A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Wisconsin Dells vs. Vernon for Families, Nightlife, Hiking, and Attractions

Should you visit Wisconsin Dells or Vernon?

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

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Vernon? 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.

Vernon

Vernon is a relaxing, quiet, and peaceful town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Vernon travel costs.

Wisconsin Dells and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wisconsin Dells or Vernon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wisconsin Dells. Although Wisconsin Dells and Vernon are both popular with visitors, Wisconsin Dells has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Wisconsin Dells is more popular for its nightlife and resorts, while Vernon is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, and shopping. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Vernon and is known for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. It is also home to Noah's Ark Water Park. Vernon is popular for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Wisconsin Dells different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Vernon 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 Vernon?

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

Vernon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

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 Vernon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Wisconsin Dells and Vernon both to be good 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.

Vernon is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Wisconsin Dells is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

Wisconsin Dells offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Vernon Better for Resorts?

Wisconsin Dells is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Vernon 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.

Vernon is not a resort destination.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Vernon 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 Vernon. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

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 Vernon?

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

Vernon offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

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 Vernon Better for Families?

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

Wisconsin Dells is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Vernon is a family-friendly city. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Vernon Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Wisconsin Dells and Vernon make for a good 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.

Vernon is a good city for couples to visit. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

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

Vernon 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 Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

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

Is Wisconsin Dells or Vernon a more walkable city?

Wisconsin Dells and Vernon both are decent when exploring on foot.

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.

Vernon is generally not a very walkable city. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

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

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Wisconsin Dells?

How long in Wisconsin Dells or Vernon?

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

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

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

One day in Wisconsin Dells or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Wisconsin Dells. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The relaxing destination of Vernon 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 Vernon?

Wisconsin Dells is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The town of Vernon 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 Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wisconsin Dells. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vernon 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 Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy destination of Wisconsin Dells. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Vernon. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Wisconsin Dells and Vernon, we can see that Wisconsin Dells is more expensive. And not only is Vernon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vernon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vernon 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 Vernon.

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 Vernon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Wisconsin Dells or Vernon?

Vernon has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Wisconsin Dells and Vernon, 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 Vernon?

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 Vernon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Wisconsin Dells and Vernon. Many travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Vernon in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Wisconsin Dells is around the same temperature as Vernon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wisconsin Dells in July average around 74°F (24°C), and Vernon averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In July, Wisconsin Dells usually receives more rain than Vernon. Wisconsin Dells gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Vernon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Wisconsin Dells as well as Vernon. Many visitors come to Wisconsin Dells in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Vernon for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Wisconsin Dells is generally around the same temperature as Vernon. Daily temperatures in Wisconsin Dells average around 52°F (11°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Wisconsin Dells usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. Wisconsin Dells gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Vernon in the Winter?

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

The weather in Vernon can be very cold. Wisconsin Dells can be very cold during winter. Wisconsin Dells is much colder than Vernon in the winter. The daily temperature in Wisconsin Dells averages around 19°F (-7°C) in January, and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

In January, Wisconsin Dells usually receives around the same amount of rain as Vernon. Wisconsin Dells gets 1 inches (25 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Vernon in the Spring?

Both Vernon and Wisconsin Dells during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Wisconsin Dells is cooler than Vernon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wisconsin Dells in April average around 49°F (10°C), and Vernon averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Wisconsin Dells usually gets more rain in April than Vernon. Wisconsin Dells gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Wisconsin Dells