Indiana Dunes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two of the most iconic and breathtaking parks in the United States. While they are both unique in their own way, they offer vastly different experiences to visitors. In this article, we will delve into the similarities and differences between these two parks, and help you decide which one is the perfect destination for your next adventure.
Whether you are looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, or you are an avid hiker in search of new trails to explore, Indiana Dunes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park both have something to offer. With their diverse landscapes and rich history, these parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
From the rolling sand dunes of Indiana Dunes to the majestic glaciers of Kenai Fjords, we will take you on a journey through two of America’s most incredible parks. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the beauty and wonder of Indiana Dunes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park!
Hiking Trails in Indiana Dunes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore unique landscapes. While Indiana Dunes is known for its rolling sand dunes and expansive lakeshore, Kenai Fjords is home to towering glaciers and rugged fjords.
When it comes to hiking, Indiana Dunes offers a diverse range of trails, from easy beach walks to strenuous dune climbs. For those looking for a leisurely hike, the Dune Succession Trail is a great option, offering stunning views of the park’s diverse ecosystems. On the other hand, the strenuous Mount Tom Trail is a popular choice for those seeking a physical challenge, featuring a steep ascent to the park’s highest dune.
Kenai Fjords National Park boasts a similarly varied range of hiking options, from easy glacier viewing walks to multi-day backpacking expeditions. For a relatively easy hike, the Exit Glacier Trail is a great choice, offering a short and scenic walk to the edge of one of the park’s glaciers. Meanwhile, the challenging Harding Icefield Trail is a popular choice for experienced hikers, offering stunning views from the top of a massive ice field.
It’s worth noting that both parks offer a range of hiking experiences, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful stroll, both Indiana Dunes and Kenai Fjords have something to offer.
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 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Kenai Fjords National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harding Ice Field Trail | 15610.598 | 1161.8976 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Exit Glacier Trail | 2896.812 | 81.9912 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Indiana Dunes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park is located in the Midwest and is known for its diverse habitats and wildlife. Visitors can expect to see a variety of animals including white-tailed deer, coyotes, beavers, and muskrats in the park’s forests and prairies. The park is also home to many species of birds such as the bald eagle, great blue heron, and the red-tailed hawk. Along the lake shore, visitors may spot lake sturgeon, lake trout, and northern pike.
In contrast, Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska is primarily focused on marine life. The park is home to an array of animals such as whales, sea lions, harbor seals, and sea otters. Visitors can also see a variety of bird species, including puffins, bald eagles, and the common loon. In addition to marine life, the park also features a unique landscape of glaciers and fjords, offering a unique and breathtaking experience for visitors.
Both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, but Indiana Dunes National Park is ideal for those interested in a mix of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife, while Kenai Fjords National Park is best suited for those interested in marine life and breathtaking landscapes.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Indiana Dunes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Indiana Dunes National Park | Kenai Fjords 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 | 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 | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Indiana Dunes National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Black Bear |
| Striped Skunk | Porcupine |
| Little Brown Bat | Red Fox |
| Deer Mouse | Mink |
| Raccoon | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Black Bear | Gray Wolf |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Hoary Bat | California Myotis |
| Red Fox | Snowshoe Hare |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Northern River Otter |
| House Mouse | Masked Shrew |
| Mink | Red Squirrel |
| Gray Fox | Montane Shrew |
| North American River Otter | Lynx |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Wolverine |
| White-Tailed Deer | American Marten |
| Virginia Opossum | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Eastern Red Bat | Brown Bear |
| White-Footed Mouse | Meadow Mouse |
| Norway Rat | Moose |
| Eastern Cottontail | Pygmy Shrew |
Amphibians
| Indiana Dunes National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Wood Frog |
Fish
| Indiana Dunes National Park | Kenai Fjords National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Redband Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Longnose Sucker |
| Bluegill | Burbot |
| Fathead Minnow | Silver Salmon |
| Golden Shiner | Chinook Salmon |
| European Carp | Slimy Sculpin |
| Yellow Bullhead | Threespine Stickleback |
| Graceful Catfish | Red Salmon |
| Black Crappie | Pink Salmon |
| Black Bullhead | Chum Salmon |
| Mosquitofish | Dolly Varden |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Beautiful Landscapes in Indiana Dunes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan and is known for its beautiful sand dunes that rise up to 200 feet above the lake. The park is also home to a variety of natural habitats, including wetlands, forests, and prairies, making it a haven for wildlife. Visitors can hike along the park’s trails, swim in the lake, or even camp overnight in the park.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is located on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska and is known for its spectacular glaciers and fjords. The park is home to the Harding Icefield, a massive sheet of ice that covers over 300 square miles. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the glaciers up close, or hike the park’s trails to see wildlife like sea lions, seals, and whales. The park also offers opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and even dog sledding.
Both parks offer opportunities to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. Whether you prefer the rolling sand dunes of Indiana Dunes National Park or the breathtaking glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park, each park offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Things To-Do and Activities in Indiana Dunes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Both Indiana Dunes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park offer unique outdoor experiences and are popular tourist destinations.
Indiana Dunes offers a diverse range of activities, from sunbathing on the beach to exploring sand dunes and wetlands. Visitors can participate in water activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating, or go on a nature hike in the park’s 15,000-acre preserve. The park also features campgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic vistas for visitors to enjoy.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is a hub for marine wildlife, glaciers, and awe-inspiring landscapes. The park is popular for its boat tours, where visitors can see whales, seals, and sea lions, as well as glaciers and fjords. Kayaking and fishing are also popular activities in the park. The park is also home to several scenic trails that offer panoramic views of the coast and glaciers.
Both parks offer unique experiences and activities that attract visitors from around the world. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach day or an adventure in the great outdoors, these two parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Indiana Dunes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two popular national parks in the United States. However, the weather and climate in these two locations are very different.
Indiana Dunes National Park is located in the Midwest and has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The summer months are the most popular time to visit, with temperatures ranging from the high 60s to the low 80s. Winter temperatures in Indiana Dunes National Park can fall below freezing, making outdoor activities more challenging.
Kenai Fjords National Park, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and has a subarctic climate with cool summers and very cold winters. The summer months in Kenai Fjords National Park are the best time to visit, with temperatures ranging from the high 40s to the low 60s. Winter temperatures in Kenai Fjords National Park can drop below zero, making outdoor activities difficult and potentially dangerous.
In conclusion, the weather and climate in these two national parks are very different, and visitors should plan their trips accordingly. Summer is the best time to visit Indiana Dunes National Park, while summer and early fall are the best times to visit Kenai Fjords National Park.
Family Friendliness of Indiana Dunes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are two very different destinations, but both offer a great family-friendly experience. When it comes to visiting with children, Indiana Dunes is the better option. The park offers a variety of activities that are suitable for all ages, including sand dune climbing, hiking, and beachcombing. There are also several campgrounds and picnic areas, making it easy to spend a full day at the park and enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere.
On the other hand, Kenai Fjords National Park is a more rugged and remote destination. While it offers a unique and stunning landscape, it may not be as suitable for families with young children. The park is primarily accessible by boat, which can be a challenge for families with young children. In addition, the park’s challenging terrain and rough waters can make it difficult for children to explore and participate in activities. However, it is a great destination for families with older children who are interested in exploring Alaska’s wilderness and wildlife.
In conclusion, both Indiana Dunes National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park are great destinations for families. However, if you’re traveling with young children, Indiana Dunes is the better option, offering a variety of activities and a family-friendly atmosphere.