“Think sand dunes and pristine lakes, breathtaking vistas and diverse wildlife. Two of America’s national parks, Indiana Dunes and Lake Clark, offer these and more. But which one should you visit? Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beach bum, a birdwatcher or a fisherman, both parks have something to offer. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Indiana Dunes and Lake Clark, compare their attractions, and help you decide which one is right for you.
Indiana Dunes, located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, boasts 15,000 acres of rolling sand dunes, wetlands, forests, and prairies. Visitors can hike, bike, or horseback ride on over 50 miles of trails, swim or sunbathe on the sandy beaches, or explore the park’s rich cultural and natural history. Lake Clark, on the other hand, is a wilderness park located in southwestern Alaska, encompassing over 4 million acres of glaciers, volcanoes, and salmon-filled rivers. This park offers opportunities for backpacking, fishing, bear viewing, and more.
So, whether you’re looking for an adventure in the great wilderness or a relaxing day at the beach, read on to discover which national park is right for you. Get ready to pack your bags and hit the road, because the journey of a lifetime awaits!”
Hiking Trails in Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Indiana Dunes National Park is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan and offers over 50 miles of hiking trails. The park’s most popular hike is the Dunes Ridge Trail, a 2.5-mile trail that leads to the highest sand dune in the park. The trail is considered easy and is a great option for families or beginner hikers. Another easy trail is the Pinhook Bog Trail, a 1-mile hike that takes you through a unique wetlands environment.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, offers a vastly different hiking experience. While the park has over 100 miles of trails, they are much more challenging and remote. The park’s most difficult hike is the Twin Lakes Trail, a strenuous 16-mile hike that leads to two glacial lakes. The park also has several backcountry trails that require advanced planning and wilderness skills. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Chinitna Bay Trail, a 2-mile hike that takes you through a scenic coastal landscape.
Both parks offer a unique hiking experience and cater to different skill levels. Indiana Dunes National Park is a great option for families or beginner hikers, while Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is a more challenging destination for experienced hikers. Regardless of your skill level, both parks offer a chance to explore and connect with nature.
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 Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
| 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 | 4.7 |
Wildlife in Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Indiana Dunes National Park is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan and is known for its diverse wildlife and rich ecosystem. Visitors to the park can expect to see a variety of birds, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds like warblers, vireos, and thrushes. The park is also home to a number of mammals such as white-tailed deer, coyotes, and raccoons, as well as reptiles like box turtles and garter snakes.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in southwestern Alaska and is known for its abundant wildlife, including brown bears, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. The park is also home to a rich variety of birds, including several species of waterfowl, as well as bald eagles and ospreys. In addition to its diverse wildlife, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is also known for its diverse plant life, with a variety of tundra, boreal forest, and alpine meadow ecosystems.
