Gateway Arch National Park vs Voyageurs National Park

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Gateway Arch National Park vs Voyageurs National Park

The American Midwest is home to two vastly different national parks that share a common goal: to preserve and promote the rich history and beauty of the region. Gateway Arch National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer a unique contrast of urban and wilderness experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Gateway Arch National Park is a symbol of American ingenuity and determination, a 630-foot monument to the westward expansion of the country. The park is located in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri, and offers visitors a chance to learn about the city’s history and culture, as well as take in stunning views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding countryside.

Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is a remote wilderness area in northern Minnesota that is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is home to a vast network of lakes and waterways, as well as abundant wildlife, making it a popular destination for boaters, fishermen, and nature lovers. Whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of city life or the peace and solitude of the great outdoors, these two national parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Voyageurs National Park

Gateway Arch National Park (GA) and Voyageurs National Park (VN) are two popular National Parks in the US. Both offer unique and diverse hiking trails that cater to different levels of difficulty.

GA is home to the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot monument that symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States. The park offers easy hikes such as the Riverfront Trail, which is a flat trail that runs along the Mississippi River and offers great views of the Arch. For those looking for a moderate hike, the Arch grounds themselves offer a strenuous but rewarding climb to the top of the Arch for panoramic views of the city.

VN, on the other hand, is known for its network of interconnected waterways and its diverse landscapes, from boreal forests to rocky cliffs. Hiking trails in VN range from easy lakeside walks to challenging backcountry treks. The Kettle Falls Trail is a popular and easy hike, which takes you to the historic Kettle Falls Hotel site. The hardest hike in VN is the Ash River Trail, which is a remote and strenuous hike that takes you through the backcountry to the Ash River.

In conclusion, both GA and VN offer a variety of hiking trails that cater to different levels of difficulty and offer unique and diverse landscapes. Whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a challenging backcountry hike, both parks have something to offer.

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 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 Gateway Arch National Park and Voyageurs National Park

Gateway Arch National Park and Voyageurs National Park have different habitats and thus offer different wildlife viewing experiences. Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is primarily an urban park with limited wildlife, but visitors can still see a variety of birds and squirrels. The park is also home to some small mammals like raccoons, opossums, and coyotes.

Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, is a wilderness area with a much larger variety of wildlife. Visitors can see beavers, otters, and muskrats swimming in the park’s waterways. Moose, black bears, and loons are also commonly seen. The park is also home to a large variety of birds, including bald eagles, ospreys, and pelicans.

In terms of plants, Gateway Arch National Park has a small number of native species, including sycamores, oaks, and maples. Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is home to a diverse range of plant life, including coniferous forests, bogs, and wetlands. These habitats support a variety of species, including wildflowers, ferns, and mosses.

Visitors to both parks will have a unique wildlife experience, but those looking for a more diverse array of wildlife should head to Voyageurs National Park. Whether you’re interested in birds, mammals, or plants, both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see and appreciate the beauty of nature.

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

Birds

Gateway Arch 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
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 Voyageurs National Park
Coyote Coyote
American Beaver American Beaver
Muskrat Muskrat
Black Bear Big Brown Bat
Porcupine Bobcat
Red Fox Striped Skunk
Mink Little Brown Bat
Wolf Deer Mouse
Short-Tailed Weasel Raccoon
Varying Hare Black Bear
River Otter Porcupine
Common Shrew Silver-Haired Bat
Red Squirrel Hoary Bat
Montane Shrew Red Fox
Lynx Long-Tailed Weasel
Wolverine House Mouse
American Marten Mountain Lion
Grizzly Bear Mink
Meadow Vole Common Gray Fox
Moose Plains Wolf
Least Weasel American Badger
Pygmy Shrew Ermine
Northern Bog Lemming Snowshoe Hare
River Otter
Masked Shrew

