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

Should you visit Columbus or Wisconsin Dells?

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

Should I visit Columbus 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.

Columbus

Columbus is a welcoming, down-to-earth, and authentic city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Wisconsin Dells

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

Columbus and Wisconsin Dells: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Wisconsin Dells?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Wisconsin Dells. Although Columbus and Wisconsin Dells are popular destinations, Wisconsin Dells has more sights and attractions for tourists. Wisconsin Dells is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Columbus attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. It is also well known for Noah's Ark Water Park. Columbus is famous for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Wisconsin Dells?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Columbus offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

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

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Columbus or Wisconsin Dells Better for Nightlife?

Wisconsin Dells is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Columbus 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.

Columbus has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is Columbus or Wisconsin Dells Better for Resorts?

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a resort destination.

Is Columbus or Wisconsin Dells Better for Hiking?

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Wisconsin Dells?

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

Columbus offers some nice shopping areas. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

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 Columbus or Wisconsin Dells Better for Families?

Wisconsin Dells is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

Columbus is a very kid-friendly city. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Is Columbus or Wisconsin Dells Better for Couples?

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Wisconsin Dells is a nice destination for couples. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

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

Columbus 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 Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

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

Is Columbus or Wisconsin Dells a more walkable city?

Columbus 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.

Columbus is a somewhat walkable place. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

Wisconsin Dells is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Columbus Worth Visiting? and Is Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wisconsin Dells or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Wisconsin Dells?

It's fun to spend time in either Columbus 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 Columbus, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wisconsin Dells.

Families should spend more time in Wisconsin Dells than Columbus. 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 Columbus. 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.

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

One day in Columbus or Wisconsin Dells?

The friendly destination of Columbus 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 Columbus or Wisconsin Dells?

The city of Columbus 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 Columbus or Wisconsin Dells?

Columbus 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 Columbus or Wisconsin Dells?

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Columbus. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

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

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Wisconsin Dells?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 300 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus or Wisconsin Dells in the Summer?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Columbus during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Columbus 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.

In the summer, Columbus is around the same temperature as Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbus in July average around 77°F (25°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 Columbus. In the summer, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Columbus gets 254 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 Columbus. Columbus usually gets more rain in July than Wisconsin Dells. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Wisconsin Dells in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Wisconsin Dells. The shopping scene are the main draw to Columbus this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Columbus is generally a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 57°F (14°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Columbus usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wisconsin Dells during autumn. Columbus gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 171 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Columbus usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Columbus or Wisconsin Dells in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Wisconsin Dells. Many travelers come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Columbus. Columbus is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the winter. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 19°F (-7°C).

In the winter, Columbus often gets less sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Columbus gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 141 hours of full sun.

Columbus usually gets more rain in January than Wisconsin Dells. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Wisconsin Dells in the Spring?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In the spring, Columbus is a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the spring temperatures in Columbus in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 49°F (10°C).

It's quite sunny in Wisconsin Dells. Columbus usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wisconsin Dells during spring. Columbus gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 208 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Columbus usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Wisconsin Dells and Columbus