Glacier National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are two of the most beautiful and unique national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and get lost in nature, but each one has its own distinct character that sets it apart from the other.
Glacier National Park is known for its stunning glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and crystal-clear lakes. It is a hiker’s paradise, with over 700 miles of trails to explore. On the other hand, Indiana Dunes National Park is characterized by its vast sand dunes, sprawling beaches, and diverse ecosystems. It is a popular destination for beach-goers, bird-watchers, and nature lovers alike.
So, which park is better? That’s what we’re here to find out! In this article, we’ll take a closer look at both Glacier National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park, comparing and contrasting the best that each has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned national park visitor or a newcomer to the world of outdoor adventure, this article is sure to inspire your next outdoor excursion.
Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Glacier National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are two unique and beautiful national parks that are worth visiting. The hiking trails in these parks are a great way to explore their natural beauty.
Glacier National Park offers over 700 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Trail of the Cedars and the Hidden Lake Overlook. On the other hand, the Highline Trail is considered one of the hardest hikes in the park. This trail is 11.6 miles long and offers stunning views of the park’s valleys and mountains.
Indiana Dunes National Park also offers a variety of hiking trails, from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Some of the easiest trails in the park include the Dunes Succession Trail and the Pinhook Bog Trail. The hardest hike in the park is the Mount Tom Trail, which is a 1.5-mile hike to the top of the highest sand dune in the park. The hike offers a challenging workout and panoramic views of the surrounding area.
In conclusion, both Glacier National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park offer a range of hiking trails that are suitable for all levels of hikers. Whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a challenging hike, both parks have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grinnell Glacier Trail | 18185.542 | 658.9776 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Avalanche Lake via the Trail of the Cedars | 9173.238 | 227.9904 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Iceberg Lake Trail | 14966.862 | 441.96 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Hidden Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 418.7952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Highline Trail – Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet | 23979.166 | 785.7744 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail | 4667.086 | 137.7696 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hidden Lake Overlook | 4506.152 | 176.784 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cracker Lake Trail | 19312.08 | 502.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Trail of the Cedars | 1287.472 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| The Garden Wall | 23657.298 | 1068.9336 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Indiana Dunes National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cowles Bog Trail | 6920.162 | 64.9224 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Little Calumet River Trail Loop | 6276.426 | 50.9016 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| West Beach Loop with Scallop Dunes and Long Lake Trail | 5471.756 | 78.9432 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Dune Succession and West Beach Walk | 4345.218 | 43.8912 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| West Beach Loop | 1770.274 | 28.956 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Miller Woods Trail | 6115.492 | 40.8432 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dune Ridge Trail | 1448.406 | 26.8224 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Tolleston Dunes | 5149.888 | 52.7304 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beach Trail to Waverly Beach | 1609.34 | 5.7912 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Indiana’s Lake Michigan Shoreline Scenic Drive | 35083.612 | 84.7344 | Moderate | point to point | 3.5 |
Wildlife in Glacier National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Glacier National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are two unique and diverse national parks with different climates, terrains and wildlife.
In Glacier National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, gray wolves, mountain lions, elk, bighorn sheep, and moose. In addition, bird enthusiasts can observe species such as the bald eagle, osprey, and peregrine falcon. The park is also home to a variety of plant life, including wildflowers, alpine meadows, and forests.
Indiana Dunes National Park, on the other hand, is a haven for bird watchers, with over 300 species of birds that can be observed in the park including the bald eagle, the sandhill crane, and the osprey. The park is also home to a variety of mammals, including white-tailed deer, coyotes, and river otters. The park is also known for its diverse plant life, with over 1,000 species of plants including wildflowers, prairies and wetlands.
