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

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Blue Ridge and Wisconsin Dells. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a charming, outdoorsy, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a fun-filled, lighthearted, and high energy city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Blue Ridge and Wisconsin Dells: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Blue Ridge. Although Blue Ridge and Wisconsin Dells are popular destinations, Blue Ridge has more sights and attractions for tourists. Blue Ridge is very popular for its 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 Blue Ridge and is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Blue Ridge is famous for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. It is also well known for Chattahoochee National Forest.

How is Blue Ridge different from Wisconsin Dells?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Blue Ridge
Wisconsin Dells

Spend time exploring the reasonable sights and museums in either Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells.

While most people don't head to Blue Ridge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

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.


Is the Food Better in Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Blue Ridge
Wisconsin Dells

Blue Ridge is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Blue Ridge. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

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 Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells Better for Nightlife?

Blue Ridge
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Blue Ridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Is Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells Better for Resorts?

Blue Ridge
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Blue Ridge 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.

Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.


Is Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge
Wisconsin Dells

Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

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 Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells?

Blue Ridge
Wisconsin Dells

Blue Ridge is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Blue Ridge is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

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 Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells Better for Families?

Blue Ridge
Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Blue Ridge 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.

Blue Ridge is a very kid-friendly town. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.


Is Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge
Wisconsin Dells

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

Couples visit Blue Ridge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

Wisconsin Dells is a good town 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 Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge
Wisconsin Dells

Blue Ridge is a great destination for backpackers. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Blue Ridge is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

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

Blue Ridge
Wisconsin Dells

Neither Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

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


Is Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge
Wisconsin Dells

Blue Ridge 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.

Blue Ridge is a somewhat walkable place. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

Wisconsin Dells is generally not a very walkable town. 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 Blue Ridge Worth Visiting? and Is Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wisconsin Dells or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells?

It's fun to spend time in either Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wisconsin Dells.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge.


  • How many days in Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells? Ideal Length of Stay
    Blue Ridge 2-5 
    Wisconsin Dells 2-4

One day in Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells?

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. 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 not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With food and nightlife around the fun-filled city of Wisconsin Dells, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells?

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Wisconsin Dells, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.


Five days in Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells?

Blue Ridge 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. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Wisconsin Dells, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells?

Since Blue Ridge is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Wisconsin Dells or Blue Ridge?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Blue Ridge is $124, while the average daily cost in Wisconsin Dells is $142. 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 Blue Ridge and Wisconsin Dells in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Blue Ridge $67
    Wisconsin Dells $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Blue Ridge $134
    Wisconsin Dells $140
Compare Hotels in Blue Ridge and Wisconsin Dells

Looking for a hotel in Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells? 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 Blue Ridge


Hotels in Wisconsin Dells


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: Blue Ridge Hotel Prices and Wisconsin Dells Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Blue Ridge $34
    Wisconsin Dells $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells?

Prices for flights to both Wisconsin Dells and Blue Ridge 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
    Blue Ridge $35
    Wisconsin Dells $43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Blue Ridge $18
    Wisconsin Dells $46

Tours and Activities in Blue Ridge

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

  • 2 Hour Culture Tour in Helen: $25
  • 2-Hour Helen Haunts and History Walk Tour: $29

Tours and Activities in Wisconsin Dells

Here are a few actual costs in Wisconsin Dells for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • City and History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $24
  • Haunted Downtown Tour of Baraboo: $16
  • Haunted History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Blue Ridge $20
    Wisconsin Dells $9.14


When comparing the travel costs between Blue Ridge and Wisconsin Dells, we can see that Wisconsin Dells 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 Blue Ridge Expensive? and Is Wisconsin Dells Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells?

Wisconsin Dells has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge and Wisconsin Dells, 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 Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells?

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 Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells in the Summer?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Blue Ridge during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Blue Ridge is a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the summer temperatures in Blue Ridge in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 74°F (24°C).

In Wisconsin Dells, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. In the summer, Blue Ridge often gets less sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 309 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in July than Wisconsin Dells. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Blue Ridge 81°F (27°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Wisconsin Dells. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Wisconsin Dells in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Blue Ridge is generally much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 63°F (17°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Blue Ridge usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during autumn. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 171 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Blue Ridge 63°F (17°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Wisconsin Dells. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Wisconsin Dells for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Wisconsin Dells can be very cold during winter. Blue Ridge can get quite cold in the winter. Blue Ridge is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the winter. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 19°F (-7°C).

In the winter, Blue Ridge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wisconsin Dells. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 141 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the winter. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in January than Wisconsin Dells. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Blue Ridge 40°F (5°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 19°F (-7°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Wisconsin Dells in the Spring?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Blue Ridge is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the spring temperatures in Blue Ridge in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 49°F (10°C).

It's quite sunny in Wisconsin Dells. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during spring. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 208 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In April, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Blue Ridge 62°F (17°C) 
    Wisconsin Dells 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Wisconsin Dells and Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge Wisconsin Dells
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 19°F (-7°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 39°F (4°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 25°F (-4°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)