“Adventure awaits at two of America’s most unique national parks – Dry Tortugas and Gateway Arch. Both parks offer a one-of-a-kind experience, but which one is right for you? Do you want to explore the remnants of a Civil War-era fort or marvel at a 630-foot tall monument symbolizing the country’s westward expansion?
Dry Tortugas, located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, takes you on a journey to a remote island where history and nature collide. The park is home to Fort Jefferson, one of the largest brick structures in the world, and crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. Take a ferry or seaplane to this tropical paradise and immerse yourself in its rich history and breathtaking scenery.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch, located in St. Louis, Missouri, provides a unique experience that combines city life with stunning views. Climb to the top of the iconic arch and get a bird’s eye view of the city, or take a riverboat cruise along the Mississippi river and witness the beauty of the arch from a different perspective. The park also features the Museum of Westward Expansion, offering a glimpse into the country’s journey towards the west.
So, pack your bags for a journey to Dry Tortugas and Gateway Arch, two national parks that offer a unique blend of history, adventure, and breathtaking scenery.”
Hiking Trails in Dry Tortugas National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Gateway Arch National Park both offer unique hiking experiences for visitors. Dry Tortugas, located off the coast of Florida, is comprised of seven small islands and offers scenic hikes along white sand beaches and historic fort ruins. One of the easier hikes in the park is the Garden Key Trail, which is a 0.6-mile round trip hike to the historic Fort Jefferson. For a more challenging hike, visitors can tackle the Loggerhead Key Trail, a 2.5-mile round trip hike through dense vegetation and over rocky terrain to an historic lighthouse.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, offers cityscape and riverfront views along its trails. An easy hike in the park is the Riverfront Trail, a paved trail that offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and the Gateway Arch. For a more challenging hike, visitors can take on the Gateway Arch Trail, a 1.5-mile hike to the top of the 630-foot tall Gateway Arch. This hike includes a strenuous staircase to the top, but offers breathtaking views of the city and river below.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Dry Tortugas National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Jefferson Loop | 804.67 | 0.9144 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Riverfront Trail | 34439.876 | 109.728 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Jefferson National Expansion Memorial | 2574.944 | 20.7264 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Wildlife in Dry Tortugas National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are two unique national parks located in different parts of the United States. Dry Tortugas National Park is located in the Florida Keys and is famous for its diverse marine wildlife. Visitors can see a variety of sea turtles, including hawksbill and green turtles, as well as an array of fish species such as barracuda and yellowtail snapper. The park is also home to a large population of seabirds, including brown pelicans, frigate birds, and terns. On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri is a landlocked park and is primarily known for its 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch monument. Although the park is not known for its wildlife, visitors may see common urban animals such as squirrels, rabbits, and pigeons.
In terms of botanical life, Dry Tortugas National Park is home to a variety of mangrove forests and seagrass beds that provide habitat for a host of plant and animal species. Meanwhile, Gateway Arch National Park features various types of trees, shrubs and wildflowers, such as tulips and daffodils, in its lush green lawns and gardens. These parks offer a unique opportunity for visitors to see and appreciate the diversity of wildlife and vegetation in different parts of the country.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Dry Tortugas National Park and Gateway Arch National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Gateway Arch 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 |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Great Horned Owl |
| Northern Flicker | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Merlin | Northern Flicker |
| Barn Swallow | Merlin |
| Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | Hermit Thrush |
| Hermit Thrush | American Kestrel |
| American Kestrel | Bald Eagle |
| Song Sparrow | Northern Pintail |
| European Starling | American Wigeon |
| Northern Pintail | Green-Winged Teal |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
| American Pipit | Swainson’s Thrush |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Killdeer | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| House Rat | Coyote |
| American Beaver | |
| Muskrat | |
| Black Bear | |
| Porcupine | |
| Red Fox | |
| Mink | |
| Wolf | |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | |
| Varying Hare | |
| River Otter | |
| Common Shrew | |
| Red Squirrel | |
| Montane Shrew | |
| Lynx | |
| Wolverine | |
| American Marten | |
| Grizzly Bear | |
| Meadow Vole | |
| Moose | |
| Least Weasel | |
| Pygmy Shrew | |
| Northern Bog Lemming |
Fish
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Eelpout | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Gateway Arch National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Dry Tortugas National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is known for its stunning crystal-clear turquoise waters and abundant marine life. It’s located 68 miles west of Key West, Florida and is considered one of the most remote and least visited parks in the USA. The park features historic Fort Jefferson, a massive brick fortress that dates back to the 1800s, surrounded by stunning coral reefs and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and diving.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri is famous for its 630-foot stainless steel monument, the Gateway Arch, that symbolizes the city’s role as the “Gateway to the West.” A trip to the top of the Arch offers breathtaking views of the city and the Mississippi River. The park also features the Old Courthouse, a National Historic Landmark, and the Museum of Westward Expansion that showcases the history of the American West.
Both parks offer unique experiences and stunning landscapes, but Dry Tortugas National Park is ideal for water sports and exploring the natural beauty of the ocean. Gateway Arch National Park, on the other hand, is perfect for history buffs and those interested in the city’s role in the American West.
Things To-Do and Activities in Dry Tortugas National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are two national parks located in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences, but differ in terms of the activities they offer.
Dry Tortugas National Park is located in Florida and is famous for its crystal clear waters and abundant marine life. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, and boating. The park is also home to historic Fort Jefferson, which is a popular spot for tours and history buffs.
Gateway Arch National Park, on the other hand, is located in Missouri and is famous for its 630-foot tall Gateway Arch. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the arch for stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River. The park also offers riverboat tours, and interactive exhibits about the history of the arch and its construction.
In conclusion, both Dry Tortugas National Park and Gateway Arch National Park offer unique activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you are interested in exploring the natural beauty of the ocean, or the history and architecture of the Gateway Arch, both parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Dry Tortugas National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences and breathtaking views, but the seasonal weather can greatly impact when is the best time to visit.
Dry Tortugas National Park is located in the Florida Keys and has a tropical climate with hot and humid summers and warm, mild winters. The best time to visit is from December to May when the temperatures are cooler and there is less chance of rain. During the summer months, temperatures can reach over 90°F, making it uncomfortable for outdoor activities. Hurricane season also runs from June to November, so visitors should be prepared for potential weather disruptions during this time.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and experiences a humid subtropical climate. The park is known for its hot and humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The best time to visit is from April to October when the temperatures are mild and there is less chance of snow. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities.
Both Dry Tortugas National Park and Gateway Arch National Park offer unique experiences and stunning views, but the weather can greatly impact when is the best time to visit. Visitors should plan their trip based on the seasonal weather patterns to ensure they have the best possible experience.
Family Friendliness of Dry Tortugas National Park and Gateway Arch National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are two iconic national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors every year. While both are great places to visit, they have different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to being family-friendly.
Dry Tortugas National Park is an island park located in the Gulf of Mexico, 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. The park offers a unique experience for families, with its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches and snorkeling opportunities. Children will love exploring the historic Fort Jefferson, a massive brick fort that dates back to the 1800s. There are also plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, and birdwatching.
On the other hand, Gateway Arch National Park in St Louis, Missouri is a more urban park that focuses on the history and culture of the city. The park is centered around the 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, a popular destination for families. The park also features a museum that explores the westward expansion of the United States, and is a great place to learn about the country’s history.
In conclusion, both Dry Tortugas National Park and Gateway Arch National Park are great places to visit with your family. If you are looking for a more nature-focused experience, then Dry Tortugas National Park is the better option. However, if you are more interested in learning about the country’s history and culture, then Gateway Arch National Park is the better choice.