Badlands National Park in South Dakota and Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana are two vastly different national parks that offer unique and exciting experiences. The Badlands are a rugged, otherworldly landscape of layered rock formations and deep canyons, while Indiana Dunes is a diverse ecosystem of prairies, forests, and 15 miles of sandy Lake Michigan shoreline. If you’re looking for an adventure that will transport you to a different world, then Badlands is your destination. But if you’re looking for a more laid-back, beachy experience, then Indiana Dunes is the place to be. Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities that will keep you entertained and make you want to come back for more. Whether you’re a hiker, birdwatcher, or beach bum, you’ll find something to love at these two parks.
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Badlands National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park offer visitors a wide variety of hiking trails to explore.
At Badlands National Park, visitors can explore the park’s rugged terrain through a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. Some of the easiest hikes include the Door Trail, a 0.25-mile boardwalk that leads to a scenic overlook, and the Fossil Exhibit Trail, a 0.5-mile loop that passes by a variety of fossil displays. For those looking for more challenging hikes, the Badlands Loop Road offers a number of strenuous hikes, including the Castle Trail, which is a 7.4-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to the summit of Badlands formations.
Indiana Dunes National Park offers visitors a variety of hiking trails to explore, ranging from easy to strenuous. Some of the easiest hikes include the Bailly Homestead Trail, a 0.5-mile trail that takes visitors through the historic Bailly Homestead, and the Cowles Bog Trail, a 1-mile trail that takes visitors through a variety of habitats including prairies, wetlands, and dunes. For those looking for more challenging hikes, the park offers a number of strenuous hikes, including the Dune Succession Trail, which is a 3-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to the summit of a dune and offers a panoramic view of the park.
Overall, both parks offer visitors a wide variety of hiking trails to explore. Visitors to Badlands National Park will have the chance to explore the park’s rugged terrain through a variety of easy and strenuous hikes, while visitors to Indiana Dunes National Park will have the chance to explore the park’s unique landscapes through a variety of easy and strenuous hikes. Both parks offer visitors the chance to explore the park’s unique landscapes and wildlife through a variety of hiking trails.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notch Trail | 2092.142 | 39.9288 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Castle Trail | 16898.07 | 95.7072 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| The Door Trail | 1287.472 | 10.9728 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Saddle Pass Trail | 1126.538 | 65.8368 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Medicine Root Loop Trail | 7242.03 | 102.7176 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| The Window Trail | 321.868 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cliff Shelf Nature Trail | 804.67 | 19.812 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Fossil Exhibit Trail | 643.736 | 3.9624 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sage Creek Loop | 36692.952 | 245.9736 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| Sheep Mountain Table Road | 23496.364 | 180.7464 | Moderate | out and back | 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 Badlands National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Badlands National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife, however, the types of wildlife that you may see at each park are quite different.
Badlands National Park is located in the Great Plains region of the United States and is known for its mixed-grass prairie and riparian habitats. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and coyotes. Visitors may also see black-footed ferrets, swift foxes, and various species of reptiles and amphibians. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including golden eagles, ferruginous hawks, and mountain plovers.
Indiana Dunes National Park, on the other hand, is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, and is known for its sand dunes, prairies, and wetlands. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, coyotes, and raccoons. Visitors may also see beavers, mink, and muskrats in the park’s wetlands. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including sandhill cranes, great blue herons, and ospreys. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of plant species, including wildflowers, prairie grasses, and oak savannas.
In summary, Badlands National Park is known for its mixed-grass prairie and riparian habitats and the wildlife you’ll see in the park includes bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, coyotes, black-footed ferrets, swift foxes and various species of reptiles and amphibians. On the other hand, Indiana Dunes National Park is known for its sand dunes, prairies, and wetlands. The wildlife you’ll see in the park includes white-tailed deer, coyotes, raccoons, beavers, mink, muskrats, and a wide variety of bird species and plants.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Badlands 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
| Badlands 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 |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| House | House Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Mink |
| Mule Deer | Gray Fox |
| Gray Fox | North American River Otter |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Northern Myotis | White-Tailed Deer |
| Badger | Virginia Opossum |
| Weasel | Eastern Red Bat |
| North American River Otter | White-Footed Mouse |
| Common Shrew | Norway Rat |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Eastern Cottontail |
Reptiles
| Badlands National Park | Indiana Dunes National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Badlands National Park | Indiana Dunes National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Badlands National Park | Indiana Dunes National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Morning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Check-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Badlands National Park | Indiana Dunes National Park |
|---|---|
| Fathead Minnow | Largemouth Bass |
| Golden Shiner | Green Sunfish |
| European Carp | Bluegill |
| Longnose Dace | Fathead Minnow |
| Yellow Bullhead | Golden Shiner |
| Channel Catfish | European Carp |
| Black Bullhead | Yellow Bullhead |
| Creek Chub | Graceful Catfish |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Badlands National Park in South Dakota and Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana both offer a variety of beautiful landscapes and natural features that are worth visiting.
