Indiana Dunes National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve are two of the most unique and diverse national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities and breathtaking landscapes, but they are vastly different in size and climate. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back beach vacation or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, these two parks have something for everyone.
Indiana Dunes National Park is known for its 15,000 acres of sand dunes along Lake Michigan. It’s a popular destination for beachgoers, hikers, and bird watchers. The park is home to more than 350 species of birds and offers miles of trails that take you through rolling sand dunes and lush forests.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is one of the largest national parks in the world, covering over 13 million acres of rugged wilderness in Alaska. It’s a place where glaciers, mountains, and valleys meet, offering visitors the chance to experience true wilderness and adventure. Whether you’re looking to hike, camp, or climb, Wrangell – St Elias has something for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Indiana Dunes National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Indiana Dunes National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, both offer unique and challenging hiking experiences.
Indiana Dunes has 15 miles of trails that wind through a diverse landscape of sand dunes, wetlands, prairies and forests. The easiest trail is the 0.5-mile Dunes Nature Trail, which is a boardwalk trail that is accessible for people of all ages and abilities. For those looking for a challenge, the 2.5-mile Cowles Bog Trail is a strenuous hike through sand dunes and wetlands, with stunning views of Lake Michigan.
Wrangell-St. Elias, on the other hand, boasts over 500 miles of trails that offer breathtaking views of glaciers, alpine tundra, and the Chugach Range. The park is the largest national park in the US and offers some of the most challenging hikes in the country. For those looking for a more leisurely hike, the Root Glacier Trail is an easy 2.5-mile trail that takes you to the edge of the Root Glacier. For the adventurous, the challenging 16-mile Nabesna Road hike takes you through remote wilderness and offers a chance to see glaciers up close.
Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, both Indiana Dunes National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve offer a variety of hiking trails to suit your needs.
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 Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rankin Ridge Interpretive Trail | 1609.34 | 72.8472 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wind Cave Canyon Trail | 6115.492 | 64.9224 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Lookout Point Trail and Centennial Trail Loop | 8368.568 | 156.972 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Cold Brook Canyon Trail | 4506.152 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| East Bison Flats Trail | 16254.334 | 445.9224 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boland Ridge Trail | 7724.832 | 248.7168 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Centennial Trail: Highway 87 to Highlander Rd | 13035.654 | 286.8168 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| Elk Mountain Interpretive Trail | 4023.35 | 99.9744 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Prairie Vista Loop | 1609.34 | 31.6992 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Highland Creek Trail to Centennial Trail Loop | 21887.024 | 443.7888 | Hard | loop | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Indiana Dunes National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Indiana Dunes National Park is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan and boasts of a diverse range of wildlife species. Visitors to the park can expect to see a diverse range of wildlife such as white-tailed deer, red foxes, coyotes, beavers, and muskrats. Additionally, over 300 bird species have been recorded in the park, including the bald eagle, sandhill crane, and the great blue heron. The park is also home to several species of reptiles, including the eastern box turtle and the eastern garter snake.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in Alaska and is one of the largest wilderness areas in the United States. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including moose, caribou, black bears, and wolves. Visitors may also have the chance to spot birds such as the bald eagle, raven, and the hawk. The park is also known for its diverse range of plant species, including the yellow cedar, spruce, and the hemlock. In addition, the park is home to several species of fish, including salmon and trout, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Indiana Dunes National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Indiana Dunes National Park | Wrangell – St Elias 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 | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Indiana Dunes National Park | Wrangell – St Elias 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 | Puma |
| Raccoon | Mink |
| Black Bear | Mule Deer |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Wolf |
| Hoary Bat | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Fox | Snowshoe Hare |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Land Otter |
| House Mouse | Common Shrew |
| Mink | Water Shrew |
| Gray Fox | Red Squirrel |
| North American River Otter | Montane Shrew |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Long-Tailed Vole |
| White-Tailed Deer | Lynx |
| Virginia Opossum | Wolverine |
| Eastern Red Bat | American Marten |
| White-Footed Mouse | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Norway Rat | Grizzly Bear |
| Eastern Cottontail | Meadow Vole |
Amphibians
| Indiana Dunes National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Wood Frog |
Fish
| Indiana Dunes National Park | Wrangell – St Elias 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 | Cutthroat Trout |
| Smallmouth Bass | Arctic Grayling |
Insects
| Indiana Dunes National Park | Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Silvery Blue | |
| Clouded Sulphur |
Beautiful Landscapes in Indiana Dunes National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Indiana Dunes National Park is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan and is famous for its sprawling sand dunes and sandy beaches. The 15,000-acre park also features wetlands, forests, and prairies. Visitors can hike on over 50 miles of trails, including the challenging and scenic Dunes-Kankakee Trail. Another popular activity is bird watching, as the park is home to over 300 species of birds.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is located in southern Alaska and is one of the largest national parks in the United States. The park encompasses over 13.2 million acres of rugged wilderness and is home to North America’s largest protected area of glaciers. Visitors can take scenic drives to view the stunning Wrangell and St. Elias mountain ranges or take part in backcountry camping and hiking. The park is also home to Kennicott Glacier, a popular spot for glacier trekking and ice climbing.