Fish

Gateway Arch National Park Voyageurs National Park
Longnose Sucker Largemouth Bass
Lake Trout Longnose Sucker
Northern Pike Green Sunfish
Eelpout Bluegill
King Salmon Fathead Minnow
Slimy Sculpin Golden Shiner
Chum Salmon Lake Trout
Dolly Varden Northern Pike
Arctic Grayling Ellpout
Mottled Sculpin
Slimy Sculpin
Longnose Dace
Black Crappie
Black Bullhead
Creek Chub
Brown Bullhead
Smallmouth Bass

Amphibians

Gateway Arch National Park Voyageurs National Park
Wood Frog Northern Leopard Frog
Wood Frog

Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Voyageurs National Park

Gateway Arch National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two famous parks with unique landscapes. Gateway Arch, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is famous for its 630-foot stainless steel arch that towers over the Mississippi River. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the arch for panoramic views of the city.

Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, is known for its beautiful waterways. The park is a popular destination for boaters, canoeists, and kayakers who come to explore the many lakes, bays, and islands that make up the park. Visitors can see stunning views of the water from scenic overlooks or take part in ranger-led programs to learn about the park’s history and wildlife.

Both parks offer unique opportunities to explore and appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Whether you are interested in history and architecture, or water-based recreation, these parks are sure to provide you with a memorable experience.

Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Voyageurs National Park

Gateway Arch National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two popular national parks in the US that offer a range of outdoor activities for visitors. Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is known for its 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, a symbol of the city and the country’s westward expansion. On the other hand, Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota and is known for its abundant waterways and wildlife.

Visitors to Gateway Arch National Park can enjoy guided tours of the Arch, take a scenic riverboat ride, and visit the Museum of Westward Expansion. The park also has several picnic areas and walking trails, making it a great place for a family picnic or a leisurely walk.

Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and kayaking. Visitors can rent boats and explore the park’s interconnected waterways, or take a guided tour to learn about the park’s rich natural and cultural history. The park also has several hiking trails, including the popular Kabetogama Peninsula Trail, which offers stunning views of the park’s pristine lakes and forests.

In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer a range of outdoor activities for visitors. Whether you’re interested in learning about the country’s westward expansion, or exploring the park’s waterways and wildlife, these two parks have something for everyone.

Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Voyageurs National Park

Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri and Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota are unique national parks with different seasonal weather patterns. The Gateway Arch experiences hot and humid summers with temperatures reaching up to 90°F, while winters are cold with temperatures dropping to 20°F and snowfall. On the other hand, Voyageurs National Park experiences long, harsh winters with temperatures dropping below 0°F, and short, mild summers with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 70°F.

The best time to visit Gateway Arch National Park is from spring to fall when temperatures are mild and there is less precipitation. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking in the park during these months. Winter at the Gateway Arch can be challenging for outdoor activities due to snow and ice. The best time to visit Voyageurs National Park is during the summer months when temperatures are mild and the lakes are accessible for boating and fishing. Winter is not ideal for visiting Voyageurs National Park as temperatures can be extremely cold and snow-covered roads can make it difficult to access the park.

Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Voyageurs National Park

Gateway Arch National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both family-friendly destinations, but each has its own unique offerings for families.

Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is known for its famous 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, a symbol of the city and the western expansion of the United States. The park also includes a museum that offers interactive exhibits and educational programs for children. With its proximity to the city, families can also enjoy other attractions such as the St. Louis Zoo and the St. Louis Science Center.

Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, offers families a chance to explore the great outdoors. With its numerous lakes and waterways, the park is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and canoeing. Children can also discover the park’s rich history through ranger-led programs and educational activities. Additionally, the park offers many opportunities for camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

Both parks offer unique experiences for families, but Gateway Arch National Park may be a better choice for those traveling with young children, who may not be ready for the more rugged outdoor adventures offered at Voyageurs National Park. On the other hand, families with older children and a love of the great outdoors may find Voyageurs National Park to be the perfect destination.

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