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.