Are you torn between visiting Yellowstone National Park and Voyageurs National Park on your next vacation? Both parks offer unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes, but which one is right for you?
Yellowstone, established in 1872, is the first national park in the United States and is known for its geothermal features such as geysers and hot springs. It spans over 2.2 million acres and is home to a diverse range of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, and herds of bison.
Voyageurs, on the other hand, is a lesser-known gem located in northern Minnesota. Established in 1975, it covers over 218,000 acres and is centered around four large lakes. This park is a paradise for water-based recreation and offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
In this article, we will compare the two parks and highlight their unique features, so you can decide which one is the perfect destination for your next adventure. From geothermal wonders to tranquil waters, Yellowstone and Voyageurs have something for everyone. Get ready to pack your bags and explore the great outdoors!
Hiking Trails in Voyageurs National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer a range of hiking trails for visitors, but each park has its own unique hikes to explore. Yellowstone has well-known trails such as the Grand Loop Road and the Old Faithful area, which offer easy hikes with scenic views of geysers and hot springs. More challenging hikes in Yellowstone include the Mount Washburn Trail and the Specimen Ridge Trail, which offer scenic views of the surrounding wilderness and wildlife.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is centered around water, with many of its trails following the shorelines of its numerous lakes and bays. The park offers both easy and moderate hikes, such as the Kettle Falls Trail and the Rainy Lake Trail, which provide scenic views of the park’s waterways and wildlife. For those seeking a more challenging hike, the park offers the Ellsworth Rock Garden Trail, which takes visitors through a rugged landscape of rock formations and offers scenic views of the surrounding wilderness.
Both parks offer a range of hiking options for visitors, from easy walks to challenging hikes, and provide opportunities to experience the unique landscapes and wildlife of each park. Whether you’re looking for a scenic stroll or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, Yellowstone and Voyageurs National Parks have something to offer for everyone.
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 Yellowstone National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop | 5632.69 | 184.7088 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand Prismatic Hot Spring | 2574.944 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop | 7242.03 | 73.7616 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Canyon Rim North Trail to Inspiration Point | 12713.786 | 349.9104 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail | 1609.34 | 17.9832 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail | 5632.69 | 170.9928 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Artists Paintpots Trail | 1609.34 | 30.7848 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Avalanche Peak Trail | 7402.964 | 614.7816 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail | 1126.538 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Voyageurs National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming are both popular destinations for nature lovers. Both parks offer a unique wildlife viewing experience and are home to a diverse array of animals, birds, and plants.
At Voyageurs National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of animals such as beavers, otters, wolves, and black bears. The park is also a bird-watcher’s paradise, with over 270 species of birds recorded, including bald eagles and common loons. In addition, the park is home to a number of rare and endangered plant species, including the Dwarf Trout Lily and the Showy Lady’s Slipper.
In contrast, Yellowstone National Park is known for its larger mammals such as bison, elk, and moose, as well as its iconic wolves and grizzly bears. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 300 species of birds, including the American White Pelican and the Trumpeter Swan. Along with its diverse wildlife, Yellowstone is also home to an array of plant life, including over 1,000 species of vascular plants and over 400 species of non-vascular plants.
Both parks offer incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing, but the different habitats and geography of each park result in unique wildlife experiences. Visitors to either park are sure to be enchanted by the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Voyageurs National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Voyageurs National Park | Yellowstone 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 | Yellowstone 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 | Mule Deer |
| Plains Wolf | Wolf |
| American Badger | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Ermine | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Snowshoe Hare | Badger |
| River Otter | Short Tailed Weasel |
| Masked Shrew | California Myotis |
Amphibians
| Voyageurs National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Wood Frog | Bullfrog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Voyageurs National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Brook Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brown Trout |
| Bluegill | Longnose Sucker |
| Fathead Minnow | Lake Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Mottled Sculpin |
| Lake Trout | Longnose Dace |
| Northern Pike | Speckled Dace |
| Ellpout | Arctic Grayling |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Voyageurs National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Rubber Boa |
Insects
| Voyageurs National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Voyageurs National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota, USA and is known for its stunning water-based landscapes. The park is dotted with interconnected waterways, including the beautiful Kabetogama and Namakan Lakes. Visitors can explore the park by boat or canoe, taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. Some of the most famous natural wonders in the park include the Ash River, which flows into Kabetogama Lake, and Little American Island, which is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life.
Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is one of the most famous national parks in the United States. The park is home to a variety of landscapes including the stunning Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the famous geysers, including Old Faithful. Visitors can also see the park’s diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and herds of bison and elk. Another must-see feature in the park is the Yellowstone River, which winds its way through the park and offers breathtaking views along its banks.
Yellowstone and Voyageurs National Parks are both renowned for their natural beauty and diverse landscapes. Whether you’re looking for a water-based adventure or a wildlife-filled journey, these parks have something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Voyageurs National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Voyageurs National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the US, offering a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Both parks are known for their stunning natural beauty, but they offer vastly different experiences.
At Voyageurs National Park, visitors can explore the park’s many waterways by kayak, canoe, or motorboat, fishing for walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass, or taking part in ranger-led boat tours. The park also has several hiking trails, as well as opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
Yellowstone National Park is known for its geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and mudpots, as well as its diverse wildlife, including bears, wolves, and herds of bison and elk. Visitors can drive along the park’s scenic roads, hike on its many trails, or take a guided tour to see the park’s famous geothermal features up close.
Both parks offer camping and lodging options, allowing visitors to spend several days exploring the area. However, Yellowstone is larger and more developed, with more amenities, food options, and services available, making it a better choice for those who prefer a more modern experience.
Overall, both parks are must-visits for anyone interested in nature and the great outdoors, and the choice between them will probably come down to personal preference. Whether you prefer the serenity of a wilderness canoe trip or the excitement of geysers and wildlife, both parks offer unique and unforgettable experiences.
Best Time to Visit Voyageurs National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Voyageurs National Park and Yellowstone National Park both offer unique and breathtaking landscapes, but their seasonal weather patterns vary greatly. Yellowstone National Park experiences harsh winters with heavy snowfall, making the park accessible only by snowmobile or snowcoach from December to March. While summers are mild, the park experiences the occasional thunderstorm.
On the other hand, Voyageurs National Park has a much milder climate with less snowfall, making it accessible year-round. During the summer months of June to August, high temperatures average in the mid-70s and low 80s, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as camping, boating, and fishing. Winter temperatures average in the low 20s but do not usually drop below zero, making it possible to enjoy ice fishing and snowshoeing.
Both parks are best visited during the summer months, but for different reasons. Yellowstone National Park is best visited in the summer because of the mild weather and accessible roads, while Voyageurs National Park is best visited in the summer for its warm temperatures and abundant water activities. Winter visits to both parks offer a unique and quiet experience, but the harsh weather and limited accessibility should be taken into consideration.
Family Friendliness of Voyageurs National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Voyageurs National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States for families. Both offer a range of outdoor activities and stunning natural scenery, but there are some key differences to consider when choosing between the two.
When it comes to family-friendliness, Yellowstone has a clear advantage over Voyageurs. Yellowstone has well-established infrastructure, including roads, campgrounds, and visitor centers, which make it easier for families to navigate and find what they need. Additionally, there are a wide variety of ranger-led educational programs and activities available for children, making it an excellent choice for families who want to learn about the park’s unique geothermal features and wildlife.
In contrast, Voyageurs is a more remote and rugged park that requires more planning and effort to visit. It is a water-based park, with most of the park accessible only by boat, making it less accessible for families with young children or those who are less experienced boaters. However, the park’s remote setting also offers a unique and peaceful experience for those willing to make the effort to visit.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a more traditional family-friendly national park experience, with easy access to amenities, activities, and educational opportunities, Yellowstone is the better choice. However, if you are looking for a more rugged and remote adventure, with opportunities for boating and exploring the wilderness, Voyageurs National Park is a great alternative.