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

Should you visit Wilmington or Wisconsin Dells?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or Wisconsin Dells, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a historic, welcoming, and charming city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Wilmington travel costs.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a fun-filled, lighthearted, and high energy city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Wisconsin Dells travel costs.

Wilmington and Wisconsin Dells: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wilmington or Wisconsin Dells?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Wilmington. Although Wilmington and Wisconsin Dells are popular destinations, Wilmington has more sights and attractions for tourists. Wilmington is very popular for its museums and attractions, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Wisconsin Dells attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, and hiking. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Wilmington and is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Wilmington is famous for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. It is also well known for the Battleship North Carolina.

How is Wilmington different from Wisconsin Dells?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Wilmington offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

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

Both Wilmington and Wisconsin Dells offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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 Wilmington or Wisconsin Dells Better for Nightlife?

Wisconsin Dells is great for nightlife. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Wisconsin Dells for the nightlife scene. 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 Wilmington. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

Is Wilmington or Wisconsin Dells Better for Resorts?

Wisconsin Dells is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Wilmington is not a resort destination.

Wisconsin Dells has a handful of resorts to choose from. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Wilmington is not a resort destination.

Is Wilmington or Wisconsin Dells Better for Beaches?

Wilmington is a great destination for the beach. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Wilmington is considered a top beach destination. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Is Wilmington or Wisconsin Dells Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington is a popular place for its old town. However, Wisconsin Dells does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Wilmington to see the old town. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Wisconsin Dells does not have a historic old town.

Is Wilmington or Wisconsin Dells Better for Hiking?

Wisconsin Dells is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Wisconsin Dells has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Wilmington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Wisconsin Dells?

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

Wilmington offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

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 Wilmington or Wisconsin Dells Better for Families?

Wisconsin Dells is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Wisconsin Dells is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Wilmington is a very kid-friendly city. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Is Wilmington or Wisconsin Dells Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Wilmington frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

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.

Is Wilmington or Wisconsin Dells Better for Students?

Wilmington is a popular place for students. However, Wisconsin Dells is not popular with students.

Wilmington is popular with students. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Wisconsin Dells is not popular with students.

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

Wilmington is a city 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 Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

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

Is Wilmington or Wisconsin Dells a more walkable city?

Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable place. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

Wisconsin Dells is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Wilmington Worth Visiting? and Is Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wisconsin Dells or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Wisconsin Dells?

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

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

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

One day in Wilmington or Wisconsin Dells?

The welcoming destination of Wilmington offers nightlife and food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

With food and nightlife around the fun-filled city of Wisconsin Dells, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wilmington or Wisconsin Dells?

The city of Wilmington offers food and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Wisconsin Dells, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Wilmington or Wisconsin Dells?

Wilmington is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Wisconsin Dells, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wilmington or Wisconsin Dells?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Wilmington. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Wilmington or Wisconsin Dells?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Wilmington as well as Wisconsin Dells. Many visitors come to Wilmington in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Wilmington is a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wilmington in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 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 Wilmington this time of the year. In the summer, Wilmington often gets less sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Wilmington gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 309 hours of full sun.

Wilmington receives a lot of rain in the summer. Wilmington usually gets more rain in July than Wisconsin Dells. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wilmington or Wisconsin Dells in the Autumn?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Wilmington are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Wilmington for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Wisconsin Dells because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Wilmington is generally much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 65°F (18°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during autumn. Wilmington gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 171 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Wilmington or Wisconsin Dells in the Winter?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Wilmington during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wisconsin Dells this time of year.

It's quite cold in Wisconsin Dells in the winter. Wilmington is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the winter. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 19°F (-7°C).

In the winter, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Wilmington gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 141 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets more rain in January than Wisconsin Dells. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wilmington or Wisconsin Dells in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and Wisconsin Dells. The beaches are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year.

In the spring, Wilmington is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wilmington in April average around 63°F (17°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 49°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wisconsin Dells this time of the year. In Wilmington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during spring. Wilmington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 208 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 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 Wilmington