A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gatlinburg vs. Wisconsin Dells for Nightlife, Resorts, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Wisconsin Dells?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Gatlinburg and Wisconsin Dells can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a high energy, wild, and flashy city. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Wisconsin Dells

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

Gatlinburg and Wisconsin Dells: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Wisconsin Dells?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Gatlinburg and Wisconsin Dells are popular destinations, Gatlinburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Gatlinburg is very popular for its skiing, museums, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and shopping, while Wisconsin Dells attracts visitors for its food. Gatlinburg is famous for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is also well known for the Gatlinburg Strip. Wisconsin Dells is famous for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere.

How is Gatlinburg different from Wisconsin Dells?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Wisconsin Dells Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for winter skiing. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Gatlinburg is a great destination to visit. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Wisconsin Dells is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Gatlinburg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.

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

Wisconsin Dells is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 Gatlinburg. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

Is Gatlinburg or Wisconsin Dells Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Gatlinburg just to party. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.

The nightlife in Wisconsin Dells has something for everybody. 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.

Is Gatlinburg or Wisconsin Dells Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for its resorts. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Gatlinburg is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Wisconsin Dells has a few great resort options. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Is Gatlinburg or Wisconsin Dells Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.

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 Gatlinburg or Wisconsin Dells?

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

Gatlinburg offers some nice shopping areas. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.

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 Gatlinburg or Wisconsin Dells Better for Families?

Wisconsin Dells is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Wisconsin Dells is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.

Is Gatlinburg or Wisconsin Dells Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Gatlinburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.

Wisconsin Dells is a good city 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 Gatlinburg or Wisconsin Dells Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Gatlinburg, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

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

Is Gatlinburg or Wisconsin Dells a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Gatlinburg is a very walkable city. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.

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 Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? and Is Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting?.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gatlinburg and Wisconsin Dells, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Wisconsin Dells much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Wisconsin Dells would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Wisconsin Dells 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 Gatlinburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gatlinburg than you might in Wisconsin Dells.

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Wisconsin Dells?

Gatlinburg has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg or Wisconsin Dells in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Wisconsin Dells. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Wisconsin Dells because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wisconsin Dells. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the summer, Gatlinburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wisconsin Dells. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 309 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in July than Wisconsin Dells. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Wisconsin Dells in the Autumn?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Wisconsin Dells this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during autumn. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 171 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Wisconsin Dells in the Winter?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Gatlinburg during the winter are popular places to visit. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Wisconsin Dells. It's quite cold in Gatlinburg in the winter. Gatlinburg is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the winter. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 19°F (-7°C).

In the winter, Gatlinburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wisconsin Dells. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 141 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in January than Wisconsin Dells. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Wisconsin Dells in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Wisconsin Dells.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wisconsin Dells this time of the year. In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during spring. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 208 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 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 Gatlinburg