Both parks offer unique and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, but the type of wildlife you’ll see will depend on the time of year and the specific location within each park. Whether you’re interested in birdwatching, wildlife photography, or just enjoying the beauty of nature, both Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are must-see destinations for nature lovers.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Indiana Dunes National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | Northern Pintail |
| Northern Pintail | American Wigeon |
| American Wigeon | Green-Winged Teal |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Indiana Dunes National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | Gray Wolf |
| Black Bear | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Snowshoe Hare |
| Hoary Bat | Northern River Otter |
| Red Fox | Masked Shrew |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Water Shrew |
| House Mouse | Red Squirrel |
| Mink | Montane Shrew |
| Gray Fox | Lynx |
| North American River Otter | Wolverine |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | American Marten |
| White-Tailed Deer | Brown Bear |
| Virginia Opossum | Meadow Vole |
| Eastern Red Bat | Moose |
| White-Footed Mouse | Least Weasel |
| Norway Rat | Pygmy Shrew |
| Eastern Cottontail | Meadow Jumping Mouse |
Amphibians
| Indiana Dunes National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Wood Frog |
Fish
| Indiana Dunes National Park | Lake Clark National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Steelhead |
| Green Sunfish | Longnose Sucker |
| Bluegill | Lake Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Northern Pike |
| Golden Shiner | Burbot |
| European Carp | Silver Salmon |
| Yellow Bullhead | King Salmon |
| Graceful Catfish | Slimy Sculpin |
| Black Crappie | Threespine Stickleback |
| Black Bullhead | Sockeye Salmon |
| Mosquitofish | Pink Salmon |
| Creek Chub | Chum Salmon |
| Brown Bullhead | Dolly Varden |
| Goldfish | Arctic Grayling |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Beautiful Landscapes in Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Indiana Dunes National Park is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, in the state of Indiana. It is known for its diverse landscapes, including sand dunes, forests, lakes, and wetlands. The park’s most famous landscape is Mount Baldy, a towering dune that rises more than 126 feet above the beach. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is located in the state of Alaska. The park is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country, including glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and pristine lakes. Visitors can also see active volcanoes and witness the park’s abundant wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and caribou. The park’s most famous landscape is the Chigmit Mountains, which are a subrange of the Aleutian Range and offer stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you’re interested in exploring dunes, mountains, or glaciers, Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are both great options for your next outdoor adventure.
Things To-Do and Activities in Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer unique experiences for outdoor enthusiasts, but they differ in their most popular activities. Indiana Dunes is known for its 15,000 acres of sand dunes along the shore of Lake Michigan, making it a popular destination for beach-goers and sunbathers. Visitors can also explore diverse ecosystems and go bird-watching, fishing, or boating.
On the other hand, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is a remote wilderness area that offers opportunities for backcountry camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can observe Alaskan brown bears, moose, caribou, and other wildlife in their natural habitats. The park also offers scenic flightseeing and boat tours to explore the stunning glaciers, mountains, and coastlines of the region.
Both parks offer a range of outdoor activities, but Indiana Dunes is a better choice for those seeking a beach vacation, while Lake Clark is ideal for those looking for a rugged wilderness experience. Whether you prefer to relax on the sand or explore the backcountry, both Indiana Dunes and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer unique and memorable experiences for visitors.
Best Time to Visit Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are two exceptional parks located in different regions of the United States. The seasonal weather at these parks affects when is the best time of year to visit each park.
Indiana Dunes National Park, located in the Midwest, experiences a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. With temperatures reaching up to 90°F (32°C) in the summer and dropping down to 20°F (-6°C) in the winter, the best time to visit is between May to September. During these months, visitors can enjoy mild temperatures, clear skies, and a variety of outdoor activities such as camping, boating and hiking.
On the other hand, Lake Clark National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska, and experiences a subarctic climate with cool summers and cold winters. The temperatures here vary greatly, with average temperatures ranging from 30°F (-1°C) in the winter to 60°F (16°C) in the summer. The best time to visit is during the summer months, from June to September, when temperatures are mild, and visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
In conclusion, both Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve offer unique experiences, and the ideal time to visit each park depends on the weather conditions and the activities you want to enjoy while there.
Family Friendliness of Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve are both popular destinations for families with kids. However, there are some differences in terms of family-friendliness.
Indiana Dunes National Park is a great choice for families with young children. The park has a variety of activities that are designed to be both fun and educational. The park has several sandy beaches and picnic areas that are perfect for families with kids. Additionally, there are several easy hiking trails in the park that are suitable for families with young children.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a more rugged and remote destination. While it does offer a variety of outdoor activities, it is not as family-friendly as Indiana Dunes National Park. The park has few amenities and services, and the trails and activities are generally more challenging. This makes it a better choice for families with older kids or teenagers who are looking for a more adventurous experience.
Overall, Indiana Dunes National Park is the better choice for families with young children. The park has a variety of activities that are designed to be both fun and educational, and it is also more accessible and easier to navigate. Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a better choice for families with older kids or teenagers who are looking for a more adventurous experience.