Badlands National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two of America’s most unique and diverse national parks. Both parks offer visitors an opportunity to explore rugged wilderness and witness breathtaking landscapes, but in vastly different ways. Badlands National Park, located in South Dakota, is a land of stark contrasts, featuring colorful rock formations, deep canyons, and prairie grasslands. It’s a place where the rugged beauty of nature is on full display and where visitors can hike, camp, and even spot bison and bighorn sheep. Meanwhile, Isle Royale National Park, located in Michigan, is an archipelago of remote islands that are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including moose, wolves, and foxes. It’s a place where visitors can experience true wilderness, with opportunities for camping, hiking, and backpacking. Whether you’re looking for adventure or a peaceful retreat, these two national parks are sure to leave you with lasting memories.
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Badlands National Park in South Dakota and Isle Royale National Park in Michigan are both national parks that offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore. However, the trails and terrain at these two parks are quite different.
At Badlands National Park, the hiking trails range from easy, paved trails to strenuous, backcountry trails. The park’s easy trails include the Door Trail, a 0.25-mile paved trail that leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Badlands formations, and the Badlands Loop Road, a scenic drive that offers several pullouts and overlooks. The park’s more strenuous trails include the Castle Trail, a 9-mile hike that leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Badlands formations, and the Badlands Wilderness Loop, a strenuous hike that takes visitors into the heart of the park’s backcountry.
At Isle Royale National Park, the hiking trails also range from easy, paved trails to strenuous, backcountry trails. The park’s easy trails include the Minong Ridge Trail, a 1.5-mile hike that offers views of Lake Superior, and the Rock Harbor Lighthouse Trail, a 0.5-mile hike that leads to a lighthouse overlooking the lake. The park’s more strenuous trails include the Greenstone Ridge Trail, a 40-mile hike that leads to the park’s highest point, and the challenging, remote backcountry trails that lead to the interior of the island.
Overall, both Badlands National Park and Isle Royale National Park offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore. Badlands National Park is famous for its rugged terrain and unique rock formations, while Isle Royale National Park is famous for its remote wilderness and beautiful lake views. Both parks offer easy trails for visitors who prefer short, easy hikes, as well as more strenuous trails for visitors who are looking for a more challenging hike.
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 Isle Royale National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenstone Ridge Trail: Windigo to Tobin Harbor | 63568.93 | 1216.7616 | Hard | point to point | 4 |
| Rainbow Cove Trail | 2253.076 | 21.9456 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Malone Bay to Hatchett Lake | 37658.556 | 664.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
| Ishpeming Trail to Ishpeming Point | 23496.364 | 339.852 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
Wildlife in Badlands National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Badlands National Park and Isle Royale National Park are both known for their diverse wildlife and natural beauty, but they offer vastly different experiences.
Badlands National Park, located in South Dakota, is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and prairie dogs. Visitors may also see mule deer, elk, and bighorn sheep roaming the park’s rugged terrain. The park also offers a chance to see a variety of bird species such as the American white pelican, golden eagle, and the black-billed magpie. The park is also home to a diverse array of plant life, including prairie grasses, wildflowers, and cacti.
Isle Royale National Park, located in Michigan, is an island park situated in the middle of Lake Superior. The park is known for its diverse wildlife and natural beauty, including wolves, moose, and beavers. Visitors may also see a variety of bird species such as the common loon, bald eagle, and the great horned owl. The park is also home to a diverse array of plant life, including balsam fir, white cedar, and paper birch.
Overall, both parks offer a unique wildlife experience, but in different ways. Badlands National Park is known for its wide variety of terrestrial wildlife and plants, while Isle Royale National Park is known for its unique wildlife and plant communities living in an island environment.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Isle Royale National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Badlands National Park | Isle Royale 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 | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Striped Skunk |
| Striped Skunk | Little Brown Bat |
| Little Brown Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Deer Mouse | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Raccoon | Hoary Bat |
| Porcupine | Red Fox |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Hoary Bat | Mink |
| Red Fox | Gray Wolf |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| House | Snowshoe Hare |
| Mountain Lion | North American River Otter |
| Mule Deer | Canada Lynx |
| Gray Fox | Marten |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Moose |
| Northern Myotis | Red Bat |
| Badger | Norway Rat |
| Weasel | Southern Red-Backed Vole |
| North American River Otter | Northern Long-Eared Bat |
| Common Shrew | |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
Reptiles
| Badlands National Park | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Badlands National Park | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Wood Frog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Badlands National Park | Isle Royale 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 | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Fathead Minnow | Redband Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Coaster Brook Trout |
| European Carp | Brown Trout |
| Longnose Dace | Longnose Sucker |
| Yellow Bullhead | Harvey Lake Fathead Minnow |
| Channel Catfish | Golden Shiner |
| Black Bullhead | Lake Trout |
| Creek Chub | Northern Pike |
| Ellpout | |
| Coho Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Creek Chub |
Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Badlands National Park is known for its striking and unique landscapes, with the most famous being the layered rock formations that stretch across the park. The park’s colorful rock layers range from deep reds and purples to yellows and whites, creating a stunning contrast against the blue sky. The park also features deep canyons, such as the Badlands Loop Road, which offers visitors a chance to see the layered rock formations up close. Additionally, the park is home to several overlooks, including the Pinnacles Overlook and the Badlands Overlook, which provide panoramic views of the park’s rugged terrain.
