Dry Tortugas National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two of the most unique and captivating parks in the United States. Both promise a one-of-a-kind experience for those who are looking for something different from their typical national park visit.
Dry Tortugas, located in Florida, is an oasis of crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and historic Fort Jefferson. Imagine snorkeling in turquoise waters, discovering shipwrecks, and exploring the ruins of an 1800s fort. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time!
Isle Royale, on the other hand, is located in the middle of Lake Superior and promises a serene, wilderness escape. This remote island is home to wolves, moose, and other wildlife, and is a perfect destination for those who love to hike and explore. With over 40 miles of trails, this park is a dream come true for backcountry enthusiasts.
So, which one should you choose? The answer is not as simple as you might think. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these two unique parks and help you decide which one is the best fit for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Dry Tortugas National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote island located in the Gulf of Mexico, and Isle Royale National Park is located in Lake Superior. Both parks offer unique hiking experiences, but they differ in terms of the types of trails and the level of difficulty.
At Dry Tortugas, visitors can hike the historic Fort Jefferson Trail, which is a flat, easy 1.5-mile loop. The trail provides stunning views of the turquoise waters and the historic fort. The park also offers longer, more strenuous hikes on Garden Key Trail and Loggerhead Key Trail. These trails are 4-5 miles long, and they feature challenging terrain with steep inclines and rocky paths.
Isle Royale, on the other hand, is known for its rugged and remote wilderness. The park has over 165 miles of trails, including some of the most challenging hikes in the National Park System. The Minong Ridge Trail, for example, is a 17-mile hike that takes visitors to the highest point on Isle Royale. The Greenstone Ridge Trail is also a popular hike, with a length of 40 miles. This trail is considered one of the most challenging in the park, but it also offers stunning views of Lake Superior and the surrounding wilderness.
Both parks offer a range of hiking options, from easy, flat trails to challenging, remote hikes. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there’s a trail for you at Dry Tortugas or Isle Royale.
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 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 Dry Tortugas National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two unique parks located on the outskirts of the mainland United States. Dry Tortugas is located in the Gulf of Mexico, while Isle Royale is in Lake Superior. Both parks offer unique wildlife viewing experiences.
At Dry Tortugas, visitors can expect to see a variety of sea birds and marine life, including pelicans, frigatebirds, and boobies. The park is also home to numerous species of tropical fish and coral, making it a popular destination for snorkelers and divers. In addition to marine life, Dry Tortugas is also home to a large population of nesting sea turtles, including green sea turtles and hawksbill sea turtles.
Isle Royale, on the other hand, is known for its diverse population of mammals, including wolves, moose, and beavers. Visitors to the park may also see a variety of bird species, such as loons, bald eagles, and ospreys. The park is also home to a range of plant species, including balsam fir, white cedar, and red maple.
Both Dry Tortugas and Isle Royale offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities, making them popular destinations for nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in marine life, mammals, or plants, these parks offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a snorkeling or diving adventure, or a chance to observe wildlife in their natural habitat, these parks are sure to provide a memorable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Dry Tortugas National Park and Isle Royale National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Dry Tortugas 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 |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Great Horned Owl |
| Northern Flicker | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Merlin | Northern Flicker |
| Barn Swallow | Merlin |
| Savannah Sparrow | Barn Swallow |
| Great Blue Heron | Savannah Sparrow |
| Hermit Thrush | Great Blue Heron |
| American Kestrel | Hermit Thrush |
| Song Sparrow | American Kestrel |
| European Starling | Bald Eagle |
| Northern Pintail | Song Sparrow |
| Green-Winged Teal | European Starling |
| American Pipit | Northern Pintail |
| Swainson’s Thrush | American Wigeon |
| Killdeer | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| House Rat | Coyote |
| American Beaver | |
| Muskrat | |
| Big Brown Bat | |
| Striped Skunk | |
| Little Brown Bat | |
| Deer Mouse | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| Mink | |
| Gray Wolf | |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| North American River Otter | |
| Canada Lynx | |
| Marten | |
| Moose | |
| Red Bat | |
| Norway Rat | |
| Southern Red-Backed Vole | |
| Northern Long-Eared Bat |
Fish
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | |
| Coaster Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Harvey Lake Fathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Ellpout | |
| Coho Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Creek Chub |
Amphibians
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Dry Tortugas National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is located off the coast of Key West, Florida, and is known for its crystal clear waters and abundant marine life. The park’s most famous landmark is Fort Jefferson, a massive brick fortification that dates back to the 1800s. Visitors can also explore the surrounding waters to see colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine life.