Both Indiana Dunes National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve offer a breathtaking array of landscapes and natural wonders, from sand dunes and wetland forests to soaring mountain ranges and glaciers, making either park a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Things To-Do and Activities in Indiana Dunes National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Indiana Dunes National Park, located in the state of Indiana, is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Visitors enjoy hiking and exploring the park’s15,000-acres of sand dunes, forests, wetlands, and prairies. The park also features a number of beaches along Lake Michigan and has opportunities for fishing, boating, and bird-watching. Visitors can also take in the views from the top of Mount Baldy, a 120-foot dune that offers panoramic views of the park.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, is the largest national park in the United States. The park boasts glaciers, peaks, and valleys and is a popular destination for backpacking, mountaineering, and skiing. Visitors also enjoy scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and exploring the glaciers and ice fields. The park is home to the Wrangell and St. Elias mountains, which are some of the tallest in North America, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy nature and engage in a variety of outdoor activities, but they each have their own unique features and attractions. Indiana Dunes is a great destination for those who enjoy water-based recreation and scenic views, while Wrangell – St Elias is ideal for those looking for more challenging outdoor experiences and opportunities to explore glaciers and mountains.
Best Time to Visit Indiana Dunes National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Indiana Dunes National Park is located in the Midwest and has a temperate climate. Winter temperatures range from 20 to 30°F, while summer temperatures average around 80°F. The park experiences a moderate amount of snowfall in the winter, with occasional snow showers throughout the year. This makes it a great place to visit during the winter months for outdoor activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, located in Alaska, has a subarctic climate with much colder temperatures and more snowfall. Winter temperatures can drop to -40°F, while summer temperatures only reach the mid-50s. Despite the cold weather, the park is a popular destination for summer activities like hiking and fishing. The best time to visit Wrangell-St. Elias is during the summer months, when the weather is milder and the days are longer.
Visitors to both parks should be prepared for changing weather conditions, as temperatures can fluctuate rapidly. Summer visitors to Indiana Dunes should bring plenty of sunscreen, while winter visitors to Wrangell-St. Elias should bring warm clothing and gear. The weather at both parks can have a significant impact on the type of activities available and when is the best time to visit, so it is important to plan accordingly.
Family Friendliness of Indiana Dunes National Park and Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve
Indiana Dunes National Park is a great option for families looking for an outdoor adventure. The park offers a variety of activities for children, including hiking, fishing, and swimming. Children can also participate in ranger-led programs that educate them about the park’s ecosystem and wildlife.
Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve, on the other hand, is a remote wilderness area that may be more challenging for families with young children. While the park offers incredible opportunities for backpacking and exploring glaciers, it can be difficult for families with young children to access these areas. The park also has limited facilities and services, which can make it less convenient for families with young children.
In conclusion, Indiana Dunes National Park is a better option for families with young children as it offers more activities, facilities, and services for families. It’s a great place to spend a day or a weekend, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration and education. On the other hand, Wrangell – St Elias National Park & Preserve is better suited for families with older children or for families who are experienced in wilderness travel and are looking for a remote adventure.