Both parks offer unique experiences, with Glacier National Park providing visitors with a chance to see wildlife in a rugged and remote wilderness, while Indiana Dunes National Park offers a more accessible experience with the opportunity to observe wildlife in a variety of different habitats. Whether you are a nature lover, bird watcher or just want to explore the great outdoors, both of these parks are a must-visit destination.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier National Park | Indiana Dunes 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 |
| Barn Swallow | Barn Swallow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | Great Blue Heron |
| Hermit Thrush | Hermit Thrush |
| American Kestrel | American Kestrel |
| Bald Eagle | Bald Eagle |
| Song Sparrow | Song Sparrow |
| European Starling | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Glacier National Park | Indiana Dunes National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Raccoon | Raccoon |
| Black Bear | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Red Fox |
| Red Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Mink |
| Mink | Gray Fox |
| Mule Deer | North American River Otter |
| Gray Wolf | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Long-Legged Bat | White-Tailed Deer |
| Long-Eared Bat | Virginia Opossum |
| Badger | Eastern Red Bat |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | White-Footed Mouse |
| California Myotis | Norway Rat |
| Snowshoe Hare | Eastern Cottontail |
Fish
| Glacier National Park | Indiana Dunes National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Brook Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Longnose Sucker | Bluegill |
| Fathead Minnow | Fathead Minnow |
| Lake Trout | Golden Shiner |
| Northern Pike | European Carp |
| Burbot | Yellow Bullhead |
| Mottled Sculpin | Graceful Catfish |
| Slimy Sculpin | Black Crappie |
| Longnose Dace | Black Bullhead |
| Sockeye Salmon | Mosquitofish |
| Arctic Grayling | Creek Chub |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Glacier National Park | Indiana Dunes National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Amphibians
| Glacier National Park | Indiana Dunes National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, is known for its stunning mountain ranges and glaciers, as well as its diverse wildlife and scenic drives. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a scenic drive that takes visitors through the heart of the park and offers breathtaking views of the mountains and glaciers. The road crosses the Continental Divide and offers several scenic overlooks where visitors can take in the stunning vistas.
Indiana Dunes National Park, located in Indiana, is a unique park that features sand dunes along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. The park is known for its diverse landscapes, including forests, wetlands, prairies, and beaches. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is Mount Baldy, the tallest sand dune in the park that offers panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding countryside. The park is also home to several lakes and wetlands that offer opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Glacier National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences and adventures for visitors, but what do people love to do when visiting these parks?
At Glacier National Park, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and boating on the many lakes and rivers. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must-see for visitors, offering breathtaking views of the park’s glaciers, valleys, and waterfalls. Popular wildlife species to look for include grizzly bears, mountain goats, and elk.
At Indiana Dunes National Park, visitors can engage in beach activities, bird watching, and hiking on the park’s many trails. The park is home to over 350 species of birds, making it a popular destination for birders. The park’s 15,000 acres of sand dunes along Lake Michigan offer miles of beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities.
Both parks provide opportunities for visitors to experience the great outdoors, but in different ways. Whether you prefer scenic drives and wildlife viewing or beach activities and bird watching, both Glacier National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Glacier National Park in Montana and Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana are two popular national parks in the United States. The weather in these parks can greatly impact the experience of visiting each one.
Glacier National Park has a subalpine climate, with cold and snowy winters, and mild summers. The best time to visit is during the summer months, from June to September, when temperatures are warm and the snow has melted, allowing for optimal hiking and scenic drives. Winter can be treacherous, with heavy snow and dangerous driving conditions.
Indiana Dunes National Park, on the other hand, is located in the humid continental climate zone. This area experiences hot and humid summers, and cold and snowy winters. The best time to visit is from May to September when temperatures are warm and comfortable for outdoor activities. Winter months can be harsh, with heavy snow and freezing temperatures, making it a less favorable time to visit.
In conclusion, the weather in Glacier National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park greatly affects when is the best time to visit each park. For Glacier National Park, the summer months are optimal, while for Indiana Dunes National Park, the best time is from May to September.
Family Friendliness of Glacier National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park
Glacier National Park and Indiana Dunes National Park are both popular destinations for families. Both parks offer unique experiences and attractions that make them family-friendly. But, which one is better for families traveling with children?
Glacier National Park offers a variety of outdoor activities for families including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. With over 700 miles of trails, there is something for families of all skill levels. However, some of the trails can be challenging and may not be suitable for younger children. Additionally, the park’s remote location and limited facilities may make it more difficult for families with younger children.
On the other hand, Indiana Dunes National Park is a great choice for families traveling with children. The park offers a variety of beaches, picnic areas, and opportunities for water activities such as swimming and fishing. Additionally, the park is located close to major cities, making it easier for families to access and enjoy. The park also offers educational programs and events that are fun and engaging for children of all ages.
Overall, Indiana Dunes National Park is the better choice for families traveling with children. With its close proximity to major cities, variety of family-friendly activities, and educational programs, families are sure to have a great time at this park. However, if your family is looking for a more rugged outdoor experience, Glacier National Park may be the better choice for you.