Dry Tortugas National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most unique and captivating national parks in the United States. They both offer breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and unforgettable outdoor experiences. But which one is the better choice for your next adventure?
Imagine crystal clear waters, lush tropical vegetation, and historic fortresses. Dry Tortugas is a remote island located off the coast of Florida and is only accessible by ferry or seaplane. It’s a true tropical paradise, perfect for snorkeling, fishing, or just relaxing on the beach.
On the other hand, Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota and is centered around a series of interconnected waterways and lakes. It’s a paddler’s paradise, offering endless opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. With its dense forests, mountainous terrain, and abundant wildlife, Voyageurs is a true wilderness adventure.
So, are you ready for a tropical island escape or a rugged wilderness adventure? Read on to find out which national park will be the perfect fit for your next outdoor adventure!
Hiking Trails in Dry Tortugas National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is located in the Florida Keys and is known for its crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches. The park is home to several hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. One of the easiest hikes is the Garden Key Trail, which is a 0.6-mile loop that takes you through the historic Fort Jefferson. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding waters and is a great way to see the fort up close. Another easy hike is the Loggerhead Key Trail, a 1.5-mile trail that takes you through the island’s lush vegetation and provides stunning views of the ocean.
Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, is known for its stunning lakes and rugged wilderness. The park is home to several hiking trails, including the Kabetogama Peninsula Trail, which is a 1.7-mile hike that takes you through the park’s wilderness and offers stunning views of the surrounding lakes. The trail is considered to be easy and is a great option for those looking for a scenic hike. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Rainy Lake Trail is a 7.5-mile hike that takes you through the park’s rugged wilderness and offers stunning views of the surrounding lakes. The trail is considered to be strenuous and is not recommended for inexperienced hikers.
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 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 Dry Tortugas National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most beautiful national parks in the United States, and they offer visitors a chance to see some of the most spectacular wildlife in the country. While both parks are known for their diverse ecosystems, they differ in terms of the specific wildlife that can be seen.
At Dry Tortugas National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of bird species, including pelicans, frigate birds, and brown boobies. Additionally, the park is home to a number of marine mammals, including sea turtles, manatees, and dolphins. Visitors can also spot a variety of plant species, including mangroves and sea grasses, which provide habitats for a wide range of wildlife.
On the other hand, Voyageurs National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering visitors the chance to see a variety of animals, including beavers, otters, and moose. The park is also home to a number of bird species, including eagles, ospreys, and loons. In addition, visitors can expect to see a variety of plant species, including cedar, birch, and spruce trees, which provide habitats for many of the park’s wildlife species.
Overall, both Dry Tortugas National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer visitors the chance to witness some of the most incredible wildlife in the country. Whether you’re interested in marine mammals, birds, or plants, there is something for everyone at these two amazing parks.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Dry Tortugas National Park and Voyageurs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Dry Tortugas 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 |
| 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 | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| House Rat | Coyote |
| American Beaver | |
| Muskrat | |
| Big Brown Bat | |
| Bobcat | |
| Striped Skunk | |
| Little Brown Bat | |
| Deer Mouse | |
| Raccoon | |
| Black Bear | |
| Porcupine | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Mink | |
| Common Gray Fox | |
| Plains Wolf | |
| American Badger | |
| Ermine | |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| River Otter | |
| Masked Shrew |
Amphibians
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Wood Frog |
Fish
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Longnose Sucker | |
| Green Sunfish | |
| Bluegill | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Northern Pike | |
| Ellpout | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Beautiful Landscapes in Dry Tortugas National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two magnificent national parks in the United States, each with its own unique landscapes. Dry Tortugas National Park is located in the Gulf of Mexico, and its most famous landmark is Fort Jefferson, a historic fort surrounded by crystal-clear waters. Visitors can take a ferry or seaplane to reach the park, and once there, they can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and bird-watching.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is located in northern Minnesota and is known for its network of interconnected lakes and waterways. This park is a paddler’s paradise, with opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Visitors can also explore the park by boat, taking in stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The park is also home to several scenic overlooks, including Kabetogama Peninsula, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding forests and lakes.
Both Dry Tortugas and Voyageurs National Parks offer breathtaking landscapes, each with its own unique beauty. Whether you are a nature lover or adventure seeker, these parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Dry Tortugas National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but they offer different experiences. Dry Tortugas, located off the coast of Florida, is known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, making it a top destination for snorkeling, diving, and fishing. Visitors can also explore historic Fort Jefferson and the surrounding islands, and bird watching is a popular activity as well.
Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, offers a unique blend of water and land activities. The park is known for its interconnected waterways, making it a top destination for canoeing, kayaking, and houseboating. Visitors can also hike and explore the park’s forests and lakes, and fishing is a popular activity here too. Winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular, as well as ice fishing.
Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, but the choice between Dry Tortugas and Voyageurs will largely depend on personal preference and the type of experience desired. Whether it’s exploring the underwater world of Dry Tortugas or navigating the waterways of Voyageurs, both parks offer unique and memorable experiences for visitors.
Best Time to Visit Dry Tortugas National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park, located in the Florida Keys, experiences warm, humid weather year-round with temperatures ranging from 70-90°F. Summer months (May-September) are the wettest and hottest, with the highest chance of thunderstorms and hurricanes. Winter months (December-April) offer milder temperatures and clearer skies, making it the best time for outdoor activities such as snorkeling, bird-watching and camping.
Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota experiences a vastly different climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing with heavy snowfall, making it difficult for visitors to access park facilities and scenic routes. Summer months (July-August) offer warmer temperatures and the opportunity for boating, fishing, and hiking. Due to its harsh winter weather, the best time to visit Voyageurs National Park is during the summer months.
Both parks offer unique experiences and attractions, but the weather clearly plays a significant role in determining when is the best time to visit. Those seeking warm weather and water activities may prefer Dry Tortugas National Park, while those seeking scenic beauty and boating opportunities may prefer Voyageurs National Park during the summer months. When planning a trip, it is important to consider the seasonal weather patterns of each park to fully enjoy your visit.
Family Friendliness of Dry Tortugas National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park, located in Florida, offers a unique blend of history and outdoor recreation. Its main attraction is Fort Jefferson, a historic fort on Garden Key that provides a glimpse into the past. Children can explore the fort, learn about its history, and participate in ranger-led programs. Snorkeling, kayaking, and birdwatching are also popular activities in the park, making it a great destination for families who love the water.
Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, offers a different kind of outdoor experience. With its numerous lakes and waterways, it’s a great destination for families who love boating, fishing, and water-based recreation. The park also offers hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as ranger-led programs for children.
Both parks offer a range of family-friendly activities, but Dry Tortugas is more geared towards history and water-based recreation, while Voyageurs is better for those who enjoy boating and fishing. Both parks have campgrounds, picnic areas, and ranger-led programs, making them great destinations for families who love the outdoors. Ultimately, the choice between Dry Tortugas and Voyageurs will depend on the interests and preferences of the individual family.