A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Milwaukee vs. Denali National Park for Backpackers, Couples, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Milwaukee or Denali National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Milwaukee and Denali National Park 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.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a welcoming, undiscovered, and friendly city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Milwaukee travel costs.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a rugged, spectacular, and epic park. Denali National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking. See Denali National Park travel costs.

Milwaukee and Denali National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Denali (Mount McKinley)
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Milwaukee or Denali National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Denali National Park than Milwaukee, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Denali National Park is better known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Milwaukee is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Denali National Park is more touristy than Milwaukee and is known for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife. Also, Denali National Park is famous for Denali (Mount McKinley). Milwaukee is well known for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Milwaukee different from Denali National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Denali National Park and Milwaukee. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Milwaukee or Denali National Park?

Milwaukee
Denali National Park

Milwaukee is very good for its historical sights. However, Denali National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

Milwaukee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several unique museums like the Harley-Davidson Museum, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum. There's also the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Grohmann Museum as well as outdoor sculpture parks and other cultural and historic museums.

Denali National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Denali's Museum Collection includes more than 25,000 different items that reflect the region's history, culture, and geology.


Is the Food Better in Milwaukee or Denali National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Milwaukee
Denali National Park

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Milwaukee and Denali National Park.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Milwaukee. The Midwest is known for its artery clogging comfort foods, and Milwaukee is no exception. Cheese curds, fried fish, fruit dumplings, and frozen custard are all popular.

Denali National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. During the summer months there are restaurants open along Highway 3 as well as the Morino Grill near the Denali Visitor Center.

Is Milwaukee or Denali National Park Better for Nightlife?

Milwaukee
Denali National Park

Milwaukee is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Denali National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

If you're looking for night time activities Milwaukee has a few options to choose from. You'll find a decent number of breweries around town. There are also wine bars, nightclubs, and live music venues that are worth checking out.

People don't go to Denali National Park for the nightlife. Visitors come to the park to see the nature, not for the nightlife.

Is Milwaukee or Denali National Park Better for Resorts?

Milwaukee
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a park with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Milwaukee is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Denali National Park makes a nice vacation spot. Most visitors stay nearby the Denali Park Entrance. It has the most affordable hotels and lodges, some of which have a lot of personality. Alternatively, you could stay in the more remote area of Kantishna. These lodges are more expensive and all-inclusive, but they are also far away from most conveniences.

Milwaukee is not a resort destination.


Is Milwaukee or Denali National Park Better for Hiking?

Milwaukee
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a park with good options for its hiking trails. However, Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Denali National Park. If you're looking for a marked trail, there are limited options within the park. Those that do exist are located near the park entrance and are usually just a couple of miles long. Off-trail hiking is what makes for the most memorable experience. Make sure you stop off at the visitor center for information and knowledge before you venture into the wilderness without a trail. For obvious reasons, you should fully understand what this entails before beginning your adventure.

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Milwaukee or Denali National Park?

Milwaukee
Denali National Park

Milwaukee is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Denali National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Milwaukee. You'll find the standard shopping centers and shopping malls around town, but if you want some more local vendors, check out the areas around the Historic Third Ward and The Village in Wauwatosa.

Denali National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are several park stores and shops in and near the park where you can pick up gifts, books, and souvenirs.

Is Milwaukee or Denali National Park More Beautiful?

Milwaukee
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Milwaukee is not a destination known for its beauty.

Denali National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Home to the highest peak in North America, the park is famous for its dramatic beauty and rugged landscapes.

Milwaukee is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Milwaukee or Denali National Park Better for Families?

Milwaukee
Denali National Park

Both Milwaukee and Denali National Park are notable to visit with kids.

Milwaukee is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy a visit to Discovery World, which is a science center with hands-on exhibits. There's also the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Milwaukee Public Museum. Younger kids will also enjoy a stop at Betty Brinn Children's Museum.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Denali National Park. Most people visit the park as part of a tour, so it's important to book a tour that is designed with families in mind. This will help ensure the kids stay entertained even during long bus rides.

Is Milwaukee or Denali National Park Better for Couples?

Milwaukee
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

Denali National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.

Milwaukee is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Take a walk or visit a local restaurant. There are also museums and performances that make for a nice outing.

Is Milwaukee or Denali National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milwaukee
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Denali National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. There are millions of acres in the park as well as campgrounds, hostels, and vast backcountry (which requires a permit).

Milwaukee is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's not a lot to attract backpackers to the area.


Is Milwaukee or Denali National Park Better for Students?

Milwaukee
Denali National Park

Milwaukee is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Denali National Park is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Milwaukee. It's home to a number of colleges and universities, so there is a bit of a college town vibe.

Denali National Park is not popular with students.

Is Milwaukee or Denali National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Milwaukee
Denali National Park

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Milwaukee and Denali National Park.

Public transit is mostly limited in Milwaukee. There are buses that travel around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Denali National Park. There are free shuttle buses that leave from the entrance area, but many visitors organize a tour to get around.

Is Milwaukee or Denali National Park a more walkable city?

Milwaukee
Denali National Park

Milwaukee is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Denali National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

Milwaukee is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are relatively compact and walkable. The most walkable neighborhoods are East Side, Riverwest, Brewers Hill, Downtown, Avenues West/Marquette, Third Ward, Walker's Point, and Bay View.

Denali National Park is not a walkable city. The park is vast and you need some form of transportation to get around, whether it's a private vehicle or a pre-arranged tour.


For even more information, also check out Is Milwaukee Worth Visiting? and Is Denali National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denali National Park or Milwaukee?

