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

Should you visit Roanoke or Wisconsin Dells?

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

Should I visit Roanoke 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.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a laid back, scenic, and outdoorsy town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Roanoke travel costs.

Wisconsin Dells

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

Roanoke and Wisconsin Dells: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Roanoke or Wisconsin Dells?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wisconsin Dells. Although Roanoke 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 food, nightlife, and resorts, while Roanoke is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, and shopping. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Roanoke and is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. It is also home to Noah's Ark Water Park. Roanoke is popular for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Roanoke different from Wisconsin Dells?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Roanoke offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

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 Roanoke or Wisconsin Dells? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Wisconsin Dells is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Roanoke or Wisconsin Dells Better for Nightlife?

Wisconsin Dells is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

The nightlife in Wisconsin Dells has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Is Roanoke or Wisconsin Dells Better for Resorts?

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not a resort destination.

Is Roanoke or Wisconsin Dells Better for Hiking?

Roanoke is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Roanoke. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

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 Roanoke or Wisconsin Dells?

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

Roanoke offers some nice shopping areas. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

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 Roanoke or Wisconsin Dells Better for Families?

Wisconsin Dells is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-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.

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Roanoke or Wisconsin Dells Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Roanoke frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

Wisconsin Dells is a good 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 Roanoke or Wisconsin Dells Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Roanoke is a popular place for backpackers. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

Wisconsin Dells is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find campgrounds in the area, but most places are very built up and don't have the natural setting that backpackers appreciate.

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

Roanoke 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 Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

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

Is Roanoke or Wisconsin Dells a more walkable city?

Roanoke and Wisconsin Dells are decent when it comes to walkability.

Roanoke is generally not a very walkable town. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

Wisconsin Dells is generally not very walkable. 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 Roanoke Worth Visiting? and Is Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wisconsin Dells or Roanoke?

How long in Roanoke or Wisconsin Dells?

It's fun to spend time in either Roanoke 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, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Roanoke, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wisconsin Dells.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Roanoke 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 Roanoke.

One day in Roanoke or Wisconsin Dells?

The scenic destination of Roanoke offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Wisconsin Dells, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Roanoke or Wisconsin Dells?

The town of Roanoke offers museums and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

In Wisconsin Dells, you'll find food and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Wisconsin Dells has to offer.

Five days in Roanoke or Wisconsin Dells?

Roanoke is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Wisconsin Dells is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Roanoke or Wisconsin Dells?

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Roanoke. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wisconsin Dells. Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting Wisconsin Dells. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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.

When comparing the travel costs between Roanoke and Wisconsin Dells, we can see that Roanoke is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Roanoke or Wisconsin Dells?

Roanoke has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Roanoke 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 Roanoke or Wisconsin Dells?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Roanoke or Wisconsin Dells in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Roanoke as well as Wisconsin Dells. The summer months attract visitors to Roanoke because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wisconsin Dells this time of year.

In July, Roanoke is generally a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Roanoke average around 79°F (26°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wisconsin Dells. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Roanoke this time of the year. In the summer, Roanoke often gets less sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Roanoke gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 309 hours of full sun.

Roanoke receives a lot of rain in the summer. Roanoke usually gets more rain in July than Wisconsin Dells. Roanoke gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Roanoke or Wisconsin Dells in the Autumn?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Roanoke are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Roanoke this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Roanoke is a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the autumn. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 60°F (16°C) in October, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. Roanoke usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during autumn. Roanoke gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 171 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Roanoke usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Roanoke gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Roanoke or Wisconsin Dells in the Winter?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Roanoke during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Roanoke for the museums, 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 Roanoke. In the winter, Roanoke is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the winter temperatures in Roanoke in January average around 38°F (3°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 19°F (-7°C).

In the winter, Roanoke often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Roanoke gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 141 hours of full sun.

Roanoke usually gets more rain in January than Wisconsin Dells. Roanoke gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Roanoke or Wisconsin Dells in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Roanoke and Wisconsin Dells.

In April, Roanoke is generally much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Roanoke average around 59°F (15°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wisconsin Dells this time of the year. In Roanoke, it's very sunny this time of the year. Roanoke usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during spring. Roanoke gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 208 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Roanoke usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Roanoke gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Wisconsin Dells and Roanoke