Badlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most unique and diverse national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities and natural wonders that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. While Badlands National Park is known for its striking badlands formations and diverse wildlife, Voyageurs National Park is renowned for its vast network of interconnected waterways and beautiful northern wilderness. Whether you’re an avid hiker, boater, or nature lover, both Badlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park have something to offer for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as we explore the contrasting beauty of these two national parks.
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Badlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both known for their unique landscapes and hiking opportunities.
Badlands National Park offers a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Badlands Loop Road, which offers scenic views of the park’s layered rock formations, and the Door Trail, which is a short, flat trail that leads to an overlook of a dramatic rock formation. The park also offers several moderately challenging hikes, such as the Castle Trail, which takes hikers to the top of a rock formation for panoramic views of the park. The park’s most challenging hike is the Notch Trail, which is a strenuous, steep hike that leads to a narrow pass through the Badlands formations.
Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, offers hiking trails that take visitors through the park’s diverse landscapes, including forests, lakes, and wetlands. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Kettle Falls Trail, which is a short, easy hike to the historic Kettle Falls Dam, and the Rainy Lake Trail, which is a flat, easy trail that circles Rainy Lake. The park also offers several moderate hikes, such as the Ash River Trail, which takes hikers through a variety of habitats and offers views of the Ash River. The park’s most challenging hike is the Boulder Bay Trail, which is a steep, rugged trail that leads to a rocky shoreline on the northern end of Rainy Lake.
Both parks offer a range of hiking experiences that cater to different skill levels. Badlands National Park offers easy nature walks and challenging backcountry hikes, while Voyageurs National Park offers easy lakeside trails and more challenging hikes through the park’s diverse habitats.
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 Voyageurs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Badlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Badlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both known for their diverse wildlife, but the types of animals and plants you’ll see in each park are quite different.
Badlands National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, prairie dogs, coyotes, and black-footed ferrets. Additionally, the park is also home to a number of bird species, such as the American kestrel, the black-billed magpie, and the golden eagle. The park is also home to a variety of plant life, including sagebrush, yucca, and prickly pear cactus.
On the other hand, Voyageurs National Park is known for its abundance of water-based wildlife, such as moose, beaver, otter, muskrat, and mink. The park is also home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, and lake trout. In addition, Voyageurs National Park is also home to a number of bird species, such as the common loon, the bald eagle, and the osprey. The park’s vegetation is primarily composed of cedar, spruce, and birch trees.
In summary, Badlands National Park is known for its prairie wildlife and plants, while Voyageurs National Park is known for its water-based wildlife and northern forest vegetation.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Badlands National Park | Voyageurs 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 | Voyageurs 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 | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mountain Lion | House Mouse |
| Mule Deer | Mountain Lion |
| Gray Fox | Mink |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Common Gray Fox |
| Northern Myotis | Plains Wolf |
| Badger | American Badger |
| Weasel | Ermine |
| North American River Otter | Snowshoe Hare |
| Common Shrew | River Otter |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Masked Shrew |
Reptiles
| Badlands National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Badlands National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | Wood Frog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Badlands National Park | Voyageurs 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 | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Fathead Minnow | Largemouth Bass |
| Golden Shiner | Longnose Sucker |
| European Carp | Green Sunfish |
| Longnose Dace | Bluegill |
| Yellow Bullhead | Fathead Minnow |
| Channel Catfish | Golden Shiner |
| Black Bullhead | Lake Trout |
| Creek Chub | Northern Pike |
| Ellpout | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Badlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States. The Badlands, located in South Dakota, is known for its striking layered rock formations, deep canyons, and vast prairies. The park’s most famous landscape is the Badlands Loop Road, which offers a scenic drive through the heart of the park, with plenty of overlooks to take in the breathtaking views.
Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, is known for its pristine lakes and rivers, lush forests, and rugged cliffs. The park’s most famous landscape is the Kabetogama Peninsula, which offers visitors a chance to see the park’s rugged beauty from the water. The peninsula is home to several rocky cliffs, which rise dramatically out of the water, and visitors can take boat tours to get a close-up look at these natural wonders.
Both parks offer visitors the chance to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. However, the main difference between these two parks is the Badlands is mostly a dry place with rugged rock formations, while Voyageurs is more of a wetland area with lush forests and water bodies. The best time to visit would depend on personal preference and what type of landscape you prefer.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Badlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both known for their unique landscapes and opportunities to experience nature. However, the types of activities and wildlife that can be found at each park are quite different.
At Badlands National Park, visitors can explore the park’s unique geologic formations, including layered rock formations, deep canyons, and towering spires. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and coyotes. Hiking, backpacking, and wildlife viewing are popular activities at the park.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is known for its water-based activities. The park is located in northern Minnesota and is centered around the large lakes of Rainy, Kabetogama, and Namakan. Visitors can explore the park’s waterways by boat, canoe, or kayak. Fishing, swimming, and boating are all popular activities at the park. There are also hiking trails and campgrounds for those who want to stay on land.
In terms of wildlife, Voyageurs National Park is home to a variety of animals, including moose, black bears, and wolves. Visitors can also see a variety of bird species, including eagles, ospreys, and loons.
In terms of family-friendly, both Badlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer a variety of activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. However, the type of activities will be different. Voyageurs National Park offers many water-based activities that can be enjoyable for families, while Badlands National Park offers hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Badlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both located in different regions of the country and have very different seasonal weather patterns.
Badlands National Park, located in South Dakota, has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The park’s summer season typically runs from May to September, with daytime temperatures averaging around 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) and nighttime temperatures dropping to the 50s (around 10-15 degrees Celsius). The park’s winter season typically runs from November to March, with daytime temperatures averaging around 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 degrees Celsius) and nighttime temperatures dropping to well below freezing. The park receives minimal precipitation throughout the year, with most of it falling during the spring and summer months. The best time to visit the park is typically in the spring or fall, when temperatures are more moderate and wildlife is more active.
Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The park’s summer season typically runs from June to September, with daytime temperatures averaging around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) and nighttime temperatures dropping to the 60s (around 15-20 degrees Celsius). The park’s winter season typically runs from December to March, with daytime temperatures averaging around 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 degrees Celsius) and nighttime temperatures dropping well below freezing. The park receives moderate precipitation throughout the year, with most of it falling during the summer months. The best time to visit the park is typically in the summer, when the water is warm enough for swimming and boating, and the park’s wildlife is most active.
Both parks offer different weather and temperature experiences throughout the year. Badlands National Park is best to visit in spring or fall and Voyageurs National Park is best to visit in summer when the water is warm enough and wildlife is most active. It’s also important to keep in mind that weather is unpredictable and can change quickly, so always be prepared for different conditions when planning a trip to either of these parks.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Badlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both beautiful and unique national parks that offer a variety of outdoor experiences for families to enjoy. However, they are quite different in terms of landscape and activities.
Badlands National Park is known for its striking, colorful badlands formations and rugged terrain. The park offers several scenic drives, hiking trails, and overlooks that provide stunning views of the badlands. Visitors can also spot bison, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife that call the park home. The park is a great destination for families who enjoy hiking and nature observation.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is a water-based park that is set in the heart of Minnesota’s northern woods. The park is known for its beautiful lakes, streams, and forests. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in the many lakes, as well as hiking and camping in the forests. The park also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, including spotting moose and eagles. The park is a great destination for families who enjoy water activities and the great outdoors.
In summary, both Badlands National Park and Voyageurs National Park are great options for families, but they offer different types of outdoor experiences. If your family enjoys hiking and nature observation, Badlands National Park is a great option, while Voyageurs National Park is perfect for families who enjoy water activities and the great outdoors.