Glacier National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most beautiful and unique parks in the United States. Both are located in the northern part of the country and offer breathtaking landscapes and amazing wildlife. These two parks are perfect for adventurous travelers and nature enthusiasts who want to escape the city and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
Glacier National Park is known for its towering peaks and pristine glacial lakes, while Voyageurs National Park is famous for its interconnected waterways and diverse wildlife. Both parks offer an array of activities, from hiking and kayaking to wildlife viewing and fishing. Whether you are looking for a peaceful escape or an action-packed adventure, these two parks have something for everyone.
So, which park is better? Well, that’s what this article is going to explore. We’ll take a closer look at the highlights of each park and compare them side by side. We’ll also give you some tips on what to do and see, and where to stay. By the end of this article, you’ll have a much better idea of which park is right for your next outdoor adventure.
Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota and Glacier National Park in Montana offer stunning natural beauty and a variety of hiking opportunities for visitors. In terms of hiking trails, both parks boast some of the most beautiful and challenging hikes in the country.
Glacier National Park has over 700 miles of diverse trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry routes. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Trail of the Cedars, a scenic boardwalk trail through a dense forest of cedar trees. On the other hand, the Grinnell Glacier Trail is considered one of the most difficult hikes in the park, with steep inclines, rocky terrain, and breathtaking views of glaciers and alpine lakes.
Voyageurs National Park has over 165 miles of trails, many of which lead to serene lakes and stunning vistas. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Kettle Falls Trail, a 2.5-mile round trip hike to a breathtaking waterfall. The park also offers more challenging hikes, such as the Rainy Lake Trail, a strenuous 7-mile trek through dense forests and rocky terrain that leads to stunning views of Rainy Lake.
In conclusion, both Glacier National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer a diverse range of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for an easy nature walk or a challenging backcountry hike, these parks are sure to provide a memorable outdoor experience.
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 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 Glacier National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Glacier National Park and Voyageurs National Park, both located in the United States, offer unique wildlife experiences for visitors.
At Glacier, visitors can expect to see a wide variety of mammals such as grizzly bears, mountain lions, and elks. Additionally, the park is home to numerous bird species including the majestic bald eagle and the colorful western tanager. The park also boasts a diverse array of plant life, including wildflowers, conifers, and deciduous trees.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is centered around water and is known for its exceptional fishing opportunities. Visitors can expect to see a variety of fish species, including walleye and northern pike, as well as beavers, otters, and moose. Bird watchers will also enjoy the park, as it is home to a range of species including loons, herons, and eagles. The park also has a diverse set of plant species, with a focus on water-loving vegetation such as cattails, bulrushes, and lily pads.
Both parks offer unique experiences for visitors looking to observe and appreciate the beauty of nature. Whether it’s hiking through the mountains of Glacier or canoeing through the waterways of Voyageurs, visitors are sure to encounter an abundance of wildlife and plant species along the way.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier National Park and Voyageurs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier 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 |
| 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 | Voyageurs 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 | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mountain Lion | House Mouse |
| Mink | Mountain Lion |
| Mule Deer | Mink |
| Gray Wolf | Common Gray Fox |
| Long-Legged Bat | Plains Wolf |
| Long-Eared Bat | American Badger |
| Badger | Ermine |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Snowshoe Hare |
| California Myotis | River Otter |
| Snowshoe Hare | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Glacier National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Longnose Sucker | Green Sunfish |
| Fathead Minnow | Bluegill |
| Lake Trout | Fathead Minnow |
| Northern Pike | Golden Shiner |
| Burbot | Lake Trout |
| Mottled Sculpin | Northern Pike |
| Slimy Sculpin | Ellpout |
| Longnose Dace | Mottled Sculpin |
| Sockeye Salmon | Slimy Sculpin |
| Arctic Grayling | Longnose Dace |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Glacier National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Amphibians
| Glacier National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, is known for its stunning mountain ranges, glaciers, and alpine meadows. The park is home to over 700 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park also features crystal-clear lakes, such as Saint Mary Lake, and cascading waterfalls, such as the Hidden Lake Falls, that are popular destinations for visitors.
Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, is a unique park that features a network of interconnected waterways, including lakes, channels, and bays. The park is known for its beautiful sunsets over the water and the opportunities to see wildlife, such as moose, beavers, and bald eagles. Visitors can explore the park by canoe, kayak, or boat, and there are also several hiking trails, such as the Kabetogama Peninsula, that offer stunning views of the park’s landscapes. The park is also home to a number of historic sites, such as the Ash River Visitor Center, which provide a glimpse into the park’s rich cultural heritage.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Glacier National Park in Montana and Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota offer unique experiences for visitors. In Glacier National Park, popular activities include scenic drives, wildlife watching, and boating. The Going-to-the-Sun Road offers stunning views of the park’s glaciers, while boat tours on Lake McDonald provide opportunities to see wildlife, including bears and mountain goats. In contrast, Voyageurs National Park is a water-based park, with a focus on boating and fishing. Visitors can rent houseboats, canoes, and kayaks to explore the interconnected network of lakes and rivers. Fishing is also a popular activity, with walleye and northern pike being the most commonly caught species.
Both parks offer opportunities for camping, but Glacier National Park also has a variety of backcountry camping options for more adventurous visitors. Additionally, Glacier National Park offers ranger-led programs and guided hikes, while Voyageurs National Park offers interpretive boat tours and evening campfire programs.
Whether you are looking for a scenic drive, wildlife watching, boating, fishing, or camping, both Glacier National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer unique experiences for visitors. The key difference is the setting, with Glacier National Park offering a mix of land and water-based activities and Voyageurs National Park focusing on water-based activities. Regardless of your preferred activities, both parks offer breathtaking scenery and a chance to connect with nature.
Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Glacier National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two popular national parks in the United States, known for their stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife. While both parks offer unique and memorable experiences, the seasonal weather at each park is quite different, affecting when is the best time to visit.
Glacier National Park is located in Montana and is known for its alpine terrain and glaciers. During the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 80°F, making it a popular destination for hiking and backpacking. However, in the winter months, temperatures can drop below 0°F and snow can accumulate, making it a better destination for winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Voyageurs National Park is located in Minnesota and is known for its vast network of lakes and waterways. During the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 90°F, making it a popular destination for water-based activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. In the winter months, temperatures can drop below 0°F and the lakes can freeze over, making it a popular destination for ice fishing and snowmobiling.
In conclusion, both Glacier National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer unique experiences, but the best time to visit each park will depend on individual preferences and the type of activities that you want to do. If you are looking to hike and explore alpine terrain, then the summer months are the best time to visit Glacier National Park. If you are looking for water-based activities, then the summer months are the best time to visit Voyageurs National Park.
Family Friendliness of Glacier National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Glacier National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both popular destinations for families, but each park offers a unique set of experiences that cater to families differently. Glacier National Park is known for its rugged wilderness and stunning scenery, which can be enjoyed through a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and boating. The park also has many ranger-led educational programs and interpretive displays that are great for kids.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is more water-based and offers a variety of boating and fishing opportunities. The park has well-maintained hiking trails and scenic drives, as well as ranger-led activities that focus on the history and culture of the surrounding area. The park is also home to several campgrounds, making it a great option for families who want to spend a night or two under the stars.
In terms of which park is better for families, it ultimately depends on the interests and preferences of the family. If your family loves outdoor activities and exploring rugged wilderness, Glacier National Park is a great choice. However, if your family enjoys water-based activities and camping, Voyageurs National Park is the better option. Both parks offer a range of activities and experiences that are great for families, so it’s important to research both parks before making a decision.