Gateway Arch National Park vs Isle Royale National Park

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Gateway Arch National Park vs Isle Royale National Park

America’s national parks are a source of pride and natural wonder for its citizens and visitors alike. Two of the most unique and contrasting parks in the country are the Gateway Arch National Park and Isle Royale National Park. The Gateway Arch is an iconic 630-foot monument towering above the city of St. Louis, Missouri, while Isle Royale is a remote wilderness island in Lake Superior.

One park is a symbol of the country’s westward expansion and the other is a pristine haven of tranquility. The Gateway Arch offers a thrilling journey to the top for panoramic views of the city, while Isle Royale offers a rugged adventure through its remote wilderness. Both parks offer visitors a chance to connect with nature and American history in their own unique ways. Whether you’re seeking an urban escape or a wilderness retreat, these parks have something for everyone.

So, let’s explore the differences and similarities between these two stunning national parks. Pack your bags and get ready to compare the Gateway Arch and Isle Royale!

Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Isle Royale National Park

Gateway Arch National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two unique parks with distinct hiking experiences. Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is home to the 630-foot Gateway Arch. The park offers several easy and short hikes, such as the Riverfront Trail, which is a 1-mile paved path along the Mississippi River, and the Arch Grounds, which are accessible via elevator and offer views of the city from the top of the Arch.

In contrast, Isle Royale National Park is located in Lake Superior and is only accessible by boat or seaplane. The park boasts over 165 miles of trails, with the most challenging hike being the 40-mile Greenstone Ridge Trail, which takes visitors through the park’s rugged wilderness and offers stunning views of Lake Superior. The Minong Ridge Trail is another difficult hike, with steep inclines and rocky terrain. For easier hikes, the Tobin Harbor Trail is a 2.5-mile loop that offers views of the harbor and wildlife, and the Rock Harbor Lighthouse Trail is a 1-mile hike to a historic lighthouse with views of the surrounding islands.

Both Gateway Arch National Park and Isle Royale National Park offer unique hiking experiences, from the city views at Gateway Arch to the rugged wilderness of Isle Royale. Whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a challenging hike, these two parks have something for everyone.

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

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 Gateway Arch National Park and Isle Royale National Park

Gateway Arch National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, and each offers a unique array of wildlife.

At Gateway Arch National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of birds including American White Pelicans, Bald Eagles and Ospreys. In addition to birds, the park is also home to several species of mammals such as Eastern Grey Squirrels, Raccoons and Foxes. Visitors can also find a variety of plants such as Wildflowers, Trees and Shrubs.

Isle Royale National Park, on the other hand, is known for its diverse population of wildlife, including wolves, moose, beavers, foxes, and many species of birds such as Common Loons, Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons. The park also has a rich array of plant life, including balsam fir, white cedar, and black spruce.

Visitors to Isle Royale National Park can also expect to see a wide range of fish and other aquatic wildlife, including lake trout, brook trout, and rainbow smelt. The park also has several species of reptiles, including the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake and the Northern Water Snake.

Both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, but Isle Royale National Park is known for its more extensive and diverse selection of wildlife. Whether you’re interested in birds, mammals, plants, or aquatic life, there is something for everyone at Isle Royale National Park.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Isle Royale National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Gateway Arch 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
Great Horned Owl Great Horned Owl
Red-Tailed Hawk Red-Tailed Hawk
Northern Flicker Northern Flicker
Merlin Merlin
Savannah Sparrow Barn Swallow
Hermit Thrush Savannah Sparrow
American Kestrel Great Blue Heron
Bald Eagle Hermit Thrush
Northern Pintail American Kestrel
American Wigeon Bald Eagle
Green-Winged Teal Song Sparrow
American Pipit European Starling
Swainson’s Thrush Northern Pintail
Hairy Woodpecker American Wigeon
Red-Breasted Nuthatch Green-Winged Teal

Mammals

Gateway Arch National Park Isle Royale National Park
Coyote Coyote
American Beaver American Beaver
Muskrat Muskrat
Black Bear Big Brown Bat
Porcupine Striped Skunk
Red Fox Little Brown Bat
Mink Deer Mouse
Wolf Silver-Haired Bat
Short-Tailed Weasel Hoary Bat
Varying Hare Red Fox
River Otter Long-Tailed Weasel
Common Shrew Mink
Red Squirrel Gray Wolf
Montane Shrew Short-Tailed Weasel
Lynx Snowshoe Hare
Wolverine North American River Otter
American Marten Canada Lynx
Grizzly Bear Marten
Meadow Vole Moose
Moose Red Bat
Least Weasel Norway Rat
Pygmy Shrew Southern Red-Backed Vole
Northern Bog Lemming Northern Long-Eared Bat

