The United States is home to some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring national parks in the world, each offering its own unique experiences and attractions. But what if you could only visit two of them? Well, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll be comparing two of the most popular destinations in the country: Gateway Arch National Park and Wind Cave National Park.
Gateway Arch National Park is a modern marvel, offering a view of St. Louis that is truly unmatched. From the top of its 630-foot stainless steel arch, you’ll be able to see for miles in all directions, taking in the sights of the Mississippi River and the city skyline. But the arch is just the beginning. The park is also home to a museum that explores the history of St. Louis and the Westward Expansion, as well as several monuments and memorials that commemorate important events and people.
Wind Cave National Park, on the other hand, is a natural wonder that takes visitors underground to explore one of the world’s longest and most complex caves. With its unique and intricate formations, Wind Cave is a true marvel of geology, and a must-see destination for anyone interested in the natural world. Whether you’re a seasoned caver or just looking to experience the beauty of the underground, Wind Cave National Park is an adventure that you won’t soon forget.
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Wind Cave National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Wind Cave National Park both offer unique hiking experiences, but they differ in their trails and terrain.
At Gateway Arch National Park, visitors can hike the Riverfront Trail, which offers an easy walk along the Mississippi River with scenic views of the Gateway Arch. For a more challenging hike, visitors can climb the stairs to the top of the Gateway Arch, which offers panoramic views of the city of St. Louis.
On the other hand, Wind Cave National Park is known for its underground cave system, which can be explored through ranger-led tours. Above ground, the park has a variety of trails ranging from easy to strenuous. The Elk Mountain Trail offers a moderate hike and provides scenic views of the surrounding hills and prairies. The Rankin Ridge Trail, on the other hand, is a challenging hike that ascends to the top of Rankin Ridge, providing panoramic views of the park and the surrounding Black Hills.
Both parks offer unique hiking experiences, but it is up to the individual to decide which park is best for their needs. Whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a challenging hike, both Gateway Arch National Park and Wind Cave National Park 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 Wind Cave National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rankin Ridge Interpretive Trail | 1609.34 | 72.8472 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wind Cave Canyon Trail | 6115.492 | 64.9224 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Lookout Point Trail and Centennial Trail Loop | 8368.568 | 156.972 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Cold Brook Canyon Trail | 4506.152 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| East Bison Flats Trail | 16254.334 | 445.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boland Ridge Trail | 7724.832 | 248.7168 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Centennial Trail: Highway 87 to Highlander Rd | 13035.654 | 286.8168 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| Elk Mountain Interpretive Trail | 4023.35 | 99.9744 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Prairie Vista Loop | 1609.34 | 31.6992 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Highland Creek Trail to Centennial Trail Loop | 21887.024 | 443.7888 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Gateway Arch National Park and Wind Cave National Park
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is known for its 630-foot stainless steel arch that serves as a monument to the westward expansion of the United States. Its main attraction is the Gateway Arch, but the park also offers opportunities to explore the Mississippi Riverfront, the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, and the Old Courthouse. Visitors can also enjoy bike trails, boat tours, and scenic drives.
Wind Cave National Park, located in South Dakota, is a unique park that is home to one of the longest and most complex caves systems in the world. The park’s main attraction is the Wind Cave, but it also offers scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and hiking trails. Visitors can spot bison, pronghorns, elks, and coyotes in the park. Additionally, the park is home to a diverse bird population, including the American Goldfinch and the Western Tanager.
When visiting Gateway Arch National Park, visitors can spot a variety of wildlife, including squirrels, raccoons, and rabbits. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the American Goldfinch, the Eastern Bluebird, and the Red-tailed Hawk.
