Which place is cheaper, Grand Canyon National Park 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.
Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Grand Canyon National Park? 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 is a fun-filled, lighthearted, and high energy city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Wisconsin Dells travel costs.
Grand Canyon National Park is a world-renowned, gorgeous, and striking national park. The famous beauty of Grand Canyon National Park is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Grand Canyon National Park travel costs.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Grand Canyon National Park. Although Wisconsin Dells and Grand Canyon National Park are popular destinations, Grand Canyon National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Grand Canyon National Park is very popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Wisconsin Dells attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Wisconsin Dells is famous for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Grand Canyon National Park is famous for its iconic beauty, layers of color, breathtaking sunsets, and world-renowned geological history. It is also well known for the sunset views.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Grand Canyon National Park and Wisconsin Dells. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Wisconsin Dells is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Grand Canyon National Park does not have museums and landmarks.
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.
Grand Canyon National Park does not have museums and landmarks.
Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Grand Canyon National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.
There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.
You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Grand Canyon National Park. There are several markets, restaurants, and cafes in the park but, in general, the options are expensive and not the best. If possible, bring your own food and plan for a picnic with a view.
Wisconsin Dells is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Grand Canyon National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.
Wisconsin Dells has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.
Grand Canyon National Park is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a couple of bars that aren't too far from the park but you'll do better to bring your own drinks and enjoy the scenic setting.
Wisconsin Dells and Grand Canyon National Park 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.
Grand Canyon National Park has a few great resort options. There are several options within and near the park that range from luxury to affordable. Reservations should be made well in advance for most hotels within the park. Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon Lodge (North Rim) and Phantom Ranch are all unique places to stay.
Grand Canyon National Park 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 Grand Canyon National Park. Hiking options at the Grand Canyon include an easy walk along the rim or a hike into the canyon. If you're planning to enjoy a view from the rim and then stroll along the rim walk, a day or two is plenty. Hiking into the canyon is a thrilling experience, but it does require more preparation and planning. You should also check out the weather before you depart as temperatures within the canyon can become dangerously hot.
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.
Wisconsin Dells is a decent place to visit for shopping. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.
Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.
Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.
Grand Canyon National Park is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a destination known for its beauty.
The famous beauty of Grand Canyon National Park is one of the main draws. The canyon is a breathtaking national landmark that has striking colors and spectacular views.
Wisconsin Dells is not a destination known for its beauty.
Wisconsin Dells is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Grand Canyon National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.
You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Grand Canyon National Park. This park is a spectacular landmark with a number of nature programs that kids can enjoy. There's also a simple rim walk along the edge of the canyon that is perfect for little legs.
Grand Canyon National Park is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.
Grand Canyon National Park makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy beauty, nature, and adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are amazing hikes and breathtaking views that make this a truly romantic destination. There are also several hotels and lodges that make for a truly romantic getaway (book well in advance!).
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.
Grand Canyon National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.
Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Grand Canyon National Park. Backpackers and budget travelers can take in one of America's most notable landmarks while camping at the large and affordable national park campground.
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.
Grand Canyon National Park is a national park 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 Grand Canyon National Park. There are free shuttle buses that run along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Public transit is quite limited in Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.
Grand Canyon National Park 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.
Grand Canyon National Park is a somewhat walkable place. There's a nice rim walk that is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, but to reach many parts of the park you'll want to have a car or plan to take some form of transit.
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 Grand Canyon National Park Worth Visiting?.
It's fun to spend time in either Wisconsin Dells or Grand Canyon National Park. In our opinion, Grand Canyon National Park has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Grand Canyon National Park than Wisconsin Dells. In general, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Wisconsin Dells, and 1-4 days is enough time in Grand Canyon National Park.
Families should spend more time in Wisconsin Dells than Grand Canyon National Park. 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 Grand Canyon National Park than Wisconsin Dells. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Grand Canyon National Park that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Grand Canyon National Park 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 Grand Canyon National Park.
In Wisconsin Dells, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this fun-filled destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
The world-renowned destination of Grand Canyon National Park offers . 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, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.
The national park of Grand Canyon National Park offers . 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.
Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting Wisconsin Dells. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.
Grand Canyon National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This national park offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the city of Wisconsin Dells. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
Many people enjoy the when visiting Grand Canyon National Park. 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.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Wisconsin Dells is $174, while the average daily cost in Grand Canyon National Park is $203. 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 Grand Canyon National Park in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Wisconsin Dells or Grand Canyon 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.
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.
Prices for flights to both Grand Canyon National Park 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.
For Grand Canyon National Park, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are a few actual costs in Wisconsin Dells for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
For Grand Canyon National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Wisconsin Dells and Grand Canyon National Park, we can see that Grand Canyon National Park 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 Grand Canyon National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Grand Canyon National Park 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 Grand Canyon National Park Expensive?.