notable for their lack of major waterways defining their borders. Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming are particularly interesting in this context. These states do not have borders defined by rivers or waterways, which makes them unique geographically compared to many other states. Let’s delve into the geographical characteristics of these states in more detail:

Colorado

Colorado is a state in the western part of the United States. While it does have several rivers flowing through the state, such as the Colorado River, the Platte River, and the Arkansas River, these rivers do not define its borders. In fact, the state shares borders with other western states via the Rocky Mountains, which are not defined by rivers but rather by their elevation and terrain. This makes Colorado one of the notable states in the US that lacks major waterways defining its borders.

Hawaii

Hawaii, as mentioned earlier, is an island state in the Pacific Ocean. Its unique geographical feature is that it is composed of volcanic islands surrounded by the ocean. While it has no major rivers or lakes within its borders, the presence of the Pacific Ocean, known as its territorial waters, means that Hawaii still has extensive water areas. The ocean surrounds all of Hawaii’s main islands, making it a fascinating case study in geographical features of the US.

Montana

Montana, located in the northern region of the United States, is also notable for its lack of borders defined by major waterways. While the state has numerous rivers and lakes within its territory, such as the Missouri River, Yellowstone River, and Flathead Lake, these water bodies do not define its borders. Instead, Montana shares borders with four other states and the Canadian province of Alberta, with terrain features like mountains and prairies defining its boundaries. This makes Montana another interesting case study for understanding the geographical diversity of the US states.

Utah

Utah, situated in the southwestern part of the United States, shares this characteristic with its neighboring states. The state is known for its expansive desert regions and mountain ranges, including the Great Salt Lake Desert and the Cache Valley. While it has significant water bodies such as the Great Salt Lake and various rivers, these do not define its borders. Instead, Utah shares borders with five other states and a part of Mexico, with the terrain features like the Rocky Mountains and Great Basin contributing to its border definitions.

Wyoming

Wyoming, located in the mountain and high plains region of the western United States, is another state that does not have major waterways defining its borders. The state’s southern and southwestern borders are defined by the Colorado River, but this does not apply to its broader boundaries. Wyoming shares borders with six other states, with its terrain features like the Black Hills, Snowy Range, and Green River forming part of its geographical identity. This lack of river-defined borders makes Wyoming yet another interesting state within the United States.

Each of these states, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming, presents a unique geographical profile within the context of the United States. While all states have some form of water within their borders, these states are notable for their lack of major waterways defining their borders. This makes them particularly interesting for students of geography, urban planners, and anyone interested in understanding the diverse geographical characteristics of the US.