Voyageurs National Park and White Sands National Park are two of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the United States. Both are known for their stunning landscapes, unique ecosystems, and breathtaking beauty. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature photographer, or simply a lover of the great outdoors, these two parks have something to offer everyone.
But which park is the better choice? In this article, we’ll compare Voyageurs National Park vs White Sands National Park, highlighting the unique features of each park and helping you decide which one is the best fit for your next adventure.
At Voyageurs National Park, visitors can explore over 218,000 acres of pristine wilderness, filled with crystal-clear lakes, rolling hills, and dense forests. This park is a true outdoor lover’s paradise, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, and more.
On the other hand, White Sands National Park is known for its otherworldly landscape, with its rolling dunes of pure white gypsum sand. This unique desert environment is a photographer’s dream, offering endless opportunities for capturing stunning images of the unusual terrain. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape into the wilderness or an adventure packed with excitement, these two parks have something to offer.
Hiking Trails in Voyageurs National Park and White Sands National Park
Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota and boasts over 500 miles of waterways and several hiking trails. The park has a range of hikes, from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. One of the easiest hikes is the Kettle Falls Trail, a 1.5-mile round trip that leads to the scenic Kettle Falls. For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, the Rainy Lake Trail offers a 5-mile round trip hike through the park’s forested wilderness.
White Sands National Park, located in southern New Mexico, is home to the world’s largest gypsum dune field. The park has several hiking trails that offer visitors the chance to explore the unique landscape. One of the easiest hikes is the Dune Life Nature Trail, a 1-mile loop that takes visitors through the heart of the dune field. For those looking for a more strenuous hike, the Alkali Flat Trail offers a 5.5-mile round trip hike that takes visitors to the top of the park’s highest dune.
Both Voyageurs and White Sands offer visitors a range of hiking options, from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. In terms of the easiest hikes, the Kettle Falls Trail in Voyageurs and the Dune Life Nature Trail in White Sands are both great options. For those looking for a more strenuous hike, the Rainy Lake Trail in Voyageurs and the Alkali Flat Trail in White Sands are both challenging, but offer stunning views and unique landscapes.
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 |
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 Voyageurs National Park and White Sands National Park
Voyageurs National Park and White Sands National Park are two unique national parks that offer different wildlife experiences. Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota and is known for its diverse aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. During a visit to Voyageurs, one can expect to see a variety of mammals such as beavers, muskrats, and moose. In addition, the park is home to a variety of fish species including northern pike and walleye, making it a popular destination for fishing. The park is also a great place to see birds such as bald eagles and loons.
White Sands National Park, on the other hand, is located in southern New Mexico and is famous for its white sand dunes that stretch for miles. The park is home to a variety of desert wildlife including jackrabbits, kangaroo rats, and roadrunners. Visitors may also see various species of reptiles and insects, such as gopher snakes and tarantulas. White Sands is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with species such as the greater roadrunner and the phainopepla commonly seen. Despite the park’s desert-like environment, visitors may be surprised to find a variety of cacti and other plants growing in the park.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Voyageurs National Park and White Sands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Voyageurs 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
| Voyageurs 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 |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| House Mouse | House Mouse |
| Mountain Lion | Mountain Lion |
| Mink | Mink |
| Common Gray Fox | Common Gray Fox |
| Plains Wolf | Plains Wolf |
| American Badger | American Badger |
| Ermine | Ermine |
| Snowshoe Hare | Snowshoe Hare |
| River Otter | River Otter |
| Masked Shrew | Masked Shrew |
Amphibians
| Voyageurs National Park | White Sands National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Wood Frog | Wood Frog |
Fish
| Voyageurs National Park | White Sands National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Largemouth Bass |
| Longnose Sucker | Longnose Sucker |
| Green Sunfish | Green Sunfish |
| Bluegill | Bluegill |
| Fathead Minnow | Fathead Minnow |
| Golden Shiner | Golden Shiner |
| Lake Trout | Lake Trout |
| Northern Pike | Northern Pike |
| Ellpout | Ellpout |
| Mottled Sculpin | Mottled Sculpin |
| Slimy Sculpin | Slimy Sculpin |
| Longnose Dace | Longnose Dace |
| Black Crappie | Black Crappie |
| Black Bullhead | Black Bullhead |
| Creek Chub | Creek Chub |
| Brown Bullhead | Brown Bullhead |
| Smallmouth Bass | Smallmouth Bass |
Beautiful Landscapes in Voyageurs National Park and White Sands National Park
Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota and is known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. The park is comprised of over 340,000 acres of land, making it the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the most famous landscapes in the park include the Voyageurs Archipelago, a chain of interconnected lakes and waterways that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding forest and wildlife. Another popular destination is the Kabetogama Peninsula, a large body of water surrounded by dense forests and towering cliffs.
