Big Bend National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, but they couldn’t be more different. Big Bend is a desert oasis located in the wilds of West Texas, with rugged terrain, soaring canyons, and a diverse array of wildlife. Indiana Dunes, on the other hand, is a coastal paradise located on the shores of Lake Michigan, with miles of sandy beaches, dunes, and prairies. Both parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities and stunning natural beauty, but the experience of visiting each is unique and unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for a rugged wilderness adventure or a relaxing beach getaway, these two parks have something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey as we compare Big Bend National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park.
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Big Bend National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are two vastly different parks that offer unique hiking experiences. Big Bend National Park, located in Texas, is known for its rugged terrain and remote wilderness. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Chisos Basin Loop, which offers breathtaking views of the Chisos Mountains, and the South Rim Trail, which takes hikers through rugged canyons and along the Rio Grande.
Indiana Dunes National Park, located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, offers a completely different hiking experience. The park is known for its sandy beaches, dunes, and wetlands. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous dune climbs. Some of the most popular hikes in the park include the Dune Succession Trail, which takes hikers through a variety of ecosystems, and the Bailly Homestead Trail, which takes hikers through the historic Bailly Homestead and offers views of the dunes and wetlands.
Overall, Big Bend National Park offers a more challenging and remote hiking experience, while Indiana Dunes National Park offers a more relaxed and accessible experience. Both parks offer a diverse range of hiking options and beautiful landscapes, making them great places to explore and enjoy nature.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lost Mine Trail | 6759.228 | 334.9752 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| South Rim Trail – Boot Springs Trail | 17702.74 | 709.8792 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| The Window Trail | 8368.568 | 288.9504 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Emory Peak Trail | 13679.39 | 731.8248 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Santa Elena Canyon Trail | 2414.01 | 185.928 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Balanced Rock Trail | 3057.746 | 70.7136 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boquillas Canyon Trail | 1931.208 | 69.7992 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Canyon Trail | 8851.37 | 280.7208 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Outer Mountain Loop | 38785.094 | 1739.7984 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Big Bend Hot Springs Trail | 1770.274 | 38.7096 | 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 Big Bend National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Big Bend National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park offer vastly different wildlife experiences. Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert and is home to a variety of desert animals such as the pronghorn, roadrunner, and black-tailed jackrabbit. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians, including the desert tortoise, Texas horned lizard, and the red diamond rattlesnake. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 450 species of birds that have been recorded in the park, including the golden eagle, peregrine falcon, and the black-capped vireo.
Indiana Dunes National Park, on the other hand, is located on the shores of Lake Michigan and is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life, including the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, Indiana bat, and the eastern box turtle. The park is also home to many bird species, including the common loon, double-crested cormorant, and the black-crowned night heron. The park is also home to a wide variety of plants, including the eastern cottonwood, bigtooth aspen, and the eastern red cedar.
In terms of family-friendliness, both parks offer a range of activities that are suitable for children, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. However, Indiana Dunes National Park also offers a more developed infrastructure with more amenities and visitor services, making it more suitable for families with young children.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Big Bend 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
| Big Bend 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 |
| Deer Mouse | Little Brown Bat |
| Raccoon | Deer Mouse |
| Black Bear | Raccoon |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House Mouse | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mountain Lion | House Mouse |
| Mule Deer | Mink |
| Common Gray Fox | Gray Fox |
| Gray Wolf | North American River Otter |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| American Badger | White-Tailed Deer |
| California Myotis | Virginia Opossum |
| Fringed Myotis | Eastern Red Bat |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | White-Footed Mouse |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Norway Rat |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Eastern Cottontail |
Reptiles
| Big Bend National Park | Indiana Dunes National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Desert Kingsnake | |
| Texas Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Mexican Milksnake | |
| Central Texas Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Big Bend National Park | Indiana Dunes National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Big Bend National Park | Indiana Dunes National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Largemouth Bass |
| Green Sunfish | Green Sunfish |
| Bluegill | Bluegill |
| Fathead Minnow | Fathead Minnow |
| Common Carp | Golden Shiner |
| Longnose Dace | European Carp |
| Yellow Bullhead | Yellow Bullhead |
| Channel Catfish | Graceful Catfish |
| Mosquitofish | Black Crappie |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged and diverse landscapes, which include towering canyons, vast deserts, and majestic mountain ranges. The park’s most famous landscape is the Chisos Mountains, a range of rugged peaks that rise up from the desert floor. These mountains offer some of the most spectacular views in the park and are a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Another famous landscape in Big Bend is the Rio Grande, which forms the southern boundary of the park and is a popular spot for rafting and kayaking. Additionally, The Santa Elena canyon is also a must-see landmark in the park, known for its impressive 1,500-foot walls and views of the Rio Grande.