At Badlands National Park, the most famous landscapes are the layered rock formations that make up the park’s rugged terrain. The park’s most iconic feature is the Badlands formations, a collection of layered rock formations that have been shaped over millions of years by erosion and weathering. Visitors can also see the Pinnacles Overlook, which offers a panoramic view of the park’s unique rock formations. Additionally, the park has several hiking trails that wind through canyons and past other natural wonders such as bison, bighorn sheep and prairie dogs.
At Indiana Dunes National Park, the most famous landscapes are the 15 miles of sandy beaches along Lake Michigan. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing on the park’s many beaches. The park also offers several hiking trails that wind through dunes and past other natural wonders such as wetlands, prairies, and forests. The park also has several bird watching spots where visitors can see a diverse array of avian species. One of the most popular spot is the Bailly Homestead, a restored farm that offers a glimpse into the area’s history and culture.
Overall, both Badlands National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park offer unique and diverse landscapes and natural features that are worth exploring. If you’re looking for rugged, otherworldly landscapes and the chance to see wild bison, Badlands National Park is the place to go. But if you’re looking for a more laid-back beach experience, Indiana Dunes National Park is the place to be.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Badlands National Park in South Dakota and Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana offer a variety of popular activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Badlands National Park, some of the most popular activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. The park has several hiking trails that offer visitors the chance to explore the park’s rugged terrain and unique rock formations. The park’s unique landscapes are a popular spot for photographers looking for a beautiful and varied subjects. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity in the park, with bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs and coyotes among the animals that visitors can see.
At Indiana Dunes National Park, some of the most popular activities include swimming, hiking, fishing, and bird watching. The park’s 15 miles of sandy beaches along Lake Michigan offer visitors the chance to swim, sunbathe, and beachcomb. The park also has several hiking trails that wind through dunes and past other natural wonders such as wetlands, prairies, and forests. Fishing is also a popular activity in the park, with Lake Michigan offering a diverse array of fish species. Bird watching is also a popular activity in the park, with over 300 bird species recorded in the park, the park offers a diverse array of avian species.
Overall, both Badlands National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park offer a variety of popular activities that visitors can enjoy. If you’re looking for rugged outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography, Badlands National Park is the place to go. But if you’re looking for a more laid-back beach experience, swimming, hiking, fishing, and bird watching, Indiana Dunes National Park is the place to be.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Badlands National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park have different seasonal weather patterns that affect when the best time of year to visit each park.
Badlands National Park, located in South Dakota, has distinct seasons with hot summers and cold winters. The summer months of June, July, and August are the most popular time to visit the park, with daytime temperatures reaching up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the park can also be quite hot during these months, with temperatures reaching above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The fall months of September and October are also a great time to visit, as the park’s landscapes take on vibrant colors and the weather is cooler. Winter months of November to March are very cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. This park could be a challenging place to visit during the winter due to the cold temperatures, snow and ice on the ground.
Indiana Dunes National Park, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, has a more moderate seasonal weather. The summer months of June, July, and August are the most popular time to visit the park, with daytime temperatures reaching up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the park can also be quite hot during these months, with temperatures reaching above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The fall months of September and October are also a great time to visit, as the park’s landscapes take on vibrant colors and the weather is cooler. Winter months of November to March are chilly with occasional snowfall, but the park is still open for visitors during this time, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Overall, both parks offer visitors a unique experience depending on the time of year they visit. Visitors to Badlands National Park during the summer months will have the chance to experience the park’s rugged landscapes in the warmth of the sun, while visitors to Indiana Dunes National Park during the summer months will have the chance to explore the park’s unique landscapes along the shore of Lake Michigan. Visitors to Badlands National Park during the fall months will have the chance to see the park’s landscapes take on vibrant colors, while visitors to Indiana Dunes National Park during the fall months will have the chance to explore the park’s unique landscapes in cooler temperatures.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Both Badlands National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are family-friendly destinations, but they each offer different experiences and activities for visitors traveling with children.
Badlands National Park, located in South Dakota, offers visitors a chance to explore rugged landscapes, hike through canyons, and see unique rock formations. The park also has a variety of ranger-led programs and activities, including guided hikes and educational programs. The park has several easy hikes that are suitable for families with children, such as the Door Trail, which is a short and easy hike that leads to a beautiful view of the Badlands formations. The park also has a Junior Ranger program that allows children to learn about the park and earn a badge.
Indiana Dunes National Park, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, offers visitors a chance to explore miles of sand dunes, wetlands, prairies, and forests. The park also has a variety of ranger-led programs and activities, including guided hikes, bird watching, and educational programs. The park also has several easy hikes that are suitable for families with children, such as the Dunes Succession Trail, which is a short and easy hike that leads to a beautiful view of the dunes and the lake. The park also has a Junior Ranger program that allows children to learn about the park and earn a badge.
Overall, both parks are great options for families with children, but Indiana Dunes National Park may be better for families looking for a more beach-like experience. The park has a lot of sandy beach areas and fun activities that kids can enjoy such as swimming, sunbathing, playing in the sand, and more. While, Badlands National Park, on the other hand, is more suitable for families looking for a more rugged and natural experience with a lot of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.