White Sands National Park is located in southern New Mexico and is famous for its brilliant white sand dunes that stretch for miles. The park is home to the world’s largest gypsum dune field, which is made up of fine white sand that sparkles in the sun. Visitors to the park can enjoy hiking, camping, and scenic drives through the dune field, as well as stargazing and wildlife viewing. The park is also home to a variety of unique plants and animals, including the white-tailed jackrabbit and the pygmy owl.
Both Voyageurs National Park and White Sands National Park offer unique and stunning landscapes that are sure to take your breath away. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views of water and forests, or shimmering white sand dunes, these parks have something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Voyageurs National Park and White Sands National Park
Voyageurs National Park and White Sands National Park are two distinct and beautiful national parks that offer visitors a range of outdoor activities.
Voyageurs National Park is a water-based park, with over 40% of its area being covered by water. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing in the many lakes, bays, and inlets within the park. The park is also a popular spot for camping, with over 270 campsites and several houseboat rental options.
White Sands National Park, on the other hand, is known for its unique and stunning sand dunes made of gypsum crystals. Visitors can take a scenic drive through the park, go hiking on the dunes, or even sled down the slopes. The park also offers ranger-led programs, including full-moon hikes, and stargazing opportunities.
Overall, both parks offer unique and diverse experiences for visitors. Voyageurs is perfect for those looking for a water-based adventure, while White Sands is ideal for those looking for a desert adventure. Regardless of what you choose, both parks offer breathtaking scenery and a chance to connect with nature.
Best Time to Visit Voyageurs National Park and White Sands National Park
Voyageurs National Park and White Sands National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both are known for their stunning natural beauty and unique landscapes. However, the weather in each park is very different, which affects when the best time of year to visit each park is.
Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota and is known for its long, harsh winters. During the winter months, temperatures can drop well below freezing and snowfall is common. Many of the park’s waterways freeze over, making it difficult to access some areas. However, winter is also a popular time to visit the park for ice fishing, snowmobiling, and other winter sports.
White Sands National Park, on the other hand, is located in southern New Mexico and is known for its hot, dry climate. During the summer months, temperatures can reach over 100°F and there is very little rainfall. This makes it a popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking and camping, but it can also be dangerous for those who are not prepared for the heat. In the winter, temperatures are much milder, making it a good time to visit the park for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the white sands without the scorching heat.
In conclusion, the weather in each park affects when the best time of year to visit is. Visitors to Voyageurs National Park should plan to visit during the winter months for winter sports, while those visiting White Sands National Park should plan for a summer visit for outdoor activities.
Family Friendliness of Voyageurs National Park and White Sands National Park
Voyageurs National Park and White Sands National Park both offer unique and exciting experiences, but they cater to different types of travelers. If you’re traveling with children, White Sands National Park might be the better choice. With its expansive sand dunes, it provides an interactive and educational experience for kids. They can run and play on the sand, as well as learn about the unique geology of the area. The park also has ranger-led programs, such as nature walks and stargazing, that are geared towards families.
In contrast, Voyageurs National Park is more suited to outdoor adventure enthusiasts. It is known for its network of waterways and its opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. While kids might enjoy these activities, the park’s remote location and lack of established infrastructure might make it a less accessible option for families. That being said, if you’re looking for a wilderness experience and are willing to rough it a bit, Voyageurs National Park can be a great choice for families who enjoy the great outdoors.