The Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the Indiana Dunes in Chesterton are two iconic American parks with unique offerings and attractions. Both parks offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, but each has its own character and charm. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Gateway Arch National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park, comparing and contrasting their history, natural beauty, and recreational activities.
Gateway Arch National Park is a symbol of St. Louis and the American West, perched along the Mississippi River. This monument to American expansion is 630 feet tall and a marvel of modern engineering. Visitors can take a tram to the top for breathtaking views of the city and the river below.
Indiana Dunes National Park, on the other hand, is a natural wonder located along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. With over 15,000 acres of sand dunes, forests, wetlands, and prairies, the park is a haven for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers an expansive beach, hiking trails, and opportunities for bird-watching, fishing, and boating.
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park both offer a range of hiking trails for visitors. Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, features several trails that meander along the Mississippi River and through the park’s lush parkland. One of the easiest hikes is the Riverfront Trail, which is a paved trail that runs along the Mississippi River and offers stunning views of the Gateway Arch. Another easy hike is the Jefferson Expansion Memorial Park Trail, a paved trail that takes visitors through the park’s lush parkland and provides views of the Gateway Arch and the Old Courthouse.
Indiana Dunes National Park, located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, features a range of hiking trails that are great for visitors of all skill levels. The park’s easiest hike is the Nature Trail, which is a paved trail that takes visitors through the park’s lush forests and prairies. For a more challenging hike, visitors can head out on the Dunes Succession Trail, which is a 2.5-mile trail that takes visitors through the park’s sandy dunes and offers stunning views of the lake. The park’s hardest hike is the Cowles Bog Trail, which is a 3-mile trail that takes visitors through the park’s wetlands and offers views of the park’s diverse ecosystem.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Riverfront Trail | 34439.876 | 109.728 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Jefferson National Expansion Memorial | 2574.944 | 20.7264 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Indiana Dunes National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cowles Bog Trail | 6920.162 | 64.9224 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Little Calumet River Trail Loop | 6276.426 | 50.9016 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| West Beach Loop with Scallop Dunes and Long Lake Trail | 5471.756 | 78.9432 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Dune Succession and West Beach Walk | 4345.218 | 43.8912 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| West Beach Loop | 1770.274 | 28.956 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Miller Woods Trail | 6115.492 | 40.8432 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dune Ridge Trail | 1448.406 | 26.8224 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Tolleston Dunes | 5149.888 | 52.7304 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beach Trail to Waverly Beach | 1609.34 | 5.7912 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Indiana’s Lake Michigan Shoreline Scenic Drive | 35083.612 | 84.7344 | Moderate | point to point | 3.5 |
Wildlife in Gateway Arch National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, boasts a variety of wildlife, including fish in the Mississippi River, squirrels, and various bird species such as the American white pelican and the bald eagle. The park is also home to numerous species of plants, including the American sycamore and the yellow-poplar. Visitors can also spot the occasional river otter or beaver in the river.
Indiana Dunes National Park, located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, is a haven for bird-watchers, with over 300 species of birds having been spotted in the park. Some of the most commonly seen birds include the red-headed woodpecker, the eastern bluebird, and the Baltimore oriole. In addition to birds, the park is also home to a variety of mammals, including white-tailed deer, coyotes, and red foxes. There is also a diverse array of plant life in the park, including the wild indigo and the purple coneflower.
Visitors to both parks can expect to see a variety of wildlife in their natural habitats, including various bird and mammal species, as well as a diverse array of plants. Whether you are a bird-watcher, a nature lover, or simply someone who enjoys the great outdoors, both Gateway Arch National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park offer a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gateway Arch National Park | Indiana Dunes National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Osprey | Osprey |
| Tree Swallow | Tree Swallow |
| Mallard | Mallard |
| Canada Goose | Canada Goose |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| American Robin | American Robin |
| Great Horned Owl | Great Horned Owl |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Northern Flicker | Northern Flicker |
| Merlin | Merlin |
| Savannah Sparrow | Barn Swallow |
| Hermit Thrush | Savannah Sparrow |
| American Kestrel | Great Blue Heron |
| Bald Eagle | Hermit Thrush |
| Northern Pintail | American Kestrel |
| American Wigeon | Bald Eagle |
| Green-Winged Teal | Song Sparrow |
| American Pipit | European Starling |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Northern Pintail |
| Hairy Woodpecker | American Wigeon |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Gateway Arch National Park | Indiana Dunes National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Black Bear | Big Brown Bat |
| Porcupine | Bobcat |
| Red Fox | Striped Skunk |
| Mink | Little Brown Bat |
| Wolf | Deer Mouse |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Raccoon |
| Varying Hare | Black Bear |
| River Otter | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Common Shrew | Hoary Bat |
| Red Squirrel | Red Fox |
| Montane Shrew | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Lynx | House Mouse |
| Wolverine | Mink |
| American Marten | Gray Fox |
| Grizzly Bear | North American River Otter |
| Meadow Vole | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Moose | White-Tailed Deer |
| Least Weasel | Virginia Opossum |
| Pygmy Shrew | Eastern Red Bat |
| Northern Bog Lemming | White-Footed Mouse |
| Norway Rat | |
| Eastern Cottontail |
Fish
| Gateway Arch National Park | Indiana Dunes National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Largemouth Bass |
| Lake Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Northern Pike | Bluegill |
| Eelpout | Fathead Minnow |
| King Salmon | Golden Shiner |
| Slimy Sculpin | European Carp |
| Chum Salmon | Yellow Bullhead |
| Dolly Varden | Graceful Catfish |
| Arctic Grayling | Black Crappie |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Gateway Arch National Park | Indiana Dunes National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Bullfrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is home to the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot-tall monument that serves as a symbol of the city’s role as the “Gateway to the West.” The park also offers scenic views of the Mississippi River and the city of St. Louis from its observation deck. In addition to the Gateway Arch, visitors can also enjoy a museum dedicated to the Westward Expansion of the United States and take a tram ride to the top of the arch.
