Denali National Park & Preserve and Indiana Dunes National Park are two of the most stunning natural wonders in the United States. With their diverse and breathtaking landscapes, they are the perfect destination for any nature lover. From the towering peaks of Denali, to the rolling dunes of Indiana Dunes, each park has its own unique charm and allure.
In this article, we’ll be comparing and contrasting these two amazing national parks. We’ll take a closer look at their landscapes, wildlife, and recreational activities, so you can decide which park is best for your next adventure. Whether you’re a hiker, bird watcher, or beachcomber, there’s something for everyone at Denali and Indiana Dunes. So grab your hiking boots and pack your sunscreen, because we’re about to embark on a journey through two of America’s most beautiful lands.
Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve and Indiana Dunes National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Indiana Dunes National Park both offer unique hiking experiences, but they differ in terms of their topography, climate, and trail difficulty. In Denali, hikers can embark on challenging backcountry treks, with the park’s highest peak, Mount McKinley, towering at 20,310 feet. The park’s most popular hike is the 8.5-mile round trip to the Sanctuary River. The trail offers an easy to moderate hike with breathtaking views of the park’s wilderness and wildlife. On the other hand, Indiana Dunes National Park is located along the southern shore of Lake Michigan and boasts 15,000 acres of sand dunes, wetlands, and forests. The park’s trails range from easy boardwalk trails to strenuous beach hikes. The park’s signature hike is the 3-mile Cowles Bog Trail, which winds through wetlands and offers views of the park’s diverse plant and animal life.
For those seeking a more strenuous experience, Denali offers backcountry hikes such as the Stony Hill Trail, which is a challenging 10-mile round trip hike with steep inclines and uneven terrain. In Indiana Dunes, the Dunes Succession Trail is a demanding 4-mile hike that takes you to the top of the park’s biggest sand dune, Mount Tom. This hike is not for the faint of heart, as it requires a steep ascent up sand dunes that can be physically challenging.
In conclusion, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Indiana Dunes National Park offer a range of hiking experiences, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, or a physical challenge, these parks have something for every type of hiker.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Healy Overlook Trail | 6920.162 | 507.7968 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Horseshoe Lake Trail | 3379.614 | 119.7864 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Triple Lakes Trail | 29772.79 | 1124.712 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bison Gulch | 11265.38 | 1178.9664 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Rock Creek Trail | 7081.096 | 287.7312 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Taiga Trail | 2574.944 | 62.7888 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| McKinley Station Trail | 4667.086 | 113.9952 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Mount Thorofare Ridge Loop | 6598.294 | 507.7968 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| McKinley Bar Trail | 7402.964 | 295.9608 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Tiaga Loop and Horseshoe Lake Trail to Beaver Dam | 4828.02 | 158.8008 | Moderate | 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 Denali National Park & Preserve and Indiana Dunes National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve in Alaska and Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana are both unique parks with distinct wildlife. At Denali, visitors can expect to see a diverse range of animals such as grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and Dall sheep. The park is also home to a variety of bird species including the bald eagle, the golden eagle, and the trumpeter swan. Visitors can also spot a number of plant species, including wildflowers and tundra vegetation.
In contrast, Indiana Dunes National Park is located in the Midwest and is home to a different range of wildlife. Visitors can expect to see a variety of birds such as the sandhill crane, the eastern bluebird, and the great horned owl. Animals commonly seen at the park include the white-tailed deer, the red fox, and the beaver. The park also boasts a diverse range of plant life, including wildflowers, prairie grasses, and wetlands vegetation.
In conclusion, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Indiana Dunes National Park offer unique wildlife experiences. Whether you’re interested in viewing large mammals in Alaska or birdwatching in the Midwest, these parks offer something for everyone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Denali National Park & Preserve and Indiana Dunes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Denali National Park & Preserve | 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 |
| Hermit Thrush | Great Blue Heron |
| American Kestrel | Hermit Thrush |
| Bald Eagle | American Kestrel |
| Song Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| European Starling | Song Sparrow |
| Northern Pintail | European Starling |
| American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Indiana Dunes National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Little Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Bobcat |
| Porcupine | Striped Skunk |
| Red Fox | Little Brown Bat |
| Mink | Deer Mouse |
| Wolf | Raccoon |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Black Bear |
| Snowshoe Hare | Silver-Haired Bat |
| River Otter | Hoary Bat |
| Common Shrew | Red Fox |
| Water Shrew | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Squirrel | House Mouse |
| Montane Shrew | Mink |
| Lynx | Gray Fox |
| Wolverine | North American River Otter |
| American Marten | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | White-Tailed Deer |
| Grizzly Bear | Virginia Opossum |
| Meadow Vole | Eastern Red Bat |
| Moose | White-Footed Mouse |
| Least Weasel | Norway Rat |
| Pygmy Shrew | Eastern Cottontail |
Fish
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Indiana Dunes National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Largemouth Bass |
| Lake Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Northern Pike | Bluegill |
| Burbot | Fathead Minnow |
| Coho Salmon | Golden Shiner |
| Chinook Salmon | European Carp |
| Slimy Sculpin | Yellow Bullhead |
| Chum Salmon | Graceful Catfish |
| Dolly Varden | Black Crappie |
| Arctic Grayling | Black Bullhead |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Amphibians
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Indiana Dunes National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Bullfrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Denali National Park & Preserve and Indiana Dunes National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve is located in interior Alaska and is home to the tallest peak in North America, Mount Denali (also known as Mount McKinley). The park is known for its stunning vistas and rugged wilderness, with miles of pristine tundra, glaciers and jagged mountain ranges. Visitors can take a scenic drive, hike, or take a tour to see the park’s many natural wonders, including the magnificent Wonder Lake, which offers breathtaking views of Mount Denali.
