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

Should you visit Wisconsin Dells or Avon?

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

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Avon? 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.

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.

Avon

Avon is a scenic, active, and outdoorsy town. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing. See Avon travel costs.

Wisconsin Dells and Avon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Wisconsin Dells or Avon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Avon. Although Wisconsin Dells and Avon are popular destinations, Avon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Avon is very popular for its skiing, while Wisconsin Dells attracts visitors for its nightlife. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Avon and is known for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Avon is famous for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort. It is also well known for Avon Recreation Center.

How is Wisconsin Dells different from Avon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Wisconsin Dells or Avon Better for Skiing?

Wisconsin Dells
Avon

Avon is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a skiing destination.

People head to Avon specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. Beaver Creek is the main ski area near town and it's about a mile away. The town of Avon is below Beaver Creek and is located beside an interstate.

Wisconsin Dells is not a skiing destination.


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

Wisconsin Dells
Avon

Plenty of people visit the reasonable sights and museums in both Wisconsin Dells and Avon.

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.

While most people don't head to Avon specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While there aren't a ton of museums in the area, it's worth checking out the Walking Mountains Science Center.

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

Wisconsin Dells
Avon

Foodies will find both Wisconsin Dells and Avon both to be nice destinations.

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.

Avon is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are casual eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you're in the mood for Chinese, pizza, or burgers.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Avon Better for Nightlife?

Wisconsin Dells
Avon

Wisconsin Dells is notable for nightlife. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife and partying.

Wisconsin Dells has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Avon. It's a small town but there are some bars and lively pubs where you can enjoy cold drinks.


Is Wisconsin Dells or Avon Better for Resorts?

Wisconsin Dells
Avon

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

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.

Avon has a few great resort options. There are the typical chain resort options, many with beautiful mountain views.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Avon Better for Hiking?

Wisconsin Dells
Avon

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

Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Avon. There are paved trails and recreational paths through town that are great for both hiking and biking. The main ones are Eagle Valley Trail and the trails in West Avon Preserve.

Is the Shopping Better in Wisconsin Dells or Avon?

Wisconsin Dells
Avon

Shopping is a popular activity in both Avon and Wisconsin Dells.

If you're looking to go shopping, Wisconsin Dells has some nice offerings. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.

Avon has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There aren't a ton of shopping opportunities in town, but there are enough shops around in case you need to pick up necessities or buy a gift.


Is Wisconsin Dells or Avon Better for Families?

Wisconsin Dells
Avon

Wisconsin Dells is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Wisconsin Dells is very family-friendly. 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.

Avon is a family-friendly city. There are parks and playgrounds around town and there's easy access to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort. There's also plenty of hiking in the area.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Avon Better for Couples?

Wisconsin Dells
Avon

With fun activities for couples, both Wisconsin Dells and Avon make for a nice place to visit.

Wisconsin Dells makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.

Avon is a good city for couples to visit. While avid skiers prefer to stay at nearby Beaver Creek, the town of Avon offers a good alternative.

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

Wisconsin Dells
Avon

Avon is a popular place for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Avon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttles and buses that travel through town and to Beaver Creek.

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


Is Wisconsin Dells or Avon a more walkable city?

Wisconsin Dells
Avon

Avon 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.

Avon is a somewhat walkable place. The town center is small and there are paved walking trails that you can use. It's possible to walk to restaurants or the recreation center, depending on where you're staying.

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 Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting? and Is Avon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avon or Wisconsin Dells?

How long in Wisconsin Dells or Avon?

It's fun to spend time in either Wisconsin Dells or Avon. In our opinion, Avon has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Avon than Wisconsin Dells. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


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

One day in Wisconsin Dells or Avon?

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.

The active destination of Avon offers nightlife and food. 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.

A weekend in Wisconsin Dells or Avon?

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.

The town of Avon offers food and skiing. 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.


Five days in Wisconsin Dells or Avon?

You'll find food and nightlife around the high energy 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.

Avon 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.

A week in Wisconsin Dells or Avon?

The fun-filled 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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Avon. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Avon or Wisconsin Dells?

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

  • Wisconsin Dells Prices
    USA Prices
    Avon Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Wisconsin Dells $174
    Avon $326

The average daily cost (per person) in Wisconsin Dells is $174, while the average daily cost in Avon is $326. 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 Wisconsin Dells and Avon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wisconsin Dells $70
    Avon $177
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wisconsin Dells $140
    Avon $354
Compare Hotels in Wisconsin Dells and Avon

Looking for a hotel in Wisconsin Dells or Avon? 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 Wisconsin Dells


Hotels in Avon


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 and Avon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wisconsin Dells $35
    Avon $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Wisconsin Dells or Avon?

Prices for flights to both Avon and Wisconsin Dells 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
    Wisconsin Dells $74
    Avon $117

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Wisconsin Dells $46
    Avon $48

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
    Wisconsin Dells $9.14
    Avon $38


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


Which is Bigger, Wisconsin Dells or Avon?

Avon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Wisconsin Dells and Avon, 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.