Indiana Dunes National Park, on the other hand, is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan and features 15,000 acres of sand dunes, forests, wetlands, and prairies. The park is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including the threatened Indiana bat and the endangered Karner blue butterfly. Visitors can enjoy hiking and birdwatching, as well as swimming and sunbathing at the park’s many beaches, fishing and boating on the lake, and exploring the park’s many picnic areas, campgrounds, and nature centers.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park offer unique and beautiful landscapes for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and the city of St. Louis or the rolling sand dunes of Lake Michigan, there’s something for everyone at these two parks.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer a wide range of activities, but each park has its own unique features that attract visitors.
The Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis and is known for its towering 630-foot monument, the Gateway Arch. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the Arch for a breathtaking view of the city. Other popular activities include visiting the Museum at the Gateway Arch and the Old Courthouse, which was once the site of the Dred Scott slavery case.
Indiana Dunes National Park, on the other hand, is located along the southern shore of Lake Michigan and is known for its beautiful beaches and diverse ecosystems. Popular activities include hiking, camping, fishing, and bird watching. The park also has several unique habitats, including dunes, wetlands, forests, and prairies, making it a great destination for nature lovers.
Both parks offer a range of recreational opportunities, but they are each unique in their own way. Visitors to Gateway Arch National Park can learn about American history and enjoy breathtaking views, while those visiting Indiana Dunes National Park can immerse themselves in nature and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for history, nature, or a bit of both, these two parks are sure to offer an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are two popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer unique experiences and varied landscapes, but their seasonal weather patterns are quite different.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, experiences hot summers with temperatures reaching up to 90°F and cold winters with temperatures dropping to 20°F. The park is best visited in the spring and fall when temperatures are more moderate and the crowds are smaller. During the summer, the heat can be oppressive, but the park offers air-conditioned tours of the Gateway Arch for those who want to escape the heat.
Indiana Dunes National Park, located in northwest Indiana, experiences cooler temperatures throughout the year compared to Gateway Arch National Park. The park’s average summer temperature is around 80°F while its winter temperature is around 30°F. The park is best visited during the summer when temperatures are warm and the park’s beaches and dunes are accessible. Hiking trails are also open during the spring and fall, but temperatures can be more unpredictable during these seasons.
The seasonal weather patterns at these two national parks affect when is the best time to visit. Visitors should consider the weather conditions when planning their trips to both Gateway Arch National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are two of the United States’ most famous parks, each offering its own unique family-friendly experience. The Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is home to the Gateway Arch, America’s tallest monument. The Arch is 630 feet tall and is accessible by a tram that takes visitors to the top for a breathtaking view of the city. Other family-friendly activities include park ranger-led tours, riverboat cruises, and the Museum of Westward Expansion.
In comparison, Indiana Dunes National Park is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan. The park offers 15,000 acres of sand dunes, wetlands, forests, and prairies along the lake shore. The park is also home to several beaches, which are ideal for families with children. The park has many picnic areas, hiking trails, and a bird watching station. There are also several ranger-led programs and children’s activities available, making it a great place for families to explore and learn together.
Ultimately, if you’re traveling with children, both parks are great options for a family-friendly adventure. However, the Gateway Arch National Park is better for families who want a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences and are interested in learning about American history. On the other hand, Indiana Dunes National Park is better for families who want a more laid-back beach experience and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and picnicking.