A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Wisconsin Dells vs. Redwood National Park for Hiking, Families, Backpackers, and Couples

Should you visit Wisconsin Dells or Redwood National Park?

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

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Redwood 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

Wisconsin Dells is a high energy, fun-filled, and lighthearted city. Other popular activities here include hiking, nightlife, and food. See Wisconsin Dells travel costs.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a impressive, monumental, and grand park. The famous beauty of Redwood National Park is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches and hiking. See Redwood National Park travel costs.

Wisconsin Dells and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wisconsin Dells or Redwood National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wisconsin Dells. Although Wisconsin Dells and Redwood National Park are both popular with visitors, Wisconsin Dells has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Wisconsin Dells is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Redwood National Park is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Redwood National Park and is known for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. It is also home to Noah's Ark Water Park. Redwood National Park is popular for being the home of the world's tallest trees.

How is Wisconsin Dells different from Redwood National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Redwood National Park 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 Redwood National Park?

Wisconsin Dells is a city with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Redwood National Park. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.

Is the Food Better in Wisconsin Dells or Redwood National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Wisconsin Dells area. 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.

While Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Wisconsin Dells is well known for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Wisconsin Dells is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Redwood National Park The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Redwood National Park Better for Resorts?

Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for its resorts. However, Redwood National Park is not a resort destination.

Wisconsin Dells has a few great resort options. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Redwood National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Redwood National Park is a popular place for the beach. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Redwood National Park is a good option for a beach vacation. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.

Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Redwood National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

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 Redwood National Park?

Wisconsin Dells is a city with a few options for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

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.

Shopping in Redwood National Park can be found for those interested. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Redwood National Park More Beautiful?

Redwood 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 Redwood National Park is one of the main draws. The majestic redwood trees will take your breath away. These ancient forests offer a truly unique experience and you'll feel small in comparison to their grand height.

Wisconsin Dells is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Wisconsin Dells is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Redwood National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Redwood National Park is a very family-friendly destination. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Redwood National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.

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 Redwood National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Redwood 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 Redwood National Park. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

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 Redwood National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Wisconsin Dells or Redwood National Park offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.

Public transit is quite limited in Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Wisconsin Dells is a city with a few options for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

Wisconsin Dells is generally not very walkable. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.

Redwood National Park is not a very walkable city. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting? and Is Redwood National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Redwood National Park or Wisconsin Dells?

How long in Wisconsin Dells or Redwood National Park?

In either Wisconsin Dells or Redwood National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Redwood National Park than Wisconsin Dells because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Wisconsin Dells, and 3-5 days is enough time in Redwood National Park.

Families should spend more time in Wisconsin Dells than Redwood 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Redwood 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 Redwood National Park.

One day in Wisconsin Dells or Redwood National Park?

In Wisconsin Dells, you'll find nightlife and food. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The impressive destination of Redwood National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 Redwood National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wisconsin Dells. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city. It offers something for everyone.

The park of Redwood National Park offers . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Wisconsin Dells or Redwood National Park?

Wisconsin Dells is a fun place to experience. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Redwood National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This park offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Wisconsin Dells or Redwood National Park?

You'll find food and nightlife around the high energy destination of Wisconsin Dells. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Redwood 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Wisconsin Dells and Redwood National Park, we can see that Wisconsin Dells is more expensive. And not only is Redwood National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Redwood National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Redwood National Park 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 Wisconsin Dells would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wisconsin Dells than you might in Redwood National Park.

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 Redwood National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Wisconsin Dells or Redwood National Park?

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 Redwood National Park in the Summer?

Both Redwood National Park and Wisconsin Dells are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Redwood National Park because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Wisconsin Dells is much warmer than Redwood National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wisconsin Dells in July average around 74°F (24°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 57°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Redwood National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wisconsin Dells. Wisconsin Dells usually receives more sunshine than Redwood National Park during summer. Wisconsin Dells gets 309 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 274 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Wisconsin Dells usually receives more rain than Redwood National Park. Wisconsin Dells gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Redwood National Park in the Autumn?

Both Redwood National Park and Wisconsin Dells during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Wisconsin Dells because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Redwood National Park this time of year.

In October, Wisconsin Dells is generally cooler than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Wisconsin Dells average around 52°F (11°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Wisconsin Dells often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Redwood National Park. Wisconsin Dells gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 177 hours of full sun.

Wisconsin Dells usually gets less rain in October than Redwood National Park. Wisconsin Dells gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Redwood National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Wisconsin Dells and Redwood National Park. 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. Wisconsin Dells is much colder than Redwood National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Wisconsin Dells averages around 19°F (-7°C) in January, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Wisconsin Dells usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Redwood National Park during winter. Wisconsin Dells gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.

Redwood National Park receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Wisconsin Dells usually receives less rain than Redwood National Park. Wisconsin Dells gets 1 inches (25 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 6 inches (152 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Redwood National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Wisconsin Dells as well as Redwood National Park. Additionally, many visitors come to Redwood National Park in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Wisconsin Dells is around the same temperature as Redwood National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wisconsin Dells in April average around 49°F (10°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 50°F (10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Redwood National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wisconsin Dells this time of the year. In the spring, Wisconsin Dells often gets less sunshine than Redwood National Park. Wisconsin Dells gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 254 hours of full sun.

Wisconsin Dells usually gets less rain in April than Redwood National Park. Wisconsin Dells gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Wisconsin Dells