Acadia National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park may seem vastly different at first glance, but they both offer unique and exciting experiences for visitors. Acadia National Park, located in Maine, boasts rugged and picturesque coastal landscapes, while Indiana Dunes National Park, located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, offers miles of sandy beaches and dunes. Whether you’re looking to hike rugged mountains or stroll along sandy shores, these two national parks offer a diverse range of outdoor activities to suit any taste. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure as we compare and contrast these two amazing national parks. From the rocky cliffs of Acadia to the sandy beaches of Indiana Dunes, each park offers something truly special for visitors to enjoy.
Hiking Trails in Acadia National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Acadia National Park in Maine and Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana offer vastly different hiking experiences. Acadia is known for its rocky coastline and mountains, with the tallest peak, Cadillac Mountain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. The park also offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging summits. Some popular trails include the Precipice Trail, which is considered one of the most strenuous hikes in the park, and Jordan Pond Path, a moderate hike that takes you around a scenic pond.
Indiana Dunes National Park, on the other hand, is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan and offers a completely different landscape. The park is home to miles of sandy beaches, dunes, wetlands and prairies, with 15 miles of lakefront. While the park is not known for its mountains, it has a variety of hiking trails that vary in difficulty from easy to moderate. Some popular trails include the Dunes Nature Trail, which offers an easy, 1.5-mile hike through the dunes, and the Kemil Beach Trail, a moderate hike that takes you along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. While the hikes in Indiana Dunes National Park are not as challenging as those in Acadia, they offer a unique experience of the natural beauty of the Great Lakes region.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Acadia National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Beehive Loop Trail | 2253.076 | 148.7424 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Cadillac North Ridge Trail | 6437.36 | 340.7664 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Jordan Pond Full Loop Trail | 5471.756 | 28.956 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Ocean Path and Gorham Mountain Loop Trail | 4988.954 | 181.9656 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail Loop | 12070.05 | 684.8856 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Precipice, Orange and Black and Champlain North Ridge Trail Loop | 3379.614 | 319.7352 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Ocean Path Trail: Thunder Hole and Monument Cove | 7242.03 | 113.9952 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Great Head Trail (Short Option) | 2574.944 | 91.7448 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| South Bubble Mountain and Jordan Pond Loop | 2253.076 | 149.9616 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cadillac Summit Loop Trail | 482.802 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
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 Acadia National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Acadia National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park offer vastly different wildlife experiences. Acadia National Park, located in Maine, is known for its diverse array of animals, including black bears, moose, deer, and coyotes. The park also boasts a wide variety of bird species, such as the peregrine falcon, the red-tailed hawk, and the great horned owl. The park’s plant life is also diverse, with a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, as well as a variety of wildflowers.
Indiana Dunes National Park, located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, offers a different experience. Wildlife in the park includes raccoons, opossums, and white-tailed deer. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the bald eagle, the peregrine falcon, and the great blue heron. The park’s plant life includes a mix of prairie and dune habitat, with species such as sand cherry, eastern red cedar, and big bluestem grass commonly seen.
While both parks offer beautiful landscapes and the opportunity to see a variety of animals and plants, Acadia National Park may be more appealing to those interested in seeing a wider variety of wildlife, particularly larger mammals such as bears and moose. Indiana Dunes National Park may be more appealing to those interested in bird-watching and seeing a different type of landscape, such as prairies and dunes.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Acadia National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Acadia 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 |
| Barn Swallow | Barn Swallow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | Great Blue Heron |
| Hermit Thrush | Hermit Thrush |
| American Kestrel | American Kestrel |
| Bald Eagle | Bald Eagle |
| Song Sparrow | Song Sparrow |
| European Starling | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Acadia National Park | Indiana Dunes National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Raccoon | Raccoon |
| Black Bear | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Red Fox |
| Cross Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| New York Weasel | House Mouse |
| House Mouse | Mink |
| Mink | Gray Fox |
| Gray Wolf | North American River Otter |
| Bonaparte’s Weasel | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Varying Hare | White-Tailed Deer |
| Masked Shrew | Virginia Opossum |
| Water Shrew | Eastern Red Bat |
| Red Squirrel | White-Footed Mouse |
| Virginia Deer | Norway Rat |
| Canada Lynx | Eastern Cottontail |
Fish
| Acadia National Park | Indiana Dunes National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Native Brook Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Loch Leven Brown Trout | Bluegill |
| Largemouth Bass | Fathead Minnow |
| Fathead Minnow | Golden Shiner |
| Golden Shiner | European Carp |
| Togue | Yellow Bullhead |
| Threespine Stickleback | Graceful Catfish |
| Creek Chub | Black Crappie |
| Brown Bullhead | Black Bullhead |
| Smallmouth Bass | Mosquitofish |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Acadia National Park | Indiana Dunes National Park |
|---|---|
| Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Acadia National Park | Indiana Dunes National Park |
|---|---|
| Ringneck Snake | |
| Eastern Garter Snake | |
| Milk Snake |
Beautiful Landscapes in Acadia National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Acadia National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park offer vastly different landscapes and natural features for visitors to enjoy. Acadia is located in Maine and is known for its rugged coastal beauty, with rocky cliffs and sandy beaches. The park also features a variety of mountains, including Cadillac Mountain, which offers stunning views from the summit. Other notable natural features include Jordan Pond and the Precipice Trail.
