“Have you ever been torn between visiting the beautiful sand dunes of the Midwest or the unique white gypsum dunes of the Southwest? Look no further, as we bring you a comparison between two of the most stunning sand dunes in the United States: Indiana Dunes National Park and White Sands National Park.
From the rolling hills of Indiana to the arid deserts of New Mexico, these two national parks offer a unique and diverse experience for any traveler. Whether you’re a beach-goer, a hiker, or simply seeking a peaceful escape from the city, both Indiana Dunes and White Sands have something to offer.
Get ready to take a virtual tour through the sand dunes, and discover which park is the perfect destination for your next adventure. Will it be the lush greenery of Indiana Dunes or the stark beauty of White Sands? The choice is yours, but one thing is for sure, you won’t regret visiting either of these amazing parks.”
Hiking Trails in Indiana Dunes National Park and White Sands National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park has a diverse range of hiking trails, from easy walks along the lake shore to challenging treks through sand dunes. Some of the easiest hikes include the Bailly Homestead Trail, a 1.5-mile loop that passes through prairies and woodlands, and the Pinhook Bog Trail, a boardwalk that winds through a unique wetland ecosystem.
On the other hand, the hardest hike in Indiana Dunes is the Dunes Succession Trail, a strenuous 3.5-mile loop that climbs to the top of the park’s tallest sand dune. Hikers are rewarded with stunning views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding landscape.
White Sands National Park, located in New Mexico, offers a completely different hiking experience. The park is famous for its vast fields of white gypsum sand, which create a unique and otherworldly landscape. The park’s easiest hike is the Interdune Boardwalk, a 0.3-mile loop that provides an accessible way to experience the sand dunes.
For those seeking a challenge, the park’s hardest hike is the Alkali Flat Trail, a 5-mile loop that crosses the stark white sands and offers panoramic views of the Tularosa Basin. The hike can be tough due to the soft sand and intense sun, but it’s a must-do for those looking for a truly unique hiking experience.
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 White Sands 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 | 6 |
Wildlife in Indiana Dunes National Park and White Sands National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan and is known for its diverse plant and animal life. Visitors can expect to see a variety of birds such as the bald eagle, sandpipers, and ospreys, as well as mammals like white-tailed deer, foxes, and coyotes. The park is also home to reptiles such as the painted turtle and garter snake, and a number of amphibians such as the American toad.
White Sands National Park, located in New Mexico, is known for its unique landscape of white gypsum sand dunes. Despite its desert-like appearance, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the pronghorn antelope, black-tailed jackrabbit, and the desert cottontail. Birdwatchers will be delighted to spot species such as the roadrunner, Gambel’s quail, and the greater roadrunner. Additionally, the park is home to a number of reptiles, including the Gila monster and the rattlesnake, as well as a number of unique plant species such as the creosote bush and the yucca.
While both parks offer a unique and diverse range of wildlife, the type of wildlife you’ll see at Indiana Dunes and White Sands varies greatly. Indiana Dunes offers a more traditional park experience with a diverse range of mammals and birds, while White Sands offers a unique desert experience with a focus on reptiles and unique plant life. Regardless of which park you choose, both offer a chance to see a unique and diverse range of wildlife up close and personal.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Indiana Dunes National Park and White Sands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Indiana Dunes National Park | White Sands 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
| Indiana Dunes National Park | White Sands 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 |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House Mouse | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mink | House Mouse |
| Gray Fox | Mountain Lion |
| North American River Otter | Mink |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Common Gray Fox |
| White-Tailed Deer | Plains Wolf |
| Virginia Opossum | American Badger |
| Eastern Red Bat | Ermine |
| White-Footed Mouse | Snowshoe Hare |
| Norway Rat | River Otter |
| Eastern Cottontail | Masked Shrew |
Amphibians
| Indiana Dunes National Park | White Sands National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Wood Frog |
Fish
| Indiana Dunes National Park | White Sands National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Largemouth Bass |
| Green Sunfish | Longnose Sucker |
| Bluegill | Green Sunfish |
| Fathead Minnow | Bluegill |
| Golden Shiner | Fathead Minnow |
| European Carp | Golden Shiner |
| Yellow Bullhead | Lake Trout |
| Graceful Catfish | Northern Pike |
| Black Crappie | Ellpout |
| Black Bullhead | Mottled Sculpin |
| Mosquitofish | Slimy Sculpin |
| Creek Chub | Longnose Dace |
| Brown Bullhead | Black Crappie |
| Goldfish | Black Bullhead |
| Smallmouth Bass | Creek Chub |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Beautiful Landscapes in Indiana Dunes National Park and White Sands National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan and is known for its diverse landscapes, including sand dunes, forests, wetlands, and prairies. Some of the most famous landscapes in the park include Mount Baldy, which is a large sand dune that offers a challenging hike with stunning views of the lake and surrounding dunes, and the West Beach, which is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and birdwatching. The park is also home to the Indiana Dunes State Park, which features over 15,000 acres of protected land and over 15 miles of hiking trails through diverse habitats.