Indiana Dunes National Park, on the other hand, is located along the southern shore of Lake Michigan in the state of Indiana. The park is known for its diverse landscapes, including sand dunes, forests, wetlands and prairies. One of the most popular attractions in the park is Mount Baldy, a large sand dune that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also hike or bike along the many trails that run through the park, or enjoy a day at the beach. Other notable natural features of the park include the Bailly Homestead, the Chellberg Farm, and the Great Marsh.
Both Denali National Park & Preserve and Indiana Dunes National Park offer visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty of nature in unique and memorable ways. Whether you are looking for breathtaking mountain vistas or serene beachfront views, these parks are sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Things To-Do and Activities in Denali National Park & Preserve and Indiana Dunes National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve in Alaska and Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana offer different experiences for visitors. At Denali, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and mountaineering. The park’s main attraction is the 20,310-foot tall Mount Denali, the tallest peak in North America. Visitors can also go on guided bus tours, take scenic flights, or hike to see the park’s stunning vistas and diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, and moose.
Indiana Dunes offers a different experience, with its 15,000 acres of sand dunes along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, and bird watching. The park has over 50 miles of trails, including easy hikes to the summit of the dunes. The park also has several beaches, including the popular Kemil Beach, which provides stunning views of the lake and the Chicago skyline. The park is also home to the Indiana Dunes State Park and the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, which offers more recreational opportunities for visitors.
Both parks offer unique experiences for visitors. Denali is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts who love wildlife and the great outdoors, while Indiana Dunes is ideal for those who enjoy water activities and beach-going. Regardless of the type of experience you are looking for, both parks are sure to provide a memorable and enjoyable visit.
Best Time to Visit Denali National Park & Preserve and Indiana Dunes National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Indiana Dunes National Park are two vastly different national parks that offer unique landscapes and experiences. When it comes to the weather, the two parks couldn’t be more different too.
Denali National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its harsh and unpredictable weather conditions. The summer months are short and mild with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F, while the winter months are long and extremely cold with temperatures dropping to -40°F. The best time to visit Denali National Park & Preserve is during the summer months for the best chance of clear skies and mild temperatures.
On the other hand, Indiana Dunes National Park is located in the Midwest and experiences four distinct seasons with temperatures that are much milder than Denali. In the summer, temperatures can reach up to 90°F, making it the prime time for beach activities and water sports. In the winter, temperatures can drop to below freezing, making it the ideal time for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The fall and spring months offer mild temperatures and beautiful foliage, making them great times to visit Indiana Dunes National Park as well.
Family Friendliness of Denali National Park & Preserve and Indiana Dunes National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Indiana Dunes National Park are both popular destinations for families, but each park offers a different experience. Denali is located in Alaska and offers breathtaking views of the Alaskan wilderness, including North America’s tallest peak, Mount Denali. The park offers various ranger-led programs, such as guided hikes and wildlife watching tours, making it an educational and interactive experience for families.
On the other hand, Indiana Dunes National Park is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan and offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation and cultural history. The park offers 15 miles of beaches for swimming and sunbathing, as well as dunes for hiking and exploring. The park also has several campgrounds for families who want to extend their stay. In addition, the park has a rich cultural history, including the Calumet Fisherman’s Memorial, which honors the heritage of the area’s commercial fishing industry.
Both parks provide a fantastic family-friendly experience, but if you’re traveling with children, Indiana Dunes National Park may be the better option. With its close proximity to Lake Michigan and its abundance of activities, including beach-going, hiking, and camping, it provides a more diverse range of experiences for families. Denali is a more remote and rugged destination, making it better suited for families who are looking for a more adventurous experience.