Isle Royale National Park is known for its untouched wilderness and rugged beauty, with the most famous landscape being the island’s dense forests. The park is home to over 40 miles of hiking trails, many of which offer breathtaking views of the island’s rugged shorelines and crystal-clear lakes. Visitors can also witness the Park’s iconic natural features like the Tobin Harbor and Rock Harbor, which offer visitors a chance to see the island’s rugged shorelines and crystal-clear lakes. The park is also home to the Greenstone Ridge Trail, which takes hikers through the heart of the island’s wilderness, passing by several beautiful waterfalls along the way.
In short, both parks offer a diverse range of natural landscapes that are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors. Whether you’re looking to hike through rugged wilderness, take in panoramic views, or witness the beauty of cascading waterfalls, these parks have something for everyone to enjoy.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Badlands National Park and Isle Royale National Park both offer a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, but they are quite different from one another.
Badlands National Park, located in South Dakota, is known for its rugged terrain and scenic drives, offering visitors the opportunity to see the park’s unique geologic formations and diverse wildlife. The park also has several hiking trails, including the popular Badlands Loop Road, which offers a scenic drive through the park’s dramatic landscapes. Other popular activities include camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
Isle Royale National Park, located in Michigan, is an island park situated in the middle of Lake Superior, known for its rugged natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The park is a popular destination for hikers and backpackers, as it offers 165 miles of trails that take visitors through dense forests, along rocky shorelines, and past beautiful lakes and streams. Other popular activities include camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Many visitors also take boat tours to explore the park’s many remote and uninhabited islands.
Overall, both parks offer a unique experience, but in different ways. Badlands National Park is known for its scenic drives and hiking trails, while Isle Royale National Park is known for its remote island environment, hiking trails and boat tours. Both are great places to enjoy nature, but depending on your interests, one may be more appealing than the other.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Badlands National Park in South Dakota and Isle Royale National Park in Michigan have different seasonal weather patterns that can affect when the best time of year to visit the park is.
At Badlands National Park, the weather is generally warm and dry in the summer, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-90s. The park is also prone to thunderstorms during the summer months. The fall and spring are milder, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to mid-70s. Winters can be cold, with temperatures dropping well below freezing, and the park can receive significant snowfall.
At Isle Royale National Park, the weather is generally cool and wet, with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to mid-60s in the summer months. The park is also prone to heavy rainfall and strong winds during the summer months. The fall and spring are milder, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to mid-50s. Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping well below freezing and the park receiving significant snowfall.
In general, the best time to visit Badlands National Park is in the summer and fall, when the weather is milder and the park’s landscapes are in full bloom. On the other hand, the best time to visit Isle Royale National Park is in the late summer or early fall, when the weather is milder and the park’s landscapes are at their most colorful. Visitors should be aware that Isle Royale National Park is closed from late fall to spring, due to the harsh winter weather.
Overall, visitors should consider the weather conditions when planning their trip to Badlands National Park or Isle Royale National Park. While both parks have different weather patterns, both have their own unique beauty and attractions to offer visitors during their respective best visiting seasons.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Both Badlands National Park and Isle Royale National Park are great options for families looking to explore the great outdoors. However, depending on your family’s interests and the age of your children, one park may be more suitable for your visit.
Badlands National Park is considered to be more family-friendly than Isle Royale National Park. The park has a variety of short, easy hiking trails that are suitable for children and families, such as the Door Trail and the Fossil Exhibit Trail. The park also offers several ranger-led programs and activities that are designed for children and families, such as the Junior Ranger Program and guided hikes. Additionally, the park has several picnic areas and a campground, providing families with a convenient place to rest and eat while enjoying the park’s beautiful scenery.
Isle Royale National Park, on the other hand, is known for its remote wilderness and rugged terrain, which may not be as suitable for families with young children. The park is only accessible by boat or seaplane and is home to several backcountry camping areas, which can be challenging for families with children. The park also has several hiking trails, but they are often steep and rocky, not suitable for young children. However, the park offers a great opportunity for older children and teenagers who are interested in wilderness camping and hiking.
In summary, Badlands National Park is more suitable for families with young children, as it has a variety of short, easy hiking trails and ranger-led programs. Isle Royale National Park is more suitable for families with older children and teenagers who are interested in wilderness camping and hiking. Both Parks are great places to explore and experience nature together as a family.