Isle Royale National Park, on the other hand, is located in the middle of Lake Superior and is known for its rugged wilderness and pristine lakes. The park features numerous hiking trails that wind through dense forests and along the shoreline, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, wolves, and foxes. Additionally, Isle Royale is a popular destination for kayaking and canoeing, offering paddlers the opportunity to explore the park’s many hidden coves and inlets.
Both Dry Tortugas National Park and Isle Royale National Park offer visitors a chance to escape into the wilderness and experience the beauty of nature. Whether you’re looking to explore a historic fort, go snorkeling in crystal clear waters, hike through pristine forests, or paddle across tranquil lakes, these parks have something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Dry Tortugas National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are located in the Great Lakes region and are known for their unique landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Dry Tortugas is famous for its crystal clear waters and abundant marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkeling, diving, and boating. Visitors can also explore the historic Fort Jefferson, which was built in the 1800s and offers a unique glimpse into American history.
Isle Royale, on the other hand, is known for its stunning wilderness and rugged terrain. Hiking and backpacking are popular activities, but visitors can also enjoy kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to a variety of animals, including moose, wolves, and beavers, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Both parks offer unique experiences for visitors and are popular for different reasons. Dry Tortugas is ideal for those looking for a tropical escape and a chance to explore the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico, while Isle Royale is perfect for those seeking a wilderness adventure and the chance to explore the rugged beauty of the Great Lakes region. Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or just looking for a peaceful escape, these two parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit Dry Tortugas National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two of the most beautiful national parks in the United States. While both parks offer stunning natural beauty, the weather at each park can vary greatly, affecting the best time of year to visit.
Dry Tortugas National Park is located off the coast of Florida and has a subtropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The warmest months are from June to October, with average high temperatures ranging from 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. During this time, there is also a higher risk of hurricanes and tropical storms. Winter months are cooler, with average high temperatures in the mid-70s.
Isle Royale National Park, located on an island in Lake Superior, has a much cooler and more temperate climate. Summer temperatures are cool, with average high temperatures in the mid-60s, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing. The park is also known for its frequent snow and ice storms, making winter visits challenging. The best time to visit Isle Royale is in the summer, when the weather is mild and the water is calm for boating and other outdoor activities.
In conclusion, both Dry Tortugas National Park and Isle Royale National Park have diverse weather patterns that can greatly impact the best time of year to visit. While Dry Tortugas is ideal for warm weather activities, Isle Royale is best for those seeking cooler temperatures and outdoor adventures.
Family Friendliness of Dry Tortugas National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two of the most unique national parks in the United States. Both are located on small islands, and offer visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in nature. However, when it comes to family-friendliness, there are some differences between the two parks that are worth considering.
Dry Tortugas National Park is a great destination for families with children, as it offers a variety of activities for all ages. Children can explore the historic Fort Jefferson, go snorkeling and swimming in the crystal-clear waters, or even take a guided tour of the park’s bird and wildlife. The park’s location also makes it easy to reach by boat or seaplane, and there are plenty of facilities and services available to visitors, such as camping, food, and restrooms.
Isle Royale National Park, on the other hand, is a more remote and rugged destination that may not be as suitable for families with young children. The park is only accessible by boat or seaplane, and there are limited facilities and services available. While older children and teenagers may enjoy the park’s challenging hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing, younger children may find the experience too rugged and isolated.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a family-friendly national park experience, Dry Tortugas National Park is the better option of the two. With its variety of activities and easy accessibility, it offers families a chance to enjoy the beauty and wonder of nature, without sacrificing comfort or convenience.