General Question

St.George's avatar

Which state has the most islands?

Asked by St.George (5865points) July 17th, 2009

My son has become obsessed with the 50 states. Yea! He’s wondering which state has the most islands, thinking it’s either Michigan or Alaska. What do you know?

Edited to add: How many islands does this state have?

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20 Answers

Saturated_Brain's avatar

I’d think it’s Alaska.

Yup… It’s Alaska.

First result from googling ‘which state most islands’

Saturated_Brain's avatar

Hmm… Maybe I should edit my statement. I googled more and more and couldn’t find anything other than the wikianswers. And wikipedia doesn’t have info on the number of Alaskan islands. And to be honest, I’m finding myself not really trusting wikianswers.

Okay. Apologies for my snarkiness, but I still think it’s Alaska. I mean, just look at it on the map. There are so many islands. Compared with Michigan.. Well… I don’t think there’s much to compare..

Plus, you must take into consideration the fact that Alaska is the biggest state.

jonsblond's avatar

Since @Saturated_Brain answered the question already, I’d just like to say that I think it’s great that your son is interested in geography. So many children have no clue when it comes to geography. You should buy him an atlas if you don’t have one.

edit: Is it not Alaska? You would be surprised at the number of islands in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota if you’ve never been there. Looks like I’m staying up later than planned this evening to do a little research.

ryanpowell's avatar

It might be a stimulating conversation to discuss map projections with your son. It is actually interesting.

Ivan's avatar

Michigan doesn’t have many islands, but it does have more coastline than any other continental state. Alaska still wins in that category too, for the whole US.

jonsblond's avatar

I counted aprroximately 81 islands in the state of Michigan.

ryanpowell's avatar

@jonsblond :: That is hardcore. Are you GG Allin?

jonsblond's avatar

@ryanpowell I am hardcore but I like to shit in private.

YARNLADY's avatar

Wait a minute, what about the Thousand Islands area of New York along the St Lawrence River, and there are thousands in Minnesota, the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

jonsblond's avatar

@YARNLADY I was thinking the same but it looks like Alaska has over 2500 islands.

Saturated_Brain's avatar

@jonsblond You’ve actually been counting this whole while?

jonsblond's avatar

@Saturated_Brain 2508, 2509, 2512… oops. Damn! I’ve got to start over.

I did count Michigan’s but I’ll admit to using wiki for Alaska.

Saturated_Brain's avatar

@jonsblond You… You cheater! I’m going to count them myself just to show you that it can be done. I’ll get back to you in a month or two.

jonsblond's avatar

@Saturated_Brain I would do it to prove a point but I’m going camping tomorrow. I’ll count stars instead. Game on!

YARNLADY's avatar

Washington State makes a good showing on the wikipedia list of islands in the US, as does Arkansas.

kenmc's avatar

@YARNLADY Michigan has ~12,000 lakes! Suck it, MN!!!

PapaLeo's avatar

I think Hawaii deserves a mention here. I mean, it should get some credit that it is an island.

So I’m giving a qualitative answer, not quantitative.

St.George's avatar

These are all wonderful responses, which I’ll share with my son.

Arkansas, who’d a thought it would be a contender?

maplater's avatar

Answer since I actually research it is Alaska. There are 2, 650 islands with name. Then twice that amount without names. Look at the map people. Also Alaska wins for the most earthquakes.

Jaydonnely's avatar

It’s FLORIDA NOT ALASKA!

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