A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bangor vs. Wisconsin Dells for Families, Nightlife, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Bangor or Wisconsin Dells?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangor and Wisconsin Dells can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bangor

Bangor is a welcoming, friendly, and laid back town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Bangor travel costs.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a high energy, fun-filled, and lighthearted city. Other popular activities here include hiking, nightlife, and food. See Wisconsin Dells travel costs.

Bangor and Wisconsin Dells: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Bangor or Wisconsin Dells?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wisconsin Dells. Although Bangor and Wisconsin Dells are both popular with visitors, Wisconsin Dells has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Wisconsin Dells is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Bangor is known for its museums and attractions, shopping, and small town charm. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Bangor and is known for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. It is also home to Noah's Ark Water Park. Bangor is popular for its history as a lumber town.

How is Bangor different from Wisconsin Dells?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Wisconsin Dells and Bangor. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bangor or Wisconsin Dells?

Bangor
Wisconsin Dells

Bangor is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

Bangor offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a couple of museums around town that focus on culture and daily life in Maine.

While most people don't head to Wisconsin Dells specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.


Is the Food Better in Bangor or Wisconsin Dells? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bangor
Wisconsin Dells

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Bangor and Wisconsin Dells can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Bangor area. For a small town, there are a range of dining options in the area such as seafood, international cuisine, and quick eats.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Wisconsin Dells. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.

Is Bangor or Wisconsin Dells Better for Nightlife?

Bangor
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Bangor is not a good town for nightlife.

Wisconsin Dells offers plenty to do in the evening. In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout the evening.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Bangor. There are breweries and bars with laid back vibes and a casual atmosphere.

Is Bangor or Wisconsin Dells Better for Resorts?

Bangor
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a city with good options for its resorts. However, Bangor is not a resort destination.

Wisconsin Dells has a few great resort options. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Bangor is not a resort destination.


Is Bangor or Wisconsin Dells Better for Hiking?

Bangor
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a city with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Wisconsin Dells. Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.

Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangor or Wisconsin Dells?

Bangor
Wisconsin Dells

Bangor is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Bangor offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the widest selection of locally own shops and boutiques.

Wisconsin Dells has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.

Is Bangor or Wisconsin Dells Better for Families?

Bangor
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Wisconsin Dells is an extremely popular city to visit for families. While it used to be known for its impressive sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River, today it has a more touristy atmosphere with theme parks and amusement parks. It's also become known as the "Water Park Capital of the World", and it won't disappoint. There are both indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as train rides, boat rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

Bangor is a family-friendly town. You'll find a number of parks and walking trails nearby. There's also fruit picking and playgrounds to explore.


Is Bangor or Wisconsin Dells Better for Couples?

Bangor
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a city with good options for couples. However, Bangor is not a good town for romance.

Wisconsin Dells is a good city for couples to visit. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.

Bangor is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are local restaurants and several museums in town that couples will enjoy.

Is Bangor or Wisconsin Dells Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bangor
Wisconsin Dells

Bangor is a town with a few options for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Bangor. There's a bus system, but visitors usually use their own car to get around.

Public transit is quite limited in Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.

Is Bangor or Wisconsin Dells a more walkable city?

Bangor
Wisconsin Dells

Bangor is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Bangor is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown is compact and easy to explore on foot.

Wisconsin Dells is generally not a very walkable town. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.


For even more information, also check out Is Bangor Worth Visiting? and Is Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wisconsin Dells or Bangor?

How long in Bangor or Wisconsin Dells?

It's fun to spend time in either Bangor or Wisconsin Dells. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Wisconsin Dells due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Bangor, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wisconsin Dells.

Families should spend more time in Wisconsin Dells than Bangor. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Wisconsin Dells, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Wisconsin Dells than Bangor. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Wisconsin Dells that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bangor than Wisconsin Dells if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Bangor.


  • How many days in Bangor or Wisconsin Dells? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bangor 1-2 
    Wisconsin Dells 2-4

One day in Bangor or Wisconsin Dells?

The friendly destination of Bangor offers shopping and museums. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Wisconsin Dells. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bangor or Wisconsin Dells?

The town of Bangor offers museums and food. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Wisconsin Dells is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Bangor or Wisconsin Dells?

Bangor is a great place to explore. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wisconsin Dells. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Bangor or Wisconsin Dells?

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Bangor. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled destination of Wisconsin Dells. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Wisconsin Dells or Bangor?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Bangor Prices
    USA Prices
    Wisconsin Dells Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Bangor $237
    Wisconsin Dells $174

The average daily cost (per person) in Bangor is $237, while the average daily cost in Wisconsin Dells is $174. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bangor and Wisconsin Dells in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bangor $114
    Wisconsin Dells $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bangor $228
    Wisconsin Dells $140
Compare Hotels in Bangor and Wisconsin Dells

Looking for a hotel in Bangor or Wisconsin Dells? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bangor


Hotels in Wisconsin Dells


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bangor Hotel Prices and Wisconsin Dells Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bangor $36
    Wisconsin Dells $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangor:

  • Private Transfer from Bangor Airport(BGR) to Rockland Cruise Port: $210
  • Private Transfer from Bangor city hotels to Rockland Cruise Port: $210

Is it cheaper to fly into Bangor or Wisconsin Dells?

Prices for flights to both Wisconsin Dells and Bangor change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bangor $93
    Wisconsin Dells $74

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bangor $45
    Wisconsin Dells $46
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangor

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bangor are as follows:


  • Children's Museum (for 4)
    $32

Tours and Activities in Wisconsin Dells

Here are a few actual costs in Wisconsin Dells for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Haunted History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bangor $23
    Wisconsin Dells $9.14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangor and Wisconsin Dells, we can see that Bangor is more expensive. And not only is Wisconsin Dells much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Wisconsin Dells would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Wisconsin Dells and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bangor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangor than you might in Wisconsin Dells.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bangor Expensive? and Is Wisconsin Dells Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bangor or Wisconsin Dells?

Bangor has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Bangor and Wisconsin Dells, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Bangor or Wisconsin Dells?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bangor or Wisconsin Dells in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangor and Wisconsin Dells. Many travelers come to Bangor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Wisconsin Dells in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bangor is generally cooler than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Bangor average around 69°F (21°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

In July, Bangor usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Bangor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bangor 69°F (21°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Bangor or Wisconsin Dells in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bangor as well as Wisconsin Dells. Many visitors come to Bangor in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Additionally, most visitors come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Bangor is cooler than Wisconsin Dells in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bangor averages around 48°F (9°C) in October, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Bangor usually gets more rain in October than Wisconsin Dells. Bangor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bangor 48°F (9°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Bangor or Wisconsin Dells in the Winter?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Bangor are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bangor for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Wisconsin Dells because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Wisconsin Dells can be very cold. Bangor can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Bangor is around the same temperature as Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bangor in January average around 18°F (-8°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 19°F (-7°C).

In January, Bangor usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Bangor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 19°F (-7°C)

Should I visit Bangor or Wisconsin Dells in the Spring?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Bangor during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Bangor because of the small town charm.

In April, Bangor is generally much colder than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Bangor average around 43°F (6°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

Bangor usually gets more rain in April than Wisconsin Dells. Bangor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bangor 43°F (6°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Wisconsin Dells and Bangor

Bangor Wisconsin Dells
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 19°F (-7°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 39°F (4°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)