Fish

Gateway Arch National Park Isle Royale National Park
Longnose Sucker Redband Trout
Lake Trout Coaster Brook Trout
Northern Pike Brown Trout
Eelpout Longnose Sucker
King Salmon Harvey Lake Fathead Minnow
Slimy Sculpin Golden Shiner
Chum Salmon Lake Trout
Dolly Varden Northern Pike
Arctic Grayling Ellpout
Coho Salmon
Chinook Salmon
Mottled Sculpin
Slimy Sculpin
Longnose Dace
Black Crappie
Pink Salmon
Creek Chub

Amphibians

Gateway Arch National Park Isle Royale National Park
Wood Frog Northern Leopard Frog
Wood Frog

Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Isle Royale National Park

Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is home to the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot monument that serves as the iconic symbol of the American West. The Arch, designed by architect Eero Saarinen, overlooks the Mississippi River and offers breathtaking views of the city and the river from its observation deck. The park also features the Old Courthouse, which was the site of the Dred Scott slavery case, and the Museum of Westward Expansion, which tells the story of the people and events that shaped America’s western expansion.

Isle Royale National Park, on the other hand, is located in Lake Superior and is known for its rugged wilderness and stunning landscapes. The park is comprised of over 400 islands and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including moose, wolves, and foxes. Visitors can explore the park by hiking its numerous trails, kayaking its pristine waters, or camping in its backcountry. The park’s most famous landscape is the rugged and dramatic shoreline, which is dotted with rocky cliffs, hidden coves, and sandy beaches. The park’s interior is also home to forests, bogs, and lakes, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Isle Royale National Park

Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri and Isle Royale National Park in Michigan are two unique national parks, both offering a range of activities for visitors.

At Gateway Arch, visitors can enjoy a scenic tram ride to the top of the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch, take a riverboat tour along the Mississippi River, or explore the Museum of Westward Expansion. In addition to these popular activities, there are also several walking tours available, including the Gateway Arch Riverfront Trail, which offers stunning views of the park and the city beyond.

Isle Royale National Park, on the other hand, is a remote wilderness island located in Lake Superior. The park is known for its scenic hiking trails, canoeing and kayaking opportunities, and world-class fishing. Visitors can also take a ferry to the island and enjoy wildlife viewing, including moose, wolves, and foxes. Isle Royale is a truly unique experience, with its rugged terrain, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife.

In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Isle Royale National Park offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you prefer city sights and sounds or a remote wilderness experience, these parks have something to offer for everyone.

Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Isle Royale National Park

Gateway Arch National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two popular destinations that offer unique and diverse experiences for park visitors. While both parks have their own unique weather patterns, the seasonal weather can greatly affect when is the best time to visit each park.

Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures reaching up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and cold winters with temperatures dropping below freezing. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from late spring to early fall when temperatures are mild and comfortable. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and boat tours during this time.

Isle Royale National Park, located in Lake Superior, has a much cooler climate with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to low 60s during the summer months, and temperatures frequently dropping below freezing during the winter months. The park is only accessible by boat and is only open from April to October, making summer the best time to visit. During this time, visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, and kayaking. The park is also known for its diverse wildlife, including moose and wolves, making it a popular destination for wildlife viewing.

In conclusion, while both Gateway Arch National Park and Isle Royale National Park offer unique experiences and diverse weather patterns, the best time to visit each park varies greatly depending on the seasonal weather and the activities visitors hope to enjoy. It is important to consider the weather when planning a visit to either park to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Isle Royale National Park

Gateway Arch National Park and Isle Royale National Park are two beautiful parks that offer a unique experience for visitors. Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is a great place for families to visit. It offers a variety of educational and interactive exhibits, including the Museum of Westward Expansion, which tells the story of the pioneers who traveled west in search of a better life. There is also a tram that takes visitors to the top of the Gateway Arch, where they can enjoy a stunning view of the city.

Isle Royale National Park, on the other hand, is located in Michigan and is a great place for families who love the outdoors. This park offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and canoeing. The park also has a number of ranger-led programs that teach visitors about the natural history of the area. However, Isle Royale is more isolated than Gateway Arch, so it may not be the best choice for families with young children who need more amenities and services.

Both Gateway Arch National Park and Isle Royale National Park offer a great family-friendly experience, but each park is better suited for different types of families. Gateway Arch National Park is a great choice for families who want a mix of educational and outdoor activities, while Isle Royale National Park is a great choice for families who love the outdoors and are looking for a more remote, wilderness experience.

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