Indiana Dunes National Park, on the other hand, is known for its unique coastal landscapes, which include 15 miles of sandy beaches, dunes, and prairies. The most famous landscape in the park is Mount Baldy, a large sand dune that towers over the surrounding landscape and offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding area. Another famous landscape in the park is the Great Marsh, a vast wetland that is home to a wide variety of birds and other wildlife. The Kemil Beach, is also a popular spot in the park, where visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. And the Bailly Homestead, a historic farm that offers visitors a glimpse into life in the dunes in the early 20th century.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Big Bend National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are both incredibly diverse and offer a wide range of activities for visitors. Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged wilderness and outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and backpacking. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife and plants, and visitors can also take scenic drives and enjoy the beautiful views of the Chisos Mountains and Rio Grande.
Indiana Dunes National Park, on the other hand, is known for its beautiful beaches and dunes, as well as its rich cultural and historical heritage. Visitors to the park can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing on the 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. The park also offers opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and boating. The park has a variety of hiking trails, including the Dune Ridge Trail, which offers a great view of the dunes and the lake. The park also features various historic sites, such as the Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm.
In terms of family-friendliness, both parks offer a great variety of activities for families to enjoy. Big Bend National Park offers many family-friendly hikes, scenic drives, and ranger-led programs, while Indiana Dunes National Park offers swimming, beachcombing, and hiking. If you are traveling with children, both parks are great options to consider, but the type of activities and setting will be different. Big Bend National Park is more remote and rugged, while Indiana Dunes National Park is located on the shore of Lake Michigan and offers more traditional beach activities.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Big Bend National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are two very different national parks located in vastly different regions of the United States. The weather at these two parks can vary greatly depending on the time of year, making the best time to visit each park quite different.
Big Bend National Park, located in West Texas, has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The park is best visited during the fall and spring when temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities. Summer temperatures can reach well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it too hot for many visitors to enjoy the park’s hiking trails and other outdoor activities. Winter temperatures are mild, with daytime highs in the 60s and 70s, but some of the park’s facilities and roads may be closed due to snow or ice.
Indiana Dunes National Park, on the other hand, is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan and has a more moderate climate. The park is best visited during the summer months when temperatures are warm and the lake provides a refreshing break from the heat. The park’s beaches and dunes are popular destinations for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing during the summer. However, Spring and fall are also a great time to visit the park, when the weather is mild and the crowds are less. Winters can be cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, and Lake Michigan can be very windy and chilly, making it less desirable for visitors.
Overall, while Big Bend National Park is best visited in the fall and spring, Indiana Dunes National Park is best enjoyed during the summer months. Visitors should also be aware that the weather can vary greatly depending on the time of year and plan accordingly.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Big Bend National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are both great options for families looking to experience the great outdoors. However, the type of outdoor experiences they offer differ greatly. Big Bend National Park is a desert park located in the southwestern part of Texas, known for its rugged terrain, canyons, and stunning views of the Chisos Mountains. On the other hand, Indiana Dunes National Park is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan and is known for its beautiful beaches and sand dunes.
Big Bend National Park is a great option for families who enjoy hiking and exploring the great outdoors. The park offers a wide variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty, making it easy to find a trail that suits the whole family. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including guided hikes, bird-watching tours, and campfire talks.
Indiana Dunes National Park, on the other hand, is a great option for families who enjoy swimming, sunbathing and relaxing on the beach. The park offers 15 miles of pristine beaches on Lake Michigan, as well as a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and bird-watching. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including guided beach walks, campfire talks, and nature-themed activities.
In summary, if your family is looking for a rugged outdoor adventure, Big Bend National Park is a great option. On the other hand, if your family is looking for a relaxing beach vacation, Indiana Dunes National Park is the perfect choice.