A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Adirondack Mountains vs. Milwaukee for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee?

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

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee? 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.

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a serene, pristine, and scenic region. The beauty of Adirondack Mountains is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Adirondack Mountains travel costs.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a welcoming, undiscovered, and friendly city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Milwaukee travel costs.

Adirondack Mountains and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Adirondack Mountains than Milwaukee, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Adirondack Mountains is more touristy than Milwaukee and is popular for its miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and pristine forests. Also, Adirondack Mountains is famous for Whiteface Mountain. Milwaukee is well known for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Adirondack Mountains different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee Better for Skiing?

Adirondack Mountains
Milwaukee

Adirondack Mountains is a region with good options for skiing and snowboarding. However, Milwaukee is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Adirondack Mountains is a great destination to visit. There are a number of ski resorts in the area with some of the most popular being Whiteface, Titus Mountain, and Oak Mountain.

Milwaukee is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee?

Adirondack Mountains
Milwaukee

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Adirondack Mountains and Milwaukee.

Adirondack Mountains offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You can learn about local culture and heritage at any of the museums in the area. At the Adirondack Experience you can visit a vast campus that offers an open-air experience relating to the region's history. Other educational centers in the area include a wildlife center, several art museums, as well as battlefields, forts, and war museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Milwaukee. There are several unique museums like the Harley-Davidson Museum, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum. There's also the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Grohmann Museum as well as outdoor sculpture parks and other cultural and historic museums.

Is the Food Better in Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Adirondack Mountains
Milwaukee

Adirondack Mountains is a region with good options for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Adirondack Mountains has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Steakhouses, pancake shops, and local diners all serve up fresh and local dishes. Many visitors like to pack a picnic that they can enjoy along a hiking trail, but if you're looking for a sit down option, there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Milwaukee may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The Midwest is known for its artery clogging comfort foods, and Milwaukee is no exception. Cheese curds, fried fish, fruit dumplings, and frozen custard are all popular.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Adirondack Mountains
Milwaukee

Evening events are notable in both Adirondack Mountains and Milwaukee.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Adirondack Mountains. There are laid back bars and pubs in the area, but for the best nightlife scene, head to Lake Placid.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Milwaukee. You'll find a decent number of breweries around town. There are also wine bars, nightclubs, and live music venues that are worth checking out.


Is Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee Better for Resorts?

Adirondack Mountains
Milwaukee

Adirondack Mountains is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milwaukee is not a resort destination.

In Adirondack Mountains, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Lodges and inns fill with vacationers who enjoy the pools and scenic settings that many of the resorts offer. Many places have a summer camp atmosphere that feels both wholesome and adventurous.

Milwaukee is not a resort destination.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee Better for Hiking?

Adirondack Mountains
Milwaukee

Adirondack Mountains is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Adirondack Mountains. Trails range from easy to challenging and each passes through beautiful and diverse landscapes. You can climb to scenic viewpoints or explore pristine forests. It's the perfect way to escape into nature for a bit.

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee?

Adirondack Mountains
Milwaukee

Both Adirondack Mountains and Milwaukee are notable shopping destinations.

Adirondack Mountains offers some nice shopping areas. Many of the towns have a "general store" where you can pick up souvenirs or local items. There are also local artisan shops and even outlet malls in the area.

Milwaukee has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find the standard shopping centers and shopping malls around town, but if you want some more local vendors, check out the areas around the Historic Third Ward and The Village in Wauwatosa.


Is Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee More Beautiful?

Adirondack Mountains
Milwaukee

Adirondack Mountains is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Milwaukee is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Adirondack Mountains is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Beautiful lakes and waterfalls, serene settings, and striking viewpoints make this a beautiful destination where you can escape into nature.

Milwaukee is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Adirondack Mountains
Milwaukee

Adirondack Mountains is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Adirondack Mountains is very family-friendly. There area is filled with ropes courses, adventure parks, and hiking trails. There are nature centers with information programs for young ones. The kids will also be a enchanted by the waterfalls as the adults are.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Milwaukee. Kids will enjoy a visit to Discovery World, which is a science center with hands-on exhibits. There's also the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Milwaukee Public Museum. Younger kids will also enjoy a stop at Betty Brinn Children's Museum.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Adirondack Mountains
Milwaukee

Adirondack Mountains is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

Adirondack Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many lodges and inns that are tucked away in the mountains and make for a romantic retreat. Couples will enjoy the hiking and beautiful views. Whether you spend your time cozied up by the fire or out on an adventure, this is a wonderful romantic destination.

Milwaukee is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Take a walk or visit a local restaurant. There are also museums and performances that make for a nice outing.


Is Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Adirondack Mountains
Milwaukee

Adirondack Mountains is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Adirondack Mountains. There are a number of campgrounds and even backcountry camping in the region. The hiking trails and beautiful setting make this a fun place to explore.

Milwaukee is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's not a lot to attract backpackers to the area.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Adirondack Mountains
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a popular place for students. However, Adirondack Mountains is not popular with students.

Milwaukee is a good city to visit for students. It's home to a number of colleges and universities, so there is a bit of a college town vibe.

Adirondack Mountains is not popular with students.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Adirondack Mountains
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Milwaukee. There are buses that travel around town.

Public transit is quite limited in Adirondack Mountains. There is no real public transportation in the park.


Is Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Adirondack Mountains
Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

Milwaukee is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are relatively compact and walkable. The most walkable neighborhoods are East Side, Riverwest, Brewers Hill, Downtown, Avenues West/Marquette, Third Ward, Walker's Point, and Bay View.

