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

Should you visit Wisconsin Dells or Boulder?

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

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Boulder? 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 lighthearted, high energy, and fun-filled city. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and nightlife. See Wisconsin Dells travel costs.

Boulder

Boulder is a outdoorsy, nature-filled, and biker-friendly city. Boulder is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Boulder travel costs.

Wisconsin Dells and Boulder: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wisconsin Dells or Boulder?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Boulder than Wisconsin Dells, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Boulder is better known for its skiing, music, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Wisconsin Dells is more popular for its nightlife and resorts. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Boulder and is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Boulder is well known for its outdoor sports, biker-friendly downtown, vibrant downtown, and many local breweries. Also, Boulder is famous for The Flatirons.

How is Wisconsin Dells different from Boulder?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Wisconsin Dells or Boulder Better for Skiing?

Boulder is a city with a few options for winter skiing. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a skiing destination.

Boulder is a fun local destination for snow skiers. The town offers access within an hour or two to several great ski resorts including Eldora Mountain, Vail, and Breckenridge.

Wisconsin Dells is not a skiing destination.

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

Plenty of people visit the respectable sights and museums in both Wisconsin Dells and Boulder.

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 Boulder specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people visit Boulder for the outdoor activities more than the museums and sights. If have the time you can wander around the University of Colorado Boulder campus, visit the Museum of Boulder, or see the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art.

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

Foodies will find both Wisconsin Dells and Boulder both to be notable 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.

Boulder is becoming an appealing option for foodies. This is an often overlooked foodie town, with great farmer's markets and restaurants to try. There are many casual places to eat as well as vegetarian and vegan friendly options everywhere.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Boulder Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Boulder. The town has breweries, craft beer, and plenty to do in the evening. Live music is popular and many venues are smaller with a more personal atmosphere. Check out The Bitter Bar or License No. 1 for a local vibe.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Boulder Better for Music?

Boulder is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Boulder is active and vibrant. During the summer months there are often outdoor concerts. Head to Pearl Street for open air stages or see a concert at Boulder Theater.

Wisconsin Dells is not a live music destination.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Boulder Better for Resorts?

Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Boulder is not a resort destination.

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.

Boulder is not a resort destination.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Boulder Better for Hiking?

Boulder 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 Boulder. There are many accessible hikes in the area that take you through the mountains, by wildflowers, or up mountain peaks. Popular hikes that are nearby include the Bear Peak Summit Hike, the trails in Eldorado Canyon State Park, and Boulder Falls.

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 Wisconsin Dells or Boulder?

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

Boulder offers some nice shopping areas. The downtown area has many local retailers where you can shop for clothing, art, or home goods. You can also pick up outdoor gear, camping equipment, and any other items you may need in town. Make sure you wander down the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall.

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 Wisconsin Dells or Boulder More Beautiful?

Boulder is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a destination known for its beauty.

Boulder is a beautiful place to visit, too. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Many people move here specifically for the surrounding natural beauty.

Wisconsin Dells is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Boulder Better for Families?

Wisconsin Dells is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-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.

Boulder is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has parks, playgrounds, a planetarium, and climbing gyms that are fun for kids of all ages. There are plenty places to get outdoors with hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor recreational activities. Eldorado Canyon State Park is a great place to explore as well.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Boulder Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Wisconsin Dells and Boulder make for a notable 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.

Boulder is a good city for couples to visit. This is a great city for couples who love outdoor adventures, hiking, rock climbing, and cycling. You can wander down Pearl Street or go for a bike ride. There are also great restaurants where you can enjoy a meal and then head to Panorama Point to take in the view.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Boulder Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boulder 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 Boulder. There are a number of backcountry areas in the region that are perfect for backpackers. The city also has a young population and several affordable places to stay.

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 Wisconsin Dells or Boulder Better for Students?

Boulder is a great destination for students. However, Wisconsin Dells is not popular with students.

Boulder is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. With the University of Colorado, Boulder in town, this city is a popular spot for students. It's an outdoor enthusiast's perfect base with many outdoor recreational activities in the area.

Wisconsin Dells is not popular with students.

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

Boulder 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 Boulder. There are buses that run around town, but you really need a car to fully experience everything that the city has to offer.

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

Is Wisconsin Dells or Boulder a more walkable city?

Boulder 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.

Boulder is a somewhat walkable place. The city has some nice walkable areas and it is very bike-friendly.

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 Boulder Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boulder or Wisconsin Dells?

How long in Wisconsin Dells or Boulder?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Wisconsin Dells and Boulder. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Wisconsin Dells than in Boulder. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Wisconsin Dells, and 2-3 days is enough time in Boulder.

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

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

One day in Wisconsin Dells or Boulder?

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.

The outdoorsy destination of Boulder offers nightlife and live music. 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 not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Wisconsin Dells or Boulder?

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.

The city of Boulder offers live music and food. 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.

Five days in Wisconsin Dells or Boulder?

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.

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

A week in Wisconsin Dells or Boulder?

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.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Boulder. 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.

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Wisconsin Dells or Boulder?

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