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

Should you visit Wisconsin Dells or Ketchikan?

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

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Ketchikan? 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.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a scenic, quaint, and local town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The beauty of Ketchikan is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Ketchikan travel costs.

Wisconsin Dells and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wisconsin Dells or Ketchikan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ketchikan. Although Wisconsin Dells and Ketchikan are popular destinations, Ketchikan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ketchikan is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Wisconsin Dells attracts visitors for its nightlife and resorts. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Ketchikan and is known for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Ketchikan is famous for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. It is also well known for the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center.

How is Wisconsin Dells different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Ketchikan offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

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

Ketchikan is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Ketchikan is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

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.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Wisconsin Dells is notable for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Ketchikan Better for Resorts?

Wisconsin Dells is very good for its resorts. However, Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan is not a resort destination.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Ketchikan specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

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 Ketchikan?

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

Ketchikan offers some nice shopping areas. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

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 Ketchikan More Beautiful?

Ketchikan is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Ketchikan is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's located at the southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage, so you can expect dramatic natural beauty and a breathtaking setting.

Wisconsin Dells is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Ketchikan Better for Families?

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

Wisconsin Dells is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Ketchikan is very family-friendly. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Ketchikan Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Ketchikan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

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 Wisconsin Dells or Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

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 Ketchikan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

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

Is Wisconsin Dells or Ketchikan a more walkable city?

Ketchikan is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Ketchikan is a very walkable town. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

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 Ketchikan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Wisconsin Dells?

How long in Wisconsin Dells or Ketchikan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Wisconsin Dells and Ketchikan. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Wisconsin Dells than in Ketchikan. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Wisconsin Dells, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ketchikan.

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

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

One day in Wisconsin Dells or Ketchikan?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Wisconsin Dells. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The scenic destination of Ketchikan 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.

A weekend in Wisconsin Dells or Ketchikan?

You'll find food and nightlife around the high energy destination of Wisconsin Dells. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The town of Ketchikan offers museums 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 Ketchikan?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy city of Wisconsin Dells. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ketchikan 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.

A week in Wisconsin Dells or Ketchikan?

Wisconsin Dells is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Ketchikan. 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 Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Wisconsin Dells or Ketchikan?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Ketchikan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Wisconsin Dells and Ketchikan. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wisconsin Dells this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Wisconsin Dells is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Wisconsin Dells average around 74°F (24°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Wisconsin Dells usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Wisconsin Dells gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Wisconsin Dells as well as Ketchikan. Many travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Wisconsin Dells is a little warmer than Ketchikan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Wisconsin Dells averages around 52°F (11°C) in October, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Wisconsin Dells usually gets less rain in October than Ketchikan. Wisconsin Dells gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Ketchikan in the Winter?

Both Ketchikan and Wisconsin Dells are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Wisconsin Dells in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ketchikan can be very cold during winter. Wisconsin Dells can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Wisconsin Dells is much colder than Ketchikan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Wisconsin Dells in January average around 19°F (-7°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 34°F (1°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In January, Wisconsin Dells usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Wisconsin Dells gets 1 inches (25 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Ketchikan in the Spring?

Both Ketchikan and Wisconsin Dells during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Wisconsin Dells is generally a little warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Wisconsin Dells average around 49°F (10°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Wisconsin Dells usually gets less rain in April than Ketchikan. Wisconsin Dells gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Wisconsin Dells