How long in Milwaukee or Denali National Park?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Milwaukee or Denali National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Milwaukee 1-2 
    Denali National Park 2-4

One day in Milwaukee or Denali National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the destination of Milwaukee. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milwaukee has to offer.

You'll find around the park of Denali National Park. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Milwaukee or Denali National Park?

Milwaukee is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find around the spectacular destination of Denali National Park. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this park has to offer. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Milwaukee or Denali National Park?

Many people visit Milwaukee for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Milwaukee. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the vast park of Denali National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Milwaukee or Denali National Park?

The welcoming destination of Milwaukee offers nightlife and shopping. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Denali National Park is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Denali National Park or Milwaukee?

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

  • Milwaukee Prices
    USA Prices
    Denali National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Milwaukee $214
    Denali National Park $260

The average daily cost (per person) in Milwaukee is $214, while the average daily cost in Denali National Park is $260. 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 Milwaukee and Denali National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Milwaukee $99
    Denali National Park $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Milwaukee $198
    Denali National Park $232
Compare Hotels in Milwaukee and Denali National Park

Looking for a hotel in Milwaukee or Denali National Park? 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 Milwaukee


Hotels in Denali National Park


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: Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Milwaukee $38
    Denali National Park $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milwaukee

Also for Milwaukee, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Departure Transfer from Milwaukee to Milwaukee Airport MKE by SUV: $80
  • Arrival Transfer from Milwaukee Airport MKE to Milwaukee by SUV: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Milwaukee or Denali National Park?

Prices for flights to both Denali National Park and Milwaukee 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
    Milwaukee $90
    Denali National Park $98

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milwaukee

For Milwaukee, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Kenosha Walking Food Tour: $70
  • Milwaukee Food Tour with 5 Local Favorites Tastings & Secret Dish: $99
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Milwaukee: $103
  • Local Food Tour of 5 Delicacies & a Secret Dish: $104
  • Original Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Milwaukee $26
    Denali National Park $30

Tours and Activities in Milwaukee

For Milwaukee, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2-Hour Bus Tour in Milwaukee City: $40
  • Christmas Past, Present and Future Light Tour in Milwaukee: $50
  • City of Neighborhoods: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Milwaukee: $7.99
  • Discover Iconic Milwaukee Tour : $68
  • Downtown Milwaukee Walking Tour: $16
  • Haunting Histories: An Audio Tour of Milwaukee‘s Wicked Westown: $8.99
  • Kenosha Downtown Urban Art and Photography Walking Tour: $30
  • Kenosha Metal Detecting Tour to Simmons Island Beach: $40
  • Milwaukee Cheese Curd Kayak Tour: $175
  • Milwaukee Downtown Ghost Tour - The Shadow of City Hall: $29
  • Milwaukee Historic Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour : $9.75
  • Milwaukee Marvels: A 2-Hour Private Tour: $1,126

Tours and Activities in Denali National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Denali National Park.

  • 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $135
  • 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park: $139
  • 4 Hour Off-Trail Hiking Tour in Denali: $209
  • 5-Hour Mountain Hiking Tour in the Alaska Range - Denali Area: $199
  • Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal: $163
  • Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining: $163
  • Denali 4 Hour Hiking Adventure with Naturalist Guide: $160
  • Denali 5 Hour Hiking Tour with Naturalist Guide: $182
  • Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour : $178
  • Denali Husky Kennel & Brewpub Visit – Half-Day Experience: $130
  • Denali Naturalist Walking Tour: $132
  • Denali Park Zipline Adventure: $190

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Milwaukee $33
    Denali National Park $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Milwaukee

Also in Milwaukee, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Sip of Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Snack: $109


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Milwaukee and Denali National Park, we can see that Denali National Park is more expensive. And not only is Milwaukee much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Milwaukee would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Milwaukee 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 Denali National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Denali National Park than you might in Milwaukee.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Milwaukee Expensive? and Is Denali National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Milwaukee or Denali National Park?

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 Milwaukee or Denali National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Milwaukee and Denali National Park. Many visitors come to Milwaukee in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Denali National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Milwaukee is much warmer than Denali National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Milwaukee averages around 74°F (23°C) in July, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

In July, Milwaukee usually receives around the same amount of rain as Denali National Park. Milwaukee gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C) 
    Denali National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Denali National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Milwaukee as well as Denali National Park. Most visitors come to Milwaukee for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Denali National Park because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Denali National Park can be very cold. In the autumn, Milwaukee is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Milwaukee in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 32°F (0°C).

Milwaukee usually gets less rain in October than Denali National Park. Milwaukee gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C) 
    Denali National Park 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Denali National Park in the Winter?

Both Denali National Park and Milwaukee are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Denali National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Denali National Park in the winter. The weather in Milwaukee can be very cold. In January, Milwaukee is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Milwaukee average around 21°F (-6°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 11°F (-12°C).

In January, Milwaukee usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Milwaukee gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C) 
    Denali National Park 11°F (-12°C)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Denali National Park in the Spring?

Both Denali National Park and Milwaukee during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Denali National Park for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Denali National Park. Milwaukee is much warmer than Denali National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Milwaukee averages around 47°F (8°C) in April, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

Milwaukee usually gets more rain in April than Denali National Park. Milwaukee gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C) 
    Denali National Park 34°F (1°C)

Typical Weather for Denali National Park and Milwaukee

Milwaukee Denali National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) 11°F (-12°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Feb 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm) 16°F (-9°C) 1.4 inches (37 mm)
Mar 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 23°F (-5°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Apr 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
May 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Jun 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 56°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Sep 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 47°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (108 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 32°F (0°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Nov 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm) 13°F (-11°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)


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