Park Comparison
Gateway Arch vs Voyageurs
Two iconic parks, different strengths. Here's how they stack up.
Updated
The Quick Take
Gateway Arch
Gateway Arch National Park is 0.14 square miles of westward expansion history beneath a 630-foot steel monument with three million visitors.
Voyageurs
Four interconnected lakes form a water maze where boats replace roads through 340 square miles of boreal wilderness and scattered islands.
At a Glance
The Crowd Picture
Voyageurs sees less than half the visitors Gateway Arch gets, which translates to a noticeably different crowd experience on trails and at viewpoints.
Gateway Arch
Gateway Arch welcomes 3.0M visitors annually across 0.14 square miles — about 21,721,429 visitors per square mile. Congestion is high, peaking in July.
Voyageurs
Voyageurs welcomes 199K visitors annually across 340.9 square miles — about 584 visitors per square mile. Congestion is low, peaking in August.
Voyageurs is dramatically less congested than Gateway Arch — you'll feel the difference on every trail.
When to Go
Click any month to see how conditions compare side-by-side.
Trails & Activities
Voyageurs National Park has more trail mileage for exploration.
Gateway Arch Top Activities
- photography 10/10
- ranger programs 8/10
Voyageurs Top Activities
- kayaking canoeing 9/10
- fishing 9/10
- wildlife viewing 8/10
- bird watching 8/10
- photography 8/10
Camping
Voyageurs National Park offers significantly more camping options.
The Bottom Line
Choose Gateway Arch if you...
- Want to experience Gateway Arch Monument
- Are looking for world-class photography
- Are planning a couples getaway
Choose Voyageurs if you...
- Want to experience Rainy Lake
- Are looking for world-class kayaking canoeing
- Are an adventure seeker looking for thrills
- Want fewer crowds and more solitude
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Gateway Arch or Voyageurs?
It depends on what you're looking for. Gateway Arch is known for Gateway Arch Monument, while Voyageurs is known for Rainy Lake. Voyageurs is less crowded, making it the better pick if solitude matters to you.
Is Gateway Arch or Voyageurs more crowded?
Gateway Arch has a congestion index of 7/10 and receives 3.0M visitors per year. Voyageurs scores 2.1/10 with 199K annual visitors. Voyageurs is the quieter option.
When is the best time to visit Gateway Arch vs Voyageurs?
The best month to visit Gateway Arch is October, while Voyageurs is best visited in June. The different peak seasons mean you could visit one in spring and the other in fall.
Which has better hiking, Gateway Arch or Voyageurs?
Gateway Arch has 2 trail miles and Voyageurs has 32. Voyageurs offers significantly more trail variety.