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

Should you visit Duck or Wisconsin Dells?

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

Should I visit Duck or Wisconsin Dells? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Duck

Duck is a laid-back, traditional, and compact beach town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of Duck is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and food. See Duck travel costs.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a fun-filled, lighthearted, and high energy city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Wisconsin Dells travel costs.

Duck and Wisconsin Dells: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Duck or Wisconsin Dells?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Duck. Although Duck and Wisconsin Dells are popular destinations, Duck has more sights and attractions for tourists. Duck is very popular for its beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Wisconsin Dells attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Duck and is known for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Duck is famous for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. It is also well known for the wide sandy beach.

How is Duck different from Wisconsin Dells?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Duck
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a moderate city for its sights and museums. However, Duck is not a good beach town for its museums and history.

Wisconsin Dells offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.


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

Duck
Wisconsin Dells

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Duck and Wisconsin Dells.

Duck offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

Wisconsin Dells has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Duck or Wisconsin Dells Better for Nightlife?

Duck
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Duck is not a good beach town for nightlife and partying.

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 Duck. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

Is Duck or Wisconsin Dells Better for Resorts?

Duck
Wisconsin Dells

Duck and Wisconsin Dells offer a relatively similar set of nice luxury resort options.

Duck has a handful of resorts to choose from. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

With a selection of resorts, Wisconsin Dells makes a nice vacation spot. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.


Is Duck or Wisconsin Dells Better for Beaches?

Duck
Wisconsin Dells

Duck is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Duck. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Is Duck or Wisconsin Dells Better for Hiking?

Duck
Wisconsin Dells

If you're looking to go hiking, Duck and Wisconsin Dells both have nice trails.

Duck is a good destination for hiking. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Many people include a hike when visiting 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Duck or Wisconsin Dells?

Duck
Wisconsin Dells

Duck is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Duck is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

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 Duck or Wisconsin Dells More Beautiful?

Duck
Wisconsin Dells

Duck is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Duck is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Beautiful sandy beaches and family-friendly parks offer a beautiful and relaxed beach vacation.

Wisconsin Dells is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Duck or Wisconsin Dells Better for Families?

Duck
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Wisconsin Dells is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Duck is very family-friendly. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

Is Duck or Wisconsin Dells Better for Couples?

Duck
Wisconsin Dells

Duck is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Duck frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

Wisconsin Dells is a good beach town 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.


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

Duck
Wisconsin Dells

Duck is a beach 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 Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

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

Is Duck or Wisconsin Dells a more walkable city?

Duck
Wisconsin Dells

Duck is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Duck on foot is easy. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

Wisconsin Dells is generally not a very walkable beach 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 Duck Worth Visiting? and Is Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wisconsin Dells or Duck?

How long in Duck or Wisconsin Dells?

It's fun to spend time in either Duck or Wisconsin Dells. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Duck due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Duck, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wisconsin Dells.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Wisconsin Dells than Duck 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 Wisconsin Dells.


  • How many days in Duck or Wisconsin Dells? Ideal Length of Stay
    Duck 5-7 
    Wisconsin Dells 2-4

One day in Duck or Wisconsin Dells?

Duck is a small town with plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Wisconsin Dells. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.


A weekend in Duck or Wisconsin Dells?

Duck might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Wisconsin Dells is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Duck or Wisconsin Dells?

Duck is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This beach town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find food and nightlife around the lighthearted destination of Wisconsin Dells. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Duck or Wisconsin Dells?

Duck is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

The high energy city of Wisconsin Dells offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Wisconsin Dells or Duck?

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

  • Duck Prices
    USA Prices
    Wisconsin Dells Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Duck $221
    Wisconsin Dells $174

The average daily cost (per person) in Duck is $221, 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 Duck and Wisconsin Dells in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Duck $107
    Wisconsin Dells $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Duck $214
    Wisconsin Dells $140
Compare Hotels in Duck and Wisconsin Dells

Looking for a hotel in Duck 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 Duck


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: Wisconsin Dells Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Duck $66
    Wisconsin Dells $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Duck or Wisconsin Dells?

Prices for flights to both Wisconsin Dells and Duck 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
    Duck $78
    Wisconsin Dells $74

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Duck $13
    Wisconsin Dells $46

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
    Duck $45
    Wisconsin Dells $9.14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Duck and Wisconsin Dells, we can see that Duck 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 Duck would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Duck 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 Duck Expensive? and Is Wisconsin Dells Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Duck or Wisconsin Dells?

Wisconsin Dells has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Duck 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 Duck 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 Duck or Wisconsin Dells in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck and Wisconsin Dells. The summer months attract visitors to Duck because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wisconsin Dells this time of year.

In the summer, Duck is around the same temperature as Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the summer temperatures in Duck in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wisconsin Dells this time of the year. In Duck, it's very sunny this time of the year. Duck usually receives less sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during summer. Duck gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 309 hours of full sun in the summer.

Duck gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Duck usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Duck gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Duck 78°F (26°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Duck or Wisconsin Dells in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Duck as well as Wisconsin Dells. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Duck this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Duck is generally a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 62°F (16°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck this time of the year. In the autumn, Duck often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Duck gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 171 hours of full sun.

Duck usually gets more rain in October than Wisconsin Dells. Duck gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Duck 62°F (16°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Duck or Wisconsin Dells in the Winter?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Duck are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Duck for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Wisconsin Dells in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Wisconsin Dells can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Duck. Duck is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the winter. The daily temperature in Duck averages around 41°F (5°C) in January, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 19°F (-7°C).

Duck usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during winter. Duck gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Duck. In January, Duck usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Duck gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Duck 41°F (5°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 19°F (-7°C)

Should I visit Duck or Wisconsin Dells in the Spring?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Duck during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Duck in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Duck is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the spring temperatures in Duck in April average around 59°F (15°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 49°F (10°C).

In Wisconsin Dells, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Duck. In the spring, Duck often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Duck gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 208 hours of full sun.

Duck usually gets more rain in April than Wisconsin Dells. Duck gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Duck 59°F (15°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Wisconsin Dells and Duck

Duck Wisconsin Dells
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 19°F (-7°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 39°F (4°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)