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

Should you visit Columbia or Wisconsin Dells?

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

Should I visit Columbia or Wisconsin Dells? 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.

Columbia

Columbia is a friendly, welcoming, and suburban city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a lighthearted, high energy, and fun-filled city. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and nightlife.

Columbia and Wisconsin Dells: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbia or Wisconsin Dells?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Wisconsin Dells than Columbia, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Wisconsin Dells is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Columbia is more popular for its museums and shopping. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Columbia and is known for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Also, Wisconsin Dells is famous for Noah's Ark Water Park. Columbia is well known for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Columbia different from Wisconsin Dells?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Columbia offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

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

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

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.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Columbia or Wisconsin Dells Better for Nightlife?

Wisconsin Dells is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Is Columbia or Wisconsin Dells Better for Resorts?

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place for its resorts. However, Columbia is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Wisconsin Dells makes a nice vacation spot. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Columbia is not a resort destination.

Is Columbia or Wisconsin Dells Better for Hiking?

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia or Wisconsin Dells?

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

Columbia offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

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 Columbia or Wisconsin Dells Better for Families?

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

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Wisconsin Dells is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Columbia is a family-friendly city. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Is Columbia or Wisconsin Dells Better for Couples?

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

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.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Columbia or Wisconsin Dells Better for Students?

Columbia is a popular place for students. However, Wisconsin Dells is not popular with students.

Columbia is popular with students. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Wisconsin Dells is not popular with students.

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

Columbia is a city 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 Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

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

Is Columbia or Wisconsin Dells a more walkable city?

Wisconsin Dells is a moderate city for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Columbia is not a very walkable city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

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

Should I spend more time in Wisconsin Dells or Columbia?

How long in Columbia or Wisconsin Dells?

It's fun to spend time in either Columbia or Wisconsin Dells. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Wisconsin Dells due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbia, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wisconsin Dells.

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

One day in Columbia or Wisconsin Dells?

The friendly destination of Columbia offers shopping and museums. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The city of Wisconsin Dells offers food and nightlife. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Columbia or Wisconsin Dells?

The city of Columbia offers museums and nightlife. 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.

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Wisconsin Dells, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbia or Wisconsin Dells?

Columbia is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Wisconsin Dells is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Columbia or Wisconsin Dells?

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Columbia. 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 great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Columbia or Wisconsin Dells?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Columbia 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 Columbia or Wisconsin Dells?

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 Columbia or Wisconsin Dells in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Wisconsin Dells. The summer months attract visitors to Columbia because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wisconsin Dells this time of year.

Columbia is a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the summer. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wisconsin Dells this time of the year. In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wisconsin Dells during summer. Columbia gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 309 hours of full sun in the summer.

Columbia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Columbia usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Columbia or Wisconsin Dells in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Wisconsin Dells. The shopping scene are the main draw to Columbia this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Columbia is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Columbia in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia this time of the year. In the autumn, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Columbia gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 171 hours of full sun.

Columbia usually gets more rain in October than Wisconsin Dells. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Wisconsin Dells in the Winter?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Columbia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Wisconsin Dells in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Wisconsin Dells can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Columbia is generally much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 45°F (7°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 19°F (-7°C).

Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during winter. Columbia gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Columbia usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Columbia or Wisconsin Dells in the Spring?

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

Columbia is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the spring. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

In Wisconsin Dells, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Columbia. In the spring, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Columbia gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 208 hours of full sun.

Columbia usually gets more rain in April than Wisconsin Dells. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Wisconsin Dells and Columbia