Adirondack Mountains is not a very walkable region. While there are many hiking trails, to get around and access most destinations, you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Adirondack Mountains Worth Visiting? and Is Milwaukee Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Adirondack Mountains?

How long in Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Adirondack Mountains than Milwaukee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Adirondack Mountains, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.

Families should spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than Milwaukee. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Adirondack Mountains, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than Milwaukee. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Adirondack Mountains that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than Milwaukee 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 Adirondack Mountains.


  • How many days in Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Adirondack Mountains 3-7 
    Milwaukee 1-2

One day in Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee?

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the region of Adirondack Mountains. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the destination of Milwaukee. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milwaukee has to offer.

A weekend in Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee?

You'll find nightlife and food around the scenic destination of Adirondack Mountains. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Milwaukee is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.


Five days in Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee?

You'll find food and shopping around the serene region of Adirondack Mountains. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this region makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this region has to offer.

Many people visit Milwaukee for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Milwaukee. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee?

Adirondack Mountains is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Adirondack Mountains, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The undiscovered destination of Milwaukee offers nightlife and shopping. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee or Adirondack Mountains?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Adirondack Mountains Prices
    USA Prices
    Milwaukee Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Adirondack Mountains $202
    Milwaukee $214

The average daily cost (per person) in Adirondack Mountains is $202, while the average daily cost in Milwaukee is $214. 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 Adirondack Mountains and Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Adirondack Mountains $97
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Adirondack Mountains $194
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Adirondack Mountains and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee? 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.

Hotels in Adirondack Mountains


Hotels in Milwaukee


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Adirondack Mountains $33
    Milwaukee $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milwaukee

Also for Milwaukee, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Transfer from Milwaukee Airport MKE to Milwaukee by SUV: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee and Adirondack Mountains 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Adirondack Mountains $85
    Milwaukee $90

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milwaukee

For Milwaukee, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Milwaukee Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Secret Walking Food Tour Milwaukee: $103
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Milwaukee: $103
  • Original Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Adirondack Mountains $17
    Milwaukee $26

Tours and Activities in Milwaukee

For Milwaukee, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Skip the Line: Museum Admission Ticket - Grohmann Museum: $5.00
  • The Grand Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour through Milwaukee: $6.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Milwaukee by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Game Ticket at American Family Field: $14
  • Milwaukee Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee Haunted Walking Tour: $24
  • Milwaukee Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Shakers Original Historical Ghost Tour: $27
  • Milwaukee Downtown Ghost Tour - The Shadow of City Hall: $29
  • Downtown Kenosha Urban Art and Photography Walking Tour: $30
  • Brew City Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee By US Ghost Adventures: $32
  • Milwaukee Private or Public Pedal Tavern Tour : $36
  • Private Metal Detecting Tour to Simmons Island Beach of Kenosha: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Adirondack Mountains $19
    Milwaukee $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Milwaukee

Also in Milwaukee, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Sip of Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Snack: $99


When comparing the travel costs between Adirondack Mountains and Milwaukee, we can see that Milwaukee is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Adirondack Mountains Expensive? and Is Milwaukee Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee in the Summer?

Both Milwaukee and Adirondack Mountains during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Adirondack Mountains in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Milwaukee for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Adirondack Mountains is around the same temperature as Milwaukee in the summer. The daily temperature in Adirondack Mountains averages around 71°F (22°C) in July, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

In Milwaukee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Adirondack Mountains. In the summer, Adirondack Mountains often gets less sunshine than Milwaukee. Adirondack Mountains gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 321 hours of full sun.

Adirondack Mountains usually gets less rain in July than Milwaukee. Adirondack Mountains gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Adirondack Mountains 71°F (22°C) 
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Adirondack Mountains and Milwaukee. Most visitors come to Adirondack Mountains for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Adirondack Mountains is cooler than Milwaukee. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Adirondack Mountains in October average around 49°F (9°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 53°F (12°C).

Adirondack Mountains usually receives less sunshine than Milwaukee during autumn. Adirondack Mountains gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 174 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Adirondack Mountains usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Adirondack Mountains gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Adirondack Mountains 49°F (9°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Adirondack Mountains as well as Milwaukee. The winter months attract visitors to Adirondack Mountains because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year.

It's quite cold in Milwaukee in the winter. The weather in Adirondack Mountains can be very cold. In January, Adirondack Mountains is generally cooler than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Adirondack Mountains average around 18°F (-8°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Adirondack Mountains often gets less sunshine than Milwaukee. Adirondack Mountains gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milwaukee receives 138 hours of full sun.

Adirondack Mountains usually gets more rain in January than Milwaukee. Adirondack Mountains gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Adirondack Mountains 18°F (-8°C) 
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Milwaukee in the Spring?

Both Milwaukee and Adirondack Mountains are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Adirondack Mountains this time of year.

Adirondack Mountains is cooler than Milwaukee in the spring. The daily temperature in Adirondack Mountains averages around 46°F (8°C) in April, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

It's quite sunny in Milwaukee. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Adirondack Mountains. Adirondack Mountains usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milwaukee during spring. Adirondack Mountains gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Milwaukee receives 211 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Adirondack Mountains usually receives around the same amount of rain as Milwaukee. Adirondack Mountains gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Adirondack Mountains 46°F (8°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 21°F (-6°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 33°F (1°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 46°F (8°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 57°F (14°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 66°F (19°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 71°F (22°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 69°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 49°F (9°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 38°F (4°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 25°F (-4°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)