White Sands National Park is located in southern New Mexico and is famous for its stunning white sand dunes, which are made up of gypsum crystals and cover over 275 square miles. Some of the most famous landscapes in the park include the Dunes Drive, which is a scenic road that winds through the dunes and offers stunning views, and the Alkali Flat Trail, which is a 1.5-mile loop that takes visitors through the heart of the dunes and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The park is also home to the White Sands Missile Range, which is one of the largest military installations in the world and is used for testing and training.
Things To-Do and Activities in Indiana Dunes National Park and White Sands National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park and White Sands National Park, two of the most popular national parks in the US, offer unique experiences for visitors. At Indiana Dunes, visitors can explore the sandy beaches along Lake Michigan, go birdwatching, and hike through the dunes. The park has over 15,000 acres of sand dunes, forests, wetlands, and prairies. In addition, visitors can take a scenic drive or bike ride along the scenic roadways.
At White Sands, the main attraction is the glistening white sand dunes, which are made of gypsum crystals. Visitors can go sand sledding, hiking, and stargazing. The park also offers ranger-led programming, including talks and guided walks, which are popular with visitors. The park features a scenic drive that takes visitors through the heart of the dunes, and there are several picnic areas for visitors to enjoy.
For those who love water sports, Indiana Dunes is the better choice, with Lake Michigan offering opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and boating. White Sands, on the other hand, is perfect for those who love to hike and explore unique landscapes. Both parks offer an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities and are great destinations for families and nature enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit Indiana Dunes National Park and White Sands National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park and White Sands National Park are two popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The seasonal weather at these parks is different and affects the best time of year to visit.
Indiana Dunes National Park is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan and experiences a humid continental climate. The park is known for its hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The best time to visit is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the crowds are smaller. The park is also a popular destination for bird watching, with over 300 species of birds to be seen in the spring and fall.
White Sands National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Chihuahuan Desert in New Mexico. The park experiences hot and dry summers with temperatures reaching over 100°F and cool winters with occasional snow. The best time to visit is during the spring and fall when temperatures are more mild and comfortable for hiking and exploring the park’s unique sand dunes. Winter can also be a great time to visit, as the snow provides a contrast to the white sand and creates a beautiful and unique landscape.
Family Friendliness of Indiana Dunes National Park and White Sands National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park is a family-friendly destination, with 15,000 acres of sand dunes, wetlands, forests and prairies. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as swimming, hiking, fishing, and bird-watching. The park also has picnic areas, campgrounds, and several beaches, making it a great place to spend a day in nature with your family.
White Sands National Park, on the other hand, is a unique park with its striking white gypsum sand dunes. It is a great destination for families who love outdoor adventures and exploring new landscapes. The park offers hiking and sledding opportunities, as well as ranger-led tours and a Junior Ranger program. The park’s scenic drive is also a great way to take in the beauty of the area.
Both parks are great for families, but if you’re traveling with children, White Sands National Park may be a better choice. The park’s unique landscape and ranger-led activities make it a more interactive and educational experience for kids. Indiana Dunes National Park is still a great destination, but it may not offer as many hands-on activities for children. Ultimately, the best park for your family depends on your personal preferences and the interests of your children.