Indiana Dunes National Park, on the other hand, is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan and offers miles of sandy beaches, dunes, and wetlands. The park also features several hiking trails, including the Dune Succession Trail, which takes visitors through a variety of ecosystems and offers views of the lake. Other notable natural features include the Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm, which offer a glimpse into the area’s history and culture. While both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes, the experience at each park is quite different.
Things To-Do and Activities in Acadia National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Acadia National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are both popular vacation destinations, but they offer very different types of experiences.
Acadia National Park, located in Maine, is known for its rugged coastlines and mountains. Visitors come to hike the park’s many trails, including the Precipice Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Other popular activities include rock climbing, camping, and bird watching. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, foxes, and a variety of bird species, such as the Peregrine Falcon.
Indiana Dunes National Park, on the other hand, is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan and offers a more laid-back experience. The park is known for its 15 miles of beaches and dunes, as well as its many hiking and biking trails. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, swimming, and kayaking on the lake. The park also features a variety of wildlife, including the Eastern massasauga rattlesnake, black bears and a variety of bird species, such as the Eastern Bluebird.
Both parks are popular for families and have many different activities for children, but for different reasons. Indiana Dunes National Park is ideal for families that want to spend time on the beach and in the water, whereas Acadia National Park is ideal for families that enjoy hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Acadia National Park, located in Maine, offers a diverse range of seasonal weather. The park is known for its cool, crisp air in the spring and fall, with average temperatures in the 50s and 60s. Summertime brings warmer temperatures, with averages in the 70s and 80s, and the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms. Winter brings cold temperatures, with averages in the 20s and 30s, and the possibility of snow and ice. The best time to visit Acadia National Park is during the fall when the leaves change color and the crowds have dissipated, or in the summer when the weather is warm and the park is in full bloom.
Indiana Dunes National Park, located in Indiana, offers a more moderate range of seasonal weather. The park is known for its mild winters with occasional snowfall, and summers that can be hot and humid with temperatures in the 80s and 90s. Spring and fall are comfortable with temperatures in the 60s and 70s. The best time to visit the Indiana Dunes National Park is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and comfortable for hiking and enjoying the beach.
Family Friendliness of Acadia National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Acadia National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are both great options for families looking to explore the great outdoors. Both parks offer a variety of activities and natural wonders that will delight visitors of all ages.
Acadia National Park, located in Maine, is known for its rugged coastal landscapes and iconic peaks such as Cadillac Mountain. The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and rock climbing. Families with children can enjoy easy hikes to the top of Cadillac Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding area, or take a leisurely stroll along the park’s many scenic drives. In the summer, visitors can also enjoy swimming, kayaking, and fishing in the park’s many lakes and ponds.
Indiana Dunes National Park, located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, is a great option for families looking for a more laid-back outdoor experience. The park features 15 miles of sandy beaches, dunes, wetlands, prairies, and forests. Visitors can hike the park’s many trails, swim in the lake, or explore the park’s diverse wildlife. Families with children can enjoy the playgrounds and picnic areas, and visitors of all ages can learn about the park’s natural and cultural history at the visitors center.
In terms of family-friendliness, both parks offer a wide range of activities and natural wonders that will appeal to visitors of all ages. While Acadia National Park offers more strenuous activities like rock climbing and hiking, Indiana Dunes National Park is a great option for families looking for a more laid-back outdoor experience. Both parks are great options and it depends on the preference of your family.