In contrast, Wind Cave National Park offers visitors a wider range of wildlife viewing opportunities, including bison, pronghorns, elks, and coyotes. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the American Goldfinch, the Western Tanager, and the Great Horned Owl. The park is known for its diverse plant life, including the mixed-grass prairie and ponderosa pine forests.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Wind Cave National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gateway Arch National Park | Wind Cave 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 | Wind Cave 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 | Weasels |
| Wolverine | House Mouse |
| American Marten | Mountain Lion |
| Grizzly Bear | Mink |
| Meadow Vole | Mule Deer |
| Moose | Wolf |
| Least Weasel | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Pygmy Shrew | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Badger |
| Ermine | |
| Fringed Myotis |
Fish
| Gateway Arch National Park | Wind Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Brook Trout |
| Lake Trout | Fathead Minnow |
| Northern Pike | Long Nose Dace |
| Eelpout | Black Bullhead |
| King Salmon | Creek Chub |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Amphibians
| Gateway Arch National Park | Wind Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouses Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Reptiles
| Gateway Arch National Park | Wind Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Bull Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Milksnake |
Insects
| Gateway Arch National Park | Wind Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfer | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourningcloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Wind Cave National Park
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is best known for its iconic 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, a monument to the westward expansion of the United States. The Arch provides stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River. The park also features a museum, riverboat cruises and bike and walking trails.
Wind Cave National Park, located in South Dakota, is home to one of the longest and most complex caves systems in the world. The park offers ranger-led cave tours, hiking, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The park’s surface features rolling prairies, pine forests and stunning rock formations, including the famous Pinnacle Butte.
Both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes for visitors to enjoy, but for those looking for a more urban experience, Gateway Arch National Park is a great option. On the other hand, for those seeking a more natural setting, Wind Cave National Park is a must-visit. Both parks are great options for anyone looking to explore the great outdoors and experience some of America’s most remarkable natural wonders.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Wind Cave National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Wind Cave National Park are two very different national parks located in the United States. Both offer unique experiences, but the most popular activities at these parks vary greatly.
At Gateway Arch National Park, visitors love to take the tram to the top of the 630-foot Gateway Arch for stunning views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. People also enjoy exploring the history of westward expansion at the Old Courthouse and the Museum of Westward Expansion located within the park. In addition, visitors can take a riverboat tour on the Mississippi River or enjoy a picnic in the park’s lush green spaces.
On the other hand, Wind Cave National Park is known for its Cave Tours, which take visitors through the maze of tunnels and passageways created by calcite formations. In addition, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also take part in ranger-led programs to learn about the park’s unique geology, history, and wildlife.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Wind Cave National Park offer unique experiences and popular activities for visitors. Whether you want to take in stunning views from the top of the Gateway Arch or explore the maze of tunnels in Wind Cave, there’s something for everyone at these parks.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Wind Cave National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Wind Cave National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. While both are beautiful and have unique attractions, the seasonal weather at each of these parks is quite different.
The Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is known for its hot and humid summers, with temperatures ranging from 70-90°F. Winters in St. Louis can be cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging from 25-45°F. The best time to visit the Gateway Arch National Park is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the crowds are less.
In contrast, Wind Cave National Park is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota and has a much more varied weather pattern. Summer temperatures in the Black Hills range from 60-80°F and are generally mild, with occasional thunderstorms. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing and snow is common, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The best time to visit Wind Cave National Park is in the summer or early fall, when the weather is warm and dry.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Wind Cave National Park offer unique and beautiful experiences, but the seasonal weather patterns can greatly impact when is the best time to visit each park. Visitors should consider the weather when planning their trips to ensure they have the best experience possible.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Wind Cave National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Wind Cave National Park are two popular destinations for families. Both parks offer unique experiences and opportunities for children to learn about history, geology, and nature.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is best known for the 630-foot Gateway Arch monument. The park has a museum, film, and several exhibits that educate visitors about the history of the Westward Expansion. The park also has a riverfront park with bike and walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground.
Wind Cave National Park, located in Hot Springs, South Dakota, is known for its unique geology and the Wind Cave, one of the world’s longest and most complex caves. The park offers several ranger-led programs, hiking trails, and scenic drives that provide opportunities for children to learn about the natural and cultural history of the area.
Both parks are great options for families, but Gateway Arch National Park may be the better choice for those traveling with young children. The park’s exhibits, playground, and riverfront park provide a more hands-on experience and opportunities for children to run and play. Wind Cave National Park is a great option for families with older children who